Where to stay for a weekend of wining and dining in this charming port city
5 February 2024
A trip to Bordeaux is always a good idea, whether you’re visiting the city’s many cultural attractions, like Place de la Bourse and Saint-André Cathedral, venturing into the countryside for a weekend of wine tasting or simply stopping over before heading to the seaside – located only 30 minutes from the city centre. The French city’s hotel scene is equally varied, with options ranging from decadent boltholes to boutique guesthouses – both options typically located within refurbished 19th-century mansions, preserving their sense of place and authenticity. Moreover, there’s a new generation of design hotels that have begun to propagate throughout the city. Below, we’ve rounded up a mix that forms the best hotels in Bordeaux.
Maison La Course
Situated in a 19th-century Haussmann-style mansion located a short walk from the hip Chartrons neighbourhood, Maison La Course feels like you’re stepping into a friend’s bourgeois home with just five bucolic bedrooms, each with its own distinct character. Central to the house is the cosy living room with a fireplace, which opens up to a homey kitchen and interior courtyard, where breakfast is available daily. The wine cellar is available for bespoke wine tastings for guests seeking an introduction to wines from the region.
Address: 69 Rue de la Course, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Price: Rooms from around £185 per night
InterContinental Bordeaux
Smack in the middle of the city, the 130-room InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel serves as a reliable high-end bolthole and the ideal entry point to much of the city’s main attractions. Rooms are as you’d expect in an InterContinental: capacious, modern, and comfortable, reflecting the vibrant character of the city. The hotel’s allure is highlighted through its five-star offerings, like at Le Pressoir d’Argent, the hotel’s two-Michelin-star restaurant, and the Guerlain Spa, featuring a relaxation pool full of ambience, a sauna, hammam, and various treatment rooms.
Address: 2-5 Pl. de la Comédie, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Price: Rooms from around £243 per night
Villa Foch
Located discreetly within two 19th-century buildings joined together on a tree-lined street in the heart of Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle, Villa Foch’s restored neoclassical interiors feel grand but appropriate. The intimate lobby features modern art and decor, leading to 20 contemporary rooms, including the standout Suite Foch, featuring an elegant bedroom with a separate sitting room and balcony views of the famed Place des Quinconces. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine at the Le Ferdinand bar, a popular meeting place for locals, and unwind in the spa under vaulted stone ceilings.
Address: 25 Cr du Maréchal Foch, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Price: Rooms from around £226 per night
Le Palais Gallien
Known for its outdoor swimming pool, Le Palais Gallien also boasts unique outdoor spaces including a seasonal pool, garden, and rooftop terrace. Within the walls of this 19th-century mansion, the hotel features 28 rooms — some with private terrace jacuzzis — along with a cocktail bar, a restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, and a spa equipped with an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, and treatment rooms.
Address: 144 Rue Abbé de l’Épée, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Price: Rooms from around £253 per night
Villa Victor Louis
In Bordeaux’s historic district of Saint-Seurin, Villa Victor Louis resides in an 18th-century mansion, maintaining its authentic spirit through decorative details that nod to Bordeaux’s rich heritage. Guests can enjoy breakfast or a glass of wine in the outdoor patio surrounded by the hotel’s lush garden, before exploring the Golden Triangle on one of the free bikes provided.
Address: 42 Rue Rodrigues-Pereire, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Price: Rooms from around £103 per night
FirstName Bordeaux
The one-year-old FirstName Bordeaux marks a watershed moment for a city known for its refurbished 19th-century mansions. This hotel features a bold and modern design, coupled with co-working spaces called Mind Rooms that can be booked at an additional cost. Sustainability is at its core, with 147 rooms furnished with eco-designed and recycled products, and locally sourced organic bath products.
Address: 14 Rue Claude Bonnier, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Price: Rooms from around £133 per night
L’Hôtel Particulier Bordeaux
Behind the doors of another 19th-century former townhouse, L’Hôtel Particulier offers five intimate and cosy guest rooms that pay homage to the building’s history. The apartments provide a contemporary touch, incorporating urban kitchenettes for those who prefer a home-like atmosphere. Located just a five-minute walk from major sights such as the Grand Théâtre and Saint-André Cathedral, this hotel is perfectly placed for exploration.
Address: 14 Rue Claude Bonnier, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Price: Rooms from around £133 per night
Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
After nearly five years of construction, the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes opened in the historic district of Chartrons. This former 19th-century wine cellar features a mix of contemporary design and historic elegance, offering 97 rooms ideal for couples exploring both the city and nearby vineyards. Notable features include an indoor pool, spa, and a highly acclaimed Japanese restaurant.
Address: 81 Cr du Médoc, 33300 Bordeaux, France
Price: Rooms from around £277 per night
Meta Description: Discover the best hotels in Bordeaux for a weekend of wining and dining, featuring modern amenities, exceptional service, and an excellent location near popular attractions.