Yndohotel

This little gem is housed in a three-story stone Neoclassic mansion that's been turned into a boutique hotel and is full of charm, character, and designer style, with lots of artwork throughout its interiors. Guests climb a few stairs to enter the narrow lobby, with magnificent columns and lavender walls finished with rich period molding. Huge portraits add a contemporary touch, and there are two modern purple-velvet wing chairs off in the corner. A basket of stuffed toys sits on a table nearby and the small wooden front desk is backed by a huge ornate mirror -- the look is refined and upscale, but decidedly playful. 

While this is a small hotel, there are several lavish places for guests to unwind. The lounge is furnished with plush velvet sofas and chairs in shades of gray, purple, and teal. One pair of chairs sport backs resembling mermaid or whale tails, and there's a funky red chair designed to look like lips. Crystal chandeliers hang overhead, and the fireplace gives it all a cozy atmosphere. There's a hip and romantic vibe here that attracts mostly couples, but anyone who appreciates quirky designer style will feel at home here. 

This boutique hotel is located on a quiet street close to the shopping district and the historic center of Bordeaux. It is surrounded by other two- and three-story residential buildings, some dating back to the 19th century. Two streets away from the hotel is the luxurious Golden Triangle of Bordeaux, a famed shopping area with notable high-end brands as well as good restaurants and covered market. This area is also home to the city's opera house. Vieux Bordeaux, the city's massive old town, starts just south of the Golden Triangle, at Cours de l’Intendance. It's a 10-minute walk there from the hotel and the narrow streets are almost tailor-made for exploring on leisurely walks -- there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and wine bars on almost every block. CAPC, Bordeaux's contemporary art museum, is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, as is the Bordeaux Cathedral. Bordeaux-Merignac Airport is about 25 minutes away by car or 50 minutes by public transportation. 

The hotel's 12 rooms come in several categories: Secret, Cosy, and Crazy Rooms, So Chic Suites, and an Yndo Suite. All are delightfully different, but a funky contemporary style is found throughout. Design details include handsome light oak floors, velvety gray and beige tones, restrained (but eye-catching) patterns, and gorgeous hardwood furniture with sleek edges. Plush carpets and area rugs up the comfort factor, and some rooms -- like the Second Crazy Room that we saw -- have truly unique details like club chairs that are done in a beige velvet that's reminiscent of the coat of a Shar Pei. With there's a certain soft, light-hearted atmosphere, make no mistake -- these are romantic and sophisticated rooms, despite their quirks.

Amenities common to all units include air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and king-size beds. The four Cosy Rooms add iPads, while the four Crazy Rooms and the suites also have Lavazza coffeemakers. One of the Crazy Rooms has an open sleeping area and bathroom with a funky tiled tub next to the sitting area. The Yndo Suite is extra spacious, with sitting, dining, and work areas, as well as a huge bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower. Otherwise, bathrooms are modern and trendy, and most have large walk-in showers and come with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and Hermes toiletries. Expect to see details like cutting-edge fixtures and vessel sinks on spacious counter tops, plus an abundance of white marble. Some rooms have lovely furnished terraces surrounded by greenery. Views are of the courtyard or Bordeaux rooftops and buildings. 

Despite its four-pearl status, there aren't a ton of features at this tiny hotel. Meals are served in several sophisticated dining rooms with oversized portraits created by local artist Yannick Fournie. In nice weather, guests can dine alfresco on the terrace, or meals can be delivered to guest rooms thanks to 24-hour room service. The breakfast scores high marks for quality and selection -- it's cooked to order, but will be pricey. Meeting space can accommodate groups of from eight to 10 people, and reserving the entire hotel for gatherings is also an option. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's a limited amount of on-site parking.