Auberge Saint Walfrid Hôtel Restaurant & Spa

You roll in off the road—bugs on your visor, sweat in your shirt, and that faint whiff of engine heat that clings after a long day. Bastogne is behind you, Champagne is somewhere ahead, and this little stop in Alsace turns out to be the kind of surprise you wish happened more often. From the outside, it’s polished, curated—gardens manicured like they were lifted from a lifestyle magazine, a pool that almost dares you to shrug off your riding boots and dive in. Inside, it’s unapologetically upmarket, the kind of place that could have turned up its nose at two dusty motorcyclists. But here’s the thing: they didn’t. The welcome was genuine, warm, and precise in that very French way—professional without being pompous. The room? Crisp, cool, and whisper-quiet. Air conditioning so frosty you half expect to see your breath—perfect after riding through summer heat. Breakfast? Everything you want in France: great bread, proper coffee, things you don’t even think you want until you see them on the table. The restaurant, a multi-Michelin-star affair with Bocuse DNA running through its veins, was dark that night—this is rural France, after all, where even great kitchens take a night off. But they didn’t leave us stranded. Five minutes later, we were at their sister spot in town, eating a dinner that ticked every box: excellent food, friendly service, and a bill that didn’t make you wince. Hotels like this are rare: high-end but human, polished but still welcoming to travelers with road dust on their boots. If you’re anywhere between Bastogne and the Champagne region, detour here. It’s worth it.

This auberge is a prime example of elegant hospitality, with excellent facilities and clearly effective management. While we unfortunately couldn’t dine in the restaurant due to its closure, the rest of our stay was exceptional. The rooms are spacious, well-equipped, and comfortable, providing a peaceful atmosphere. Breakfast was a highlight, with an abundant selection of freshly baked croissants, breads, and à la minute hot dishes, all served with impeccable attention. The property also boasts a relaxing pool, spa, and expansive gardens, making it a place we would gladly return to for a longer stay.

When entering the hotel lobby, it is obvious that it's a very old but charming building, but the rooms in the new wing are ultra modern and sleek. We had a very large king room with wonderful bedding and pillows, large windows and many convenient plug ins for recharging. The bathroom was great with rain shower and fluffy big towels. A great stay!