We are just starting to plan a trip, driving through Switzerland and the Alsace region. I'm sure I'll have questions on Switzerland, but I'm concentrating on Alsace first.

There will be 4 of us, including my elderly parents, who are well-traveled. However, my father is disabled, uses a walker and cannot walk for long distances. This affects how we travel, but has no effect on the great trips we've enjoyed.

Based upon his situation, where would you suggest (in general, and specifically) we base ourselves for our 3 or 4 days in Alsace.

I'm thinking perhaps Obernai, thinking it's not too large/not too small, well-located, and picturesque, but am completely open to suggestions. Specifically we need a hotel that has an elevator (or ground floor rooms). Bonus points for a walk-in shower, though certainly not mandatory. A dining room is a big plus as well. Anything in the $150-300 night (US) would be great.

So, based upon these parameters please bring on your best ideas! Thanks, annie (ps I'm enjoying reading all the past post regarding Alsace and Switzerland, lots of great info)

I was going to say Obernai even before I read your mention of it. It's been a long time since I've stayed there, though, so my hotel recommendations would be worthless.

It's a perfect-size town, though, and less contrived than some of the other popular places like Riquewihr and Ribeauville. A good choice.

St Cirq, thank you! Your advice has been most helpful to me many times before. I've even driven up the hill through your pretty little St Cirq (we just stumbled upon it, driving the road less taken). Any other ideas welcome. annie

Alsace is actually quite long. We've visited it seveal times and I think the best thing to do is to stay in 2 locations. Obernai is great, and I would stay in Kayserburg to visit the southern half of Alsace, including Colmar.

In Kayserburg, we stayed at the modern Les Remparts. Get a lower room with a porch. The place where we stayed in Obernai would not work for you.

Stu Dudley

You actually went to "my" St-Cirq? That is just so cool. You really WERE off the beaten path!

Yes, and in a 7 passenger van no less! I drove up the hill to the horror of the townfolk, all the way to the little cave at the top. What a trip... annie

That's so funny, sweetannie! I'm sure the townfolk were indeed horrified. But these days there's a big ole parking lot outside that cave and plenty of 7-passenger vans up there (much to MY horror!). I'm glad you got to see my sweet little hamlet, though.