The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Bordeaux

Stroll through the splendid Place des Quinconces to the river and admire the impressive Girondins statue and fountain close to the elegant, four-star Hotel de Sèze. The perfect location for exploring the city, plush rooms here have an 18th-century flavour offset by flat-screen TVs. Go wine-tasting in the bar, read up on Bordeaux history in the Salon des Illustres lounge, or eat a superb bistro-style meal made from local produce down in the restaurant.

Occupying a grand 19th-century house complete with an eye-catching turret, five-star Yndō has just 12 rooms, each individually decorated and oozing cool. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, iPad and Italian showers, whilst some have balconies too. The guests-only restaurant serves local, seasonal dishes. Breakfast under the magnolia tree in the courtyard before you hop on a hotel bike to explore the Golden Triangle district and beyond.

Once you know how to pronounce Quinconces, you need only know what the name refers to – the staggered tree-planting in the square of the same name. There’s a serenity about this hotel, once the US Consulate, from the flowery courtyard to the spacious, comfortably contemporary rooms, of which there are just nine. The hotel sits between the leafy Public Garden and the river, so galleries, great shopping and the intricately carved 17th-century Notre Dame cathedral are all handily close.

It’s a surprise to find this gracious, 19th-century château so close to the city – but here it is, on a bend in the river just 15 minutes away from Bordeaux by boat or car. Its 10 large luxury rooms radiate character, bestowed with every luxury, overlooking either the gardens or the river. Guests can either eat out on the terrace or in the dining room, but for extra romance book a sunset picnic to enjoy in a traditional carrelet (riverside cabin).

This five-star château is set in the heart of Sauternes country, less than an hour from Bordeaux. Stately rooms exude an understated elegance. Public areas display Lalique glass items and chandeliers. Don’t miss a visit to the cellars for the superb wines – four tasting options include a food-and-wine pairing. Follow with lunch on the terrace if the weather allows and dine in the Michelin-starred Restaurant Lalique beneath a remarkable gold crystal chandelier.

Named for the nearby ruins of a 3rd-century Roman amphitheatre, this five-star beauty sits close to the Basilica of St-Seurin in the Golden Triangle – an easy walk to the major sights. Generously appointed rooms have Italian walk-in showers and suites have free-standing bathtubs or whirlpool tubs out on the terrace. Relax by the pool in the garden or sunbathe on the rooftop. La Table de Montaigne, meanwhile, is a top spot for gastronomic cuisine in Bordeaux

Decorated in shades of navy and plum, the handsome Hôtel Cardinal is splendidly situated near the 11th-century St-André Cathedral, in the heart of Bordeaux. Its 10 suites offer some serious luxury and all but one has a fully equipped kitchen. Two offer a pair of rooms and are just the ticket for families. Afternoon tea is served with patisserie from the hotel’s chocolate shop whilst the cellar here boasts no less than 400 bottles.

This large country house stands in parkland in Talence, 5km (3mi) from downtown Bordeaux, with plenty going on under one roof. The two bars serve cocktails, craft beer and light meals. Les Petits Caprices is open all day for sharing platters, salads, pizzas and international fare, whilst the Marguerite focuses on meat. Rooms have a rustic theme, with safari-style tented lodges that all but brush the forest. There’s also an outdoor spa with a pool as well as a shop and even a small cinema.