The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Bordeaux

This boutique hotel in Bordeaux was one of the first in the city to capitalise on wine tourism. The vineyard it sits in has been operating for more than 600 years, but the hotel was constructed in 1999 using parts from derelict farms in the area. The 43 rooms and suites are split across several buildings, with antique and modern touches making for an attractive mix. The hotel also offers two pools, tours of the vat room, cooking classes and a spa offering grape seed-infused “vineotherapy” treatments.

Located close to Place Gambetta square and the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle park, this boutique hotel boasts stunning views from its bijou rooftop bar. Below, you’ll find just eight rooms, but this intimacy simply adds to the charm. From neutral beige to soothing pastels to rich emerald green, each room and suite has a unique colour scheme and some come with in-room free-standing bathtubs.

If you want to be close to the action, Hôtel de Tourny fits the bill. This two-mansion conversion is right in the heart of Bordeaux, with luxury suites in the first building and double rooms in the second. All 15 rooms have a Scandi-chic look that’s subtle enough not to clash with the 18th-century shell. Natural materials and neutral colours reign supreme, both in the rooms and in the indoor and outdoor lounge areas, as well as the breakfast bar.

In historical cities, boutique hotels often attempt to make guests feel as though they’ve travelled back in time, but few succeed with as much grace as the Hotel Le Palais Gallien in the Downtown district. The hotel’s three buildings are named after seminal local writers Montaigne, Montesquieu and Mauriac; and all of them are alive with period furniture, artwork and distressed wallpaper. Luxury is also a high priority, with a pool, rooftop bar, spa, fitness centre and gourmet restaurant.

Prepare to be wowed by the Yndō hotel, a 19th-century limestone mansion that has been painstakingly transformed into a dazzling five-star hotel. French elegance defines every room and the warm welcome provided by the staff will make you feel instantly at home. The highly Instagrammable interiors combine original features with modern statement pieces. The restaurant is just as well curated as the rooms, with artfully presented dishes made using local ingredients.

This boutique hotel in Bordeaux was once the home of a minister to Louis XVIII. The 25-room property is not only a piece of living history, it’s also one of the most desirable small hotels in the city, located right next door to the Triangle d’Or. Though contemporary, the decor manages to bridge the gap between the 18th and 21st centuries, so that the whirlpool tubs and Nespresso machines don’t look out of place next to grand staircases and stonework. The hotel also has a wine and tapas bar, and a bountiful breakfast buffet.

If you’re looking for an ultra-hip hangout in Bordeaux, this boutique hotel is the place to be. It takes over the former headquarters of Gaz de France, commonly referred to as the Gas Tower. The post-industrial vibe is certainly eye-catching, and weird and wonderful touches like strings of rubber rings and teapot-shaped hanging lights characterise the common areas. Meanwhile, all of the 97 rooms have wall-mounted Macs, Proust quotes painted on the ceiling, free movies and organic toiletries. There’s a casual restaurant and a vibrant rooftop terrace bar, a basement lounge and even a crêperie.

This boutique hotel enjoys perhaps the best location of any in Bordeaux, sandwiched between the Cathedral and Grand Theatre. The 19th-century building fits perfectly with its neighbours, while the interiors inject a touch of modernity. The rooms range from singles to apartments, and the style ranges from classical to contemporary, depending on what you plump for. As well as a hearty breakfast served in the period dining room, complimentary cakes and fruit are offered in the afternoon, and macaroons are sent to the rooms in the evening.

When it first opened in 2004, this boutique hotel in Bordeaux stood out for its futuristic look. Years later, it’s fair to say that its atypical design actually set the tone of the Bassin à Flot’s neighbourhood. Indeed, it perfectly blends with the nearby Cap Sciences building and the avant-garde Cité du Vin. All the rooms are designed as loft spaces, ensuring all the comfort you need during your trip. If you’re travelling with a special someone, take a romantic walk on the Quai des Marques and dine at a restaurant beside the Garonne River.

For a change of scenery, this 18th-century chateau on the outskirts of Bordeaux comes highly recommended. It’s home to five exquisitely appointed bedrooms with lounge areas in the original guesthouse. If you fancy something a little different, book one of the four safari-style tents. These quirky lodges come with private terraces next to the lake. Although the hotel is small, it packs in the facilities with three restaurants, a bar, a cinema, a salon, a pinewood spa, an indoor pool and serene gardens to explore.