The Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel is a strikingly refreshing stylish, modern hotel.
It is located in one of France’s most popular tourist locations outside Paris, Bordeaux. Bordeaux is a drawcard for anyone and everyone from anywhere in the world who loves red wine. Some of the world’s best comes from this area. Subsequently the town is packed with bars, restaurants and hotels, and tourists are ferried out to the beautiful vineyards on a daily basis by the truckload.
There is an array of accommodation around, and this is my pick within Bordeaux for modern, fresh floodlit new lodgings. Many hotels in France are the opposite – old world, and predictable. But The Renaissance Bordeaux is anything but, and I love the attention to detail. For example they have fresh water infused with fruit sitting on the bar which is refreshed throughout the day – so welcome in summer months.
If it is modern France you are looking for, this is it. This modern and trendy light filled four star hotel brings a fresh energy to Bordeaux and to the French luxury hotel industry outside Paris.
From the strikingly instagrammable entrance through towering 15 m high former silos to a fabulous sun filled rooftop brimming with cocktails and French wines, light filled guest rooms and French staff who are flexible and helpful, and know the local area, staying here feels fresh, new, young and fun. You will not get bored.
The heated pool and stunning open air and closed (combined) rooftop area are exceptional and a rarity in France, where swimming pools are not common. The pool has sweeping city views and this is a haven of luxury to return to after a big day exploring the vineyards. The local French guests love the pool and regularly spend hours focussed on wellness there.
Again giving a glimpse of the new approach to luxury travel in France.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Location: 7/10
The Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel is in a fabulous location in the old docks about 15 minutes drive from the train station (where the TGV brings you directly from Paris in about 2,5 hours) and 45 minutes from Bordeaux airport. There is easy access to the heart of Bordeaux on the local tram system, just 5 stops away. The feel of the area is industrial, as it is a maritime area.
The hotel is opposite the trendy Bordeaux food markets, which are packed with local food and wine, and a gorgeous place to spend an hour or two at any time of the day or night.
The spectacular and famed Bordeaux Hotel Du Vin or wine centre is also 2 minutes walk away and one of the best ways to spend a day for anyone who loves wine. One of the many interesting things about this venue is it does not just focus on French wine but pays homage to the global wine scene and is truly educational. It is also home to one of the Bordeaux best restaurants with beauty views and of course the perfect place to taste as many French wines as you can.
The tram system takes you 5 stops away to the heart of Bordeaux which is easy and regular.
Rooms: 7.5/10
Waking up in my super spacious La Muse suite was refreshing and calm, as the light spilled in through the huge window. Furnishings are modern and simple, and included a designer style fabric bed head, huge pillows and very high and comfortable bed. The shower was refreshingly strong.
I noted many guests were upgraded upon check in when better rooms were available or they were given a choice of location of their room. This is so refreshing.
It is this attention to detail and kindness that really makes this The Renaissance Bordeaux hotel shine.
Food & Drink: 8/10
The main restaurant is on the top floor, and is also where a light buffet breakfast is served to all guests. The hotel is busy, which meant breakfasts were lively and fun. Large windows ensure lots of natural light, and the coffee is good.
The roof top area which has an open air area was buzzing every afternoon during my stay and offered gorgeous French wines by the glass, bottle and food.
There is a large modern bar on the ground floor next to an expansive work from home area which again makes this a fabulously modern hotel who know the needs of the modern traveller.
Prices are reasonable and quality is excellent of both food and beverage with gluten free ad vegan options.
Service; 8.5/10
Staff are young, sassy and vibrant and all double up as concierges so have a great knowledge of Bordeaux and were happy to book everything we needed from tours to bars restaurants and hire cars. They made the trip so easy even introducing us to an app where the French share cars – brilliant.
The staff know the restaurants in and around Bordeaux and they know the restauranteurs. They also know all of the tour guides, bars and everything else you could possibly want in the area.
Spa & Fitness: 8/10
The large pool is heated and indoors, and a highlight of the Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel. It is located on the rooftop with huge windows running right along the pool to look out over the city. It is beautifully designed and a gorgeous place to unwind and relax.
Sun beds line the side of the pool, and it was a thrill to see how much the French loved embracing these on a daily basis.
The Style: 8/10
The style is modern, fresh and young. It flies in the face of most French hotels in the area and is an easy place to feel zen and relax.
Who Is Behind It: Marriott Hotels.
Insider Knowledge: The WFH space downstairs is rarely used and a great place to get work done.
Renae says:
Who should Stay here: Anyone looking for modern, stylish fun.
Who shouldn’t Stay here: Anyone looking for classic French accommodation or food.
Location: In a fabulous area opposite the markets. Close to the train station.
Best culinary delight: Cocktails on the roof.
The Highlight: The rooftop on a sunny afternoon at any time of the year.
The lowlight: In warmer weather the rooftop is packed and cannot be booked and priority is not given to in-house gusts (possibly because they are the only ones using to get in).
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