Here are our Top Hotel & Restaurant Recommendations in Bordeaux, as prepared by intern Mathieu.
Hotels
Hôtel de Sèze
The Hôtel de Sèze is a delightful, welcoming 4-star 18th century hotel. The hotel is located in the city center near the Place de la Comédie. They offer elegant rooms to create intimate, cosy and chic ambience. You will have the opportunity to take advantage of the spa and their restaurant.
Mama Shelter
Next to Saint-André Cathedral, Mama Shelter is a modern and trendy 2-star hotel. The interior is young even pop. You will enjoy the restaurant and the bar in the same place, with a varied menu and a beautiful wine selection.
La Boutique
La Boutique Hotel is a 4-star establishment near the “Grand theatre” of Bordeaux, Place de la Comédie. Rooms are modern and cosy; you can select rooms with Jacuzzi to enjoy a relaxing night. This hotel is also prestigious because of its wine bar which allows you to discover some wonderful bottles of wine with sommelier’s advice.
Hotel de France
Ideally located in Grands Hommes neighbourhood near the church Notre Dame, the 2-star Hotel de France is an affordable option which ticks all the boxes.
Hotel Gambetta
As the Hotel de France, the 2-star Hotel Gambetta, is also close to the church Notre Dame. However, you will find contemporary rooms in the Gambetta hotel. Affordable, this place is ideally situated to visit all cultural monuments of the city.
Here’s a the review from TripAdvisor of the Gambetta Hotel by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:
"This is a wonderful tourist hotel ideally located close to all the main attractions in the city centre near some fantastic public spaces and buzzing bars, cafes and restaurants. While it is by no means a luxurious proposition, it is clean and well-run and represents very good value for quite an expensive town. Unpretentious and basic. Bed was comfortable and room was larger than expected but it overlooked a derelict building to the rear which attracted a lot of pigeons so I couldn't keep my windows open...no big deal. Bathroom was basic but clean and toiletries reflect the budget price point. I didn't take breakfast so I can't comment on this. Wi-Fi was good enough. Staff were very helpful especially upon departure; they advised me to take the regular bus (1.50 euro and not the 8 euro Airport shuttle bus) from Place Gambetta instead of a taxi (45 euro). The bus runs four times an hour from 5.30am and is very prompt with a journey time of less than 40 minutes. One of the night receptionists, a young enough guy in his 20s, recommended that I visit a local wine bar, L' Autre Petit Bois; this was an unmissable experience (which I would have missed had I not asked for a recommendation!). I was very pleased with this hotel, a fine stay."
Restaurants
Le Pressoir d’Argent
Le Pressoir d’Argent will be delighted to welcome you to their Michelin 1-star gastronomic restaurant in the Place de la Comédie. Infamous Chef Gordon Ramsay uses mainly regional products. His creative food will surprise and astound you.
L’autre Petit Bois
L’autre Petit bois is a renowned wine bar is located in the Parliament Square. Bordeaux is very well known for it's powerful and amazing wine culture. Decorated with a Baroque style on two floors with doors which open out onto the Square. On a sunny day you can enjoy your wine on the pavement seating area and watch the world go by.
Attractions
The wine city (La Cité du vin)
With its amazing structure near the Garonne, La Cité du Vin museum will astound you with the history of Bordeaux wine. As everybody knows, this city is the wine capital of the world, so it makes for an interesting visit. No doubt, professionals, amateurs and even tee-totalers, will enjoy such a visit.
Water mirror (Le miroir d’eau)
The water mirror is located between Louis XVIII and Quai de la Douane, in Place de la Bourse. It’s a new attraction for citizens and tourists. The pool combines artificial misting and miror effects. Opened in 2006, many people gather here, from children to parents, to enjoy cool water mists in summer but you'd need to be courageous during the rest of the year.
