Bordeaux is a wonderful place to spend romantic time and have a good overview of French heritage – architecture, wine, fashion – just few steps from Paris ; you can refer to our Travels section for more details. To plan a luxury trip there, The Luxe Insider would definitely recommend to stay at the Grand Hotel Bordeaux & Spa where we enjoyed a delightful visit, for many reasons. First, the hotel is perfectly located in the city center at walking distance from all monuments and allows you to discover all key places without any transportation. Then, that 5-star property refurbished in 2007 lets you enjoy brand new rooms and common areas decorated by Jacques Garcia himself and a fantastic restaurant Le Pressoir d\’Argent. Finally, a jewel awaits you at the top of the hotel, over two floors : the Spa Les Bains de Léa ; 2.000 m² dedicated to your wellness and your relaxation in a Roman atmosphere and an outdoor terrace overlooking Bordeaux rooftops.
Living
The impressive main building of the hotel has been created in 1776 together with the Grand Theatre located in front of the hotel ; those monuments are part of the Bordeaux architecture and represent a good part of French state-of-art which has been very well enhanced through the refurbishment of the Grand Hotel Bordeaux in 2007 with new rooms, corridors, lounges, restaurant and Spa over more than 23.000 m² in a neoclassic style designed by Jacques Garcia.
So for sure when you pass through the entrance you feel those works and the attention to detail given by the designer. From the warm lobby to the amazing Orangerie with its huge ceiling height, all luxury codes are present while respecting the site legacy. Of course the highlight of the stay would be Les Bains de Léa, the Spa located at the last two top floors composed of an indoor heated pool, relaxation area, a so chic tisanery and a very large outdoor terrace where you will be able to relax in a discret jacuzzi. During Summer times – from June to late September – you can even enjoy some Night Beach parties organized in the terrace and open to outside guests for all sunny evenings ; thereby the Grand Hotel Bordeaux becomes the place to be.
Room
Do not expect too much from rooms, they are a bit smaller than french standards and furnished with the minimum for a luxury place. However they are very well decorated, bringing you in a both Napoleonic and romantic ambiance perfect for couple. The TV system is unusual as you can find Loewe products even in basic room categories which is quite rare even for a 5-star hotel ; let\’s say that\’s a good point !
In the bathroom I would highlight the Molton Brown amenities, this brand is always a safe bet and allows to avoid the (very) tiny bathroom size.
Dining
We didn\’t enjoy food for lunch or dinner but only breakfast at Brasserie Le Bordeaux restaurant, designed in a Belle-Epoque style. A Chef was available to cook fresh omelets or pancakes while french pastries and cheeses were waiting to be tasted. Try to take a room with breakfast included, it worth it. The Luxe Insider advise: for lunch take a seat in the winter garden and order a Club Sandwich ; we didn\’t had a chance to experiment it but it definitely looked soooo good !
Level of exigency
As always in french properties, the level of service is high and can compete with any other so be sure you will find the same exigency there than in Paris, London or Tokyo. Multilingual receptionists and Clefs d\’Or concierges at the lobby, housekeeping is always right on time and turndown service completely transparent for guests, we can say all Leading Hotel of the World requirements are respected. The Luxe Insider especially loved the exceptional access given to outdoor terrace although it was closed because of bad weather, so we could relax while everything was make by the staff to act as if it was open.
Stay from 25th to 26th August 2013
The Grand Hotel Bordeaux & Spa reopened in 2007 after 5 years of refurbishment and is composed of 148 room and suites in front of the Grand Theatre, in the heart of Bordeaux. We have booked an Executive Room (30sqm) which standard rate is 540EUR/night.
