Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by April Nicole
One of the hotels I love is InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel and it is one of the best luxury hotels in France. I once again took a trip to the beautiful city of Bordeaux for the holiday season and booked a one-night stay at this 5-star hotel.
Located at Place de la Comédie, InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel was awarded the best hotel in France 2018. The InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel offers moderately priced accommodations with rates starting at $200 per night. Booking early always helps secure low prices so if you have a date in mind, you can check prices here.
Keep reading for an in-depth review of what to expect during your stay at InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel and determine whether or not this luxury is right for your Bordeaux holiday.
Disclaimer: I paid for everything in full myself. I was not paid or sponsored. All my opinions and experiences are my own.
A former private mansion erected in 1789 by Victor Louis, this listed building has 130 rooms, including 44 suites. Its elegant and cozy decor, in the 18th century and Empire style, was imagined by the famous decorator Jacques Garcia.
InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel, offers guests a whole host of relaxing amenities, including a relaxation pool, a sauna, and a hammam.
Additional features:
- A rooftop pop-up wine bar
- Concierge service
- Room service
- Recharging facilities for electric cars
- A fitness area
- Free Wi-Fi
Arrival Experience:
After a short train ride from Paris, I walked into the hotel around 12:30 p.m., and immediately felt right at home with the warm smiles by the front desk staff I received upon arrival. The staff was lovely from start to finish. I’ve stayed at many hotels and the front desk staff, the housekeeping service and even the front door attendants were probably among the best I’ve ever interacted with. It made my stay that much better.
Upon check in, the friendly front desk employee who knew that I had credits through my American Express credit card, and explained to me what the credits could be used on. He said that my room wasn’t ready yet, but if I came back in an hour, I could finish checking in. And I want to add that, even though I always try to speak French as much as possible, I did eventually have to switch over to English, and it’s great to know that all of the front desk employees speak both French and English.
Restaurants & Bars :
The hotel has two restaurants, including one with two Michelin stars, Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay and the other is Le Bordeaux. The restaurants serves, breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also have a happy hour featuring. There is also bar l’Orangerie and a rooftop pop-up wine bar.
Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay
Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay, is an on-site restaurant in the hotel. This posh Michelin-starred restaurant, with an incredible menu crafted by Gordon Ramsay, celebrates the local delicious Bordelaise cuisine. I didn’t get to enjoy a meal here, but I can’t imagine how memorable a dinner experience would be here.
Le Bordeaux
The other hotel restaurant is called Le Bordeaux. It’s a classic bistro-type restaurant, and offers every meal, every day, making it an easy option for hotel guests. I also didn’t have a meal at Le Bordeaux, so I can’t speak to its quality, but it had a nice setting with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the square, which looked very pleasant.
bar l’Orangerie
Cozy is the perfect word to describe the setting at bar l’Orangerie. Dimmed lights, a chic and intimate atmosphere, and high ceilings, this classic bar is the perfect place for drinks and/or snacks.
After a night out in Bordeaux, I got to enjoy both snacks and drinks here (which was delicious paired with flawless service.) I chose the Puff pastry onion soup and cheese and I enjoyed their Christmas themed drink (I forget what it was called) with it. Before checking out the next day, I went back to l’Orangerie and tried their Spinach dip and a Espresso Martini. Simple but effective dishes and drinks, with nice christmas decoration to look at. If you looking for a quiet place to relax, and although a little bit on the expensive side, still worth it especially with the setting and service received.
One thing to note, when the rooftop bar is open, bar l’Orangerie is closed, so it’s more of a winter bar.
The Room:
The hotel’s 130 rooms and suites have a unique and exceptional character and promise you unprecedented comfort.
I initially booked a standard room, but with my hotel credit I was upgraded to a Deluxe Room. I stayed in room 227 which is 35 sqm space, and features a grand, comfortable king size bed, and a spacious bathroom tiled in marble, and a window view of the courtyard. I was glad I was upgraded to the Deluxe Room, since the room felt pretty large for city standards, but still wasn’t very big.
The room also included a desk, side table and chairs. Nespresso machines, minibars and air conditioning/heating come as standard. And like the rest of the hotel, the room is in the 18th-century and Empire style furnishings, with mahogany furniture upholstered in red and gold fabrics and patterns. A little dated for my taste, but still very nice décor and I appreciated the classic French style.
Room amenities:
- A welcome basket with fruit and a handwritten welcome note
- Daily replenishment of coffee pods
- LCD flat-screen tv
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Safe
- Bose Wave radio system
I loved how clean and modern my room was, but my only complaint was lighting, or rather the lack of it. Although there were multiple lamps in the room, they seemed to have the lowest possible wattage. It was impossible to sit in a chair and read. Also, there was a USB charging station on one of the nightstands that you could clearly tell was falling apart, so I had to be careful when using it.
I came home from dinner to turndown service, and enjoyed a long shower followed by a warm plush robe and slippers (major bonus).
The bathroom:
The elegant marble bathroom was comfortable and well equipped with towels, bathrobes, and toiletries. I found out after my stay that the bathroom floor actually heats up, but I missed out on that great amenity.
In typical French style, the bathroom included a tub/shower and sink in one room, and a water closet with the toilet in a separate room next to it. It was nice to have a tub and a separate toilet room.
Petit-déjeuner:
My hotel credit included buffet breakfast in the main dining area, but I decided to order room service for a continental breakfast to be served in my room. I enjoyed the in-room breakfast, which was simple and varied. Breakfast was very good and included many items such as, fresh fruits, home-baked pastries (it is France, of course,) yogurt, and hot food choices including scrambled eggs and sausage. Their freshly squeezed orange juice was divine. Breakfast was very good and filled me up to get my day off to a great start!
Summary:
My stay at InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel was flawless! The staff were kind, professional, and courteous. From the moment I checked into my room, it felt like I was in one King Louis XIV’s room. All in all
a great experience. I wish that I could have stayed longer.
If you plan to visit Bordeaux soon, don’t wait and book a stay at this 5-star hotel. This luxury hotel stands out for its elegance and central location in Bordeaux, and encompasses everything that a luxury traveler desires in a weekend break.
Caroline says
InterContinental hotels are always a great stay. I didn’t know that this one in Bordeaux was a private mansion. And the hand written note to their guests is a thoughtful idea from them.
Steph S says
Absolutely gorgeous! I definitely want to visit!
Pastor Natalie says
Such a lovely post. Sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I especially liked the way Le Bordeau”Thank you for sharing. I hope one day I can visit. 🤗
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
Tanya says
As a world traveler who has been to Paris twice, I appreciate your in article. Europe such rich history and I will keep this hotel in mind if ever traveling that way again.
Morgane says
What a lovely review! I’m always looking for quality hotels in different parts of the world, and I will definitely add this one to the list.
Melanie Edjourian says
This sounds like a pretty impressive and beautiful hotel. I think I’d love to stay in a deluxe room too.
Ntensibe Edgar says
Nnnniiiiiccceeee…I’m glad you had a great time at the InterContinental! Living in a foreign country can get messy as you haven’t fully mastered the language!
Manali Oza says
This looks so beautiful, you would surely have had a great experience. Thanks for sharing!
Natalie says
Wow it looks so lovely! Can’t wait to go back to France one day and visit Bordeaux.
Beth Pierce says
Love this luxurious hotel and the food. It looks so fancy and its good to know the staff is really awesome
Subarna says
It seems you had a great stay and enjoyed every bit of this luxury hotel. Enjoyed reading your post. Got a virtual tour of this 5 star hotel.