Best Western Plus Hotel Gare Saint Jean

A former 18th-century mansion, the Best Western Royal Saint Jean is on a street corner opposite a train station. The traditional stone exterior belies the refreshingly modern interiors, where an open-plan lobby features contemporary seating, text murals, and an elegant mix of textures. Also acting as the lobby bar, there are shelf-encased wine bottles, colorful patterned bar stools, and moody gray walls. Retro warm-toned tub chairs feel a bit dated, however. The 24-hour library also acts as a meeting room, but games such as chess and free-to-borrow books bring a friendly vibe to the space. Guests are largely couples on vacation, plus some corporate travelers, who don't mind being removed from downtown. 

The hotel is located in an area that's a bit rough around the edges, but it is just a two-minute walk from the Gare de Bordeaux - Saint-Jean train station, plus a three-minute walk from the nearest Tauzia tram stop. Regular trams run downtown with journey times of around 10 to 15 minutes, while walking takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Basilica of St. Michael is a 15-minute walk, Bordeaux Cathedral is a half-hour stroll, and Porte d'Aquitaine monument is a 20-minute walk. There are some restaurants and shops are in the immediate area, but more can be found in the town center. Bordeaux-Merignac Airport is a 25-minute drive away or one hour via an express bus running from the Gare de Bordeaux - Stain-Jean train station.

Air-conditioned rooms underwent a refurbishment in 2016, resulting in a contemporary and stylish design. The mostly gray-scale design consists of gray carpets, accent walls, drapes, and bed runners, minimal and basic light-wood furniture, and  orange desk chairs for a pop of color. A downside is that rooms are on the small side, and some past guests have complained of noise from nearby trains and other guests. 

Amenities are more than sufficient, consisting of Nespresso machines and kettles, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, desks, minibars, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Small wardrobes have safes. Modern, monochrome bathrooms have walk-in showers, hairdryers, and toiletries, plus small nail kits. Some rooms have small balconies overlooking the street, although views of nicer old buildings are mixed with uninspiring station views. 

The lack of a full restaurant may be a notable downside for some, but room service is available 24/7 from partner restaurants. Additionally, a buffet breakfast is available for a fee, and it includes scrambled eggs, sausages, traditional "canele" pastries, smoked salmon, and all the typical continental fare. A lobby bar serves regional wines and daytime coffee, plus it has happy hour. The library has books and games, and also acts as a meeting room with audiovisual equipment. Secure parking is at a fee, while bike storage is free. Ironing facilities are free at reception, and laundry services are at a fee. Free Wi-Fi extends throughout the property.