La Maison Bord’eaux

The family-run La Maison Bord'eaux is situated in a restored 18th-century building that was once a post office. The front gate opens into a pretty courtyard that separates the boutique hotel's two buildings, one of which was an old stable. The main building contains the lobby, with features lovely, aging parquet wood floors and period details such as columns and arched entryways, but there's a motley mix of furnishings. Shelves behind a simple reception table hold the hotel's wine selection (tasting available for a fee), and there's a seating area at a glass dining room table. Guest room keys, labeled with the names of family members corresponding to room names, sit on another small table in a window nook. Decor and furnishings vary throughout, but there's a not-so-subtle wine-red color scheme at work. The hotel is also one of the consulates of Monaco (the owner is an honorary consul) and there is a prominent photo of the prince of Monaco in the adjacent library lounge. Given its romantic setting, the hotel tends to attraction vacationing couples and a handful of families. 

The hotel is located on a quiet street close to the shopping district and historic center of Bordeaux. Most of its neighbors are residential buildings, some dating back to the 18th century. It's just over a 10-minute walk to the Golden Triangle of Bordeaux, a famed shopping area with notable high-end boutiques as well as restaurants and a covered market. This area is also home to the city's opera house. It's about a 15-minute walk to Vieux Bordeaux, the city's massive old town where cafes, restaurants, and wine bars line almost every block. CAPC, Bordeaux's contemporary art museum, is a 15-minute walk, while Bordeaux Cathedral is just under a 20-minute walk away. Bordeaux-Merignac Airport is about 25 minutes away by car or 47 minutes by public transportation. 

The 14 guest rooms are split between two buildings, with either quiet garden courtyard views or a somewhat noisy street-side views. The Classic (standard) rooms can overlook either, while Deluxe Rooms and the lone Junior Suite all have garden views. Each room has a different color palette -- from blue to bright green, or pink and red -- though wine shades are prominent. Architectural details also vary, and some rooms have arched windows or exposed stone walls. All contain double beds and small desks, and upgraded rooms, which can be twice the size, have seating areas with armchairs. Some units have private furnished balconies. Bathrooms are equipped with either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. Free Wi-Fi is standard, along with small flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and minibars. 

The hotel has limited amenities and its highlight is a wine tasting room, with plush red couches and coffee tables on a vintage checkerboard floor. Wine tasting is offered for a fee. There's an extra charge for breakfast, too, served in a colorful but also somewhat dark, windowless room. However, there's no full restaurant or bar on-site. The hotel also lacks a gym, but there's a cozy library lounge with an internet corner and a small meeting room with a fireplace that can accommodate up to 25 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout.