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The MGallery Cour du Corbeau "Best hotel in France"

Hotel MGallery Cour du Corbeau’s wooden balustrades and typical Alsatian timbered facade catches the eyes of passersby and quite enchants its guests.

It’s a major award that has received, on Wednesday, 16 January 2013, the hotel Cour du Corbeau (Strasbourg), member of the MGallery collection. The hotel has indeed climbed on top of the ranking of the Best hotels in France, according to Trip Advisor users. This prestigious selection entitled “Travellers’ Choice” is published each year, based on the ratings given by travelers themselves.

Hotel MGallery Cour du Corbeau’s wooden balustrades and typical Alsatian timbered facade catches the eyes of passersby and quite enchants its guests. This hotel located right in the center of Strasbourg boasts a rich and unique past as well as a string of famous guests. From coaching inn to glassworks, this exceptional destination is steeped in history and anecdotes.

This historical mansion and haven of peace is tucked away in the narrow cobbled lanes of Strasbourg’s old city center, just a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame Cathedral. It can be reached by crossing the Place Corbeau and passing through a porch. However, don’t be fooled by its name as there are no ravens (“corbeau” in French) here, just the occasional pigeon cooing in the courtyard. The Hotel MGallery Cour du Corbeau is something of a legend. “The origin of the hotel’s name isn’t very clear,” explains Anne Gerber, the General Manager. “Apparently, either it comes from the word ‘rappen’ meaning ‘black horse’ in German, which got distorted over the years into ‘raben’ or raven, or it comes from the old butchers’ hall located close by on the shores of the Ile de Strasbourg. In the olden days flocks of ravens swirled around that building.”

An impressive wooden balustrade
From the courtyard, visitors instantly notice the balustrade which is a genuine masterpiece of skill and technicality. The immense wooden structure is over ten meters high and adorns the hotel’s outer walls. “It dates back to 1528, and is perfectly preserved in its original form”. With original wooden walkways on both floors, this balustrade, which is unique in France, is used by the hotel’s guests. “Several rooms have direct access to it to the delight of our guests who go out to take the air on it at sunrise or sunset”, laughs Anne Gerber. With its time-worn patina, the majestic balustrade is proof of a bygone era, but it’s not the only one, since the hotel’s turret is crowned with a large stone statue of a raven, in an amusing reference to its name.

Steeped in history
While visitors seeking an exceptional experience are not disappointed, the hotel’s staff is equally enchanted by the surroundings. “My colleagues are unanimous,” confides Anne Gerber. “It’s a magical place.” The building can be traced back to 1306 and is one of the last hotels built exclusively from wood. “The breakfast room is located in the old stables and when the renovations took place in 2009, workers uncovered the horses’ old water troughs!” The rooms’ bright red doors are also no accident: The restorer working on the project found pigment traces of the original color and discovered that during the Renaissance, the inn’s paints were made with…oxblood!

Surprises and questions
The hotel has 57 spacious rooms and suites decorated in a revisited 16th century style that ensures all modern comforts.  The rooms boast “romantic interiors” with classical furnishings, for example Louis XV armchairs upholstered in modern mauve, pink and grey fabrics. Some rooms with sloping ceilings have timeless charm. “Many of our guests are curious about the building’s history and also want to know about its former owners,” observes Anne Gerber. To answer their questions fully, all of the hotel’s employees have received a lesson about the key moments in the building’s history. “Telling the story of Cour du Corbeau is part of providing an efficient and memorable welcome and thus fulfilling the MGallery collection’s promise.”

Famous guests
The building, which has a tumultuous history, started out as a coaching inn between the 16th and 17th centuries, providing shelter for hundreds of cavaliers and their mounts. It was closed in 1854 and transformed into a glassworks. During World War II, when the Nazis ordered the workers to dismount the stained glass windows in Strasbourg’s cathedral, they disobeyed and packed false replica windows to be sent to Germany. “Legend has it that Mozart stayed here and even that Emperor Frederick the Great of Prussia resided here under an assumed name to spy on the French army but had to flee as soon as his cover was blown.” Apparently, the Marechal de Turenne and the King of Poland also took lodgings at the inn.

A challenging building
Cour du Corbeau was declared a listed historical monument in 1930, and it is definitely no ordinary building.  Its narrow corridors and various different levels, mean housekeepers cannot use cleaning carts. It also has very few pantries and because of its many staircases, employees practically require arduous physical training. “Actually, before we recruit we ask candidates if they are sporty and fit”, laughs Anne Gerber. “Honestly, employees mustn’t be afraid of investing all their energy when working here.” However, as the saying goes: “there’s no reward without effort,” and the sunbathed stone courtyard provides an idyllic setting for a pause under the old chestnut tree.  There is one compulsory condition to becoming a member of the Cour du Corbeau team: to be and appear happy. “Our top priority is to please. We ask all our staff for a big smile and a very positive attitude,” comments Anne Gerber.

Co-Founder & Chief Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | Website | + Posts

Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

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