Yulia Saf 
Situated on the Garonne River, Bordeaux is an excellent destination for all travelers, especially for wine lovers – but where to stay in Bordeaux? Areas run first-timers first, and every hotel here is picked for its current Booking.com guest score and its fit to the area and budget.
During my visit, I explored Bordeaux and found that the best neighborhoods would be perfect for tourists.
The best area to stay in Bordeaux for first-timers is the Historic District (Saint-Pierre), the walkable, UNESCO-listed center beside the main sights. Chartrons suits couples and wine lovers; Gare Saint-Jean is best for trains and budgets; Bassins à Flot is the trendy waterfront; and wine châteaux outside the city are best for vineyards.
Read this post because not only will you learn about 6 areas to stay in the city, but I’ve also compared thousands of hotels to give you only the ones I’d personally stay in.
All hotels are handpicked by me and sorted by price, so literally every traveler, no matter the budget, can find their perfect place and book it in just a couple of minutes!
Let’s go!
Quick Picks for Your Stay…
Here are the best hotels in the Bordeaux Historic District:
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here is a map to better visualize the best areas to stay in Bordeaux:
- Bordeaux Historic District: for first timers
- Chartrons: for shopping
- Gare Saint-Jean: near the train station
- Bastide: for relaxation
- Bordeaux Lac: for families
- Bassins à Flot: most trendy
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Top hotel pick (Booking score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic District (Saint-Pierre) | First-timers, sights | UNESCO center, walkable | Hotel Singulier Bordeaux (9.3) |
| Chartrons | Couples, wine | Antiques, riverside market | Hotel Vatel Bordeaux (8.6) |
| Gare Saint-Jean & Saint-Michel | Train, budget | Practical, lively, cheaper | MEININGER Hotel (8.5) |
| Bassins a Flot | Trendy waterfront | Docks, La Cite du Vin | Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel (8.7) |
| Bordeaux-Lac | Families | Lakeside, spacious, quieter | Pullman Bordeaux Lac (8.7) |
1. Bordeaux Historic District – where to stay for first timers
The Bordeaux Historic District (also known as Vieux Bordeaux) is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its well-preserved 18th-century architecture.
It’s a great area for tourists to explore on foot, with highlights like the Place de la Bourse and its reflecting pool, Miroir d’Eau (it is the world’s largest, by the way!).
The area consists of the Saint Pierre and Saint Paul districts. The area has vibrant, lively squares and famous tourist attractions.
You should visit Bordeaux Cathedral or any of the many museums, such as Musée d’Aquitaine, and finish your day with a shopping spree on Rue Sainte Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street.
I also highly recommend Place Fernand Lafargue, especially Rue Saint James, where you will find many options for an evening out!
You can’t overlook this incredible boutique hotel if you are looking for absolute luxury. With spacious rooms and deluxe baths, I wouldn’t blame you if you never want to leave your room! But I recommend you do, because you’ll find the city’s biggest attractions within walking distance of the hotel.
Other options in Bordeaux Historic Center
Situated near tourist attractions, this property offers air-conditioned rooms, some with seating areas where guests can relax
Set in a 19th-century mansion, a perfect (budget) option if you want to feel like you’re in a castle
Les Appartements de la Victoire
Featuring city views and free Wi-Fi, the apartments boast a fully equipped kitchen. The central location is just another advantage
2. Chartrons – top area in Bordeaux for shopping
The Chartrons district is extensive and known as a unique, chic neighborhood for its bohemian, artsy vibe. Located right next to the riverfront and around the Rue Notre Dame, lined with antique shops and galleries.
This area was once more industrial and full of warehouses, but now it is a very popular spot for tourists to stay!
But luckily for us, it was turned into a super-upscale neighborhood with a charming, relaxed vibe.
There are many boutiques and antique shops, the Cap Sciences Museum, and the amazing wine museum, Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux. And the famous Cité du Vin is also within walking distance!
If you happen to stay here on a Sunday, a large market is held on Quai des Chartrons. This is such a highlight for tourists and locals alike! I highly recommend you go along and buy yourself some delicious local cheese and wine!
This luxury guesthouse offers incredible city views and is just a few minutes away from Place de la Bourse, Saint-André Cathedral, and the Museum of Aquitaine! My favorite part is the indoor swimming pool, where you can relax after exploring the city! An amazing place to stay in Bordeaux for couples!
Other accommodation options in Chartrons
The hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms, and the breakfast is incredible – fully organic
Cozy hotel with a central location and super helpful staff. It’s also a top choice if you’re traveling with pets
I recommend this apartment for more privacy. Perfect for 2 people, it has private parking and a fully equipped kitchen
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3. Gare Saint-Jean & Saint Michel – near the train station
Bordeaux is a top destination, but if you’re planning to visit other amazing places to stay in France on this trip, you’ll need to catch a train.
Gare Saint-Jean is a practical choice because it is near the Bordeaux train station and is much more affordable than the city center.
Quai des Paludate is home to some of Bordeaux’s nightclubs and restaurants.
Next to Gare Saint-Jean, you will find Saint Michel! This is the perfect spot if you are looking for a local vibe and a place to relax. How contradictory, right?!
The Saint-Michel area is where the Saint Michel Basilica and the Saint Michel Spire are located! When you see the incredible architecture, you will understand why this city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site!
A short walk from Tram C Station, Novotel offers an on-site restaurant serving several breakfast options, from Continental to American. You can even enjoy it in your room with incredible city and garden views! If you are in the city for business, the hotel has 3 meeting rooms!
Other options in Gare Saint-Jean & Saint Michel
Enjoy the city views from this modern hotel and dine in the on-site restaurant specializing in French and Grill cuisine
You’ll forget this is a budget hotel thanks to the amenities such as a shared lounge, bar, and terrace
An airport shuttle is one of the hotel-style bonuses from this aparthotel. And there are the incredible city views
4. Bastide – where to stay in Bordeaux for relaxation
You might think all the attractions are on the West side (Rive Gauche) of the Garonne, and you are right! BUT, truth be told, Rive Droite (the right bank of the river), home of Bastide, has its own charm!
In recent years, it has transformed into a hip area where many tourists and locals love to spend a relaxing weekend.
It is especially nice to stay there between May and October, since it becomes a vast green patio and all the summer bars and restaurants on the riverfront are open. Check out the botanical garden and the Parc aux Angéliques while there!
Another great perk of staying in Bastide is that the accommodation options are way cheaper than in the rest of the city since it is more residential. You can easily get to the city center on Tram A (a 15-minute trip altogether).
Providing beautiful garden views, this hotel offers a bar, a shared lounge, and a garden! It offers easy access to the city center while remaining in a quiet, relaxing location. If you want to explore the area around the river, this property offers bicycle rentals; I know how I would spend my stay!
Other accommodation options in Bastide
An incredible bed & breakfast in a typical Bordeaux house! A mix of contemporary and classic décor, plus free Wi-Fi access
An excellent base to explore Bordeaux on a budget! The rooms are cozy and clean, and the host is helpful
A self-catering apartment with 3 bedrooms, a dining room, 2 bathrooms, a functional kitchen, and a private terrace
5. Bordeaux-Lac – best place to stay for families
Located in the northern part of Bordeaux, this area is known for Parc Des Expositions, where many of Bordeaux’s fairs take place!
As its name suggests, Bordeaux-Lac has a big lake with a beach open to the public during summer! So pack your swimsuit and get ready for a fun day at the beach with your family!
Your kids will love Youpi Parc Bordeaux Lac, an amazing fun park, and if you’re still not tired after that, head over to the Bordeaux Lac shopping center – one of the biggest shopping centers in the region!
It’s a more contemporary, less crowded alternative to the city center, with convenient access to both the downtown area (~40 min by public transportation) and the vineyards outside Bordeaux.
A 4-star hotel featuring family rooms and free parking for guests who arrive by car. There’s an outdoor seasonal pool, great fun for the kids, and a buffet breakfast is served each morning. There’s also a picnic area and a sun terrace if you want to spend the day outdoors, and you can even order kids’ meals.
Other accommodation options in Bordeaux-Lac
A pet-friendly, non-smoking hotel with air-conditioned family rooms, and some of the rooms even have a kitchenette
Rent a cozy room in this homely apartment with a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy the incredible lake views
A great 1-bedroom apartment with everything you need: bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, and a balcony with garden views
6. Bassins à Flot – best area in Bordeaux for a trendy vibe
Known for its maritime vibe, Bassins à Flot (which means “Float ponds”) was an area that welcomed all the sailors in the world and the biggest ships, making it a significant industrial hub!
Bassins à Flot is located North of Bordeaux’s city center and is part of the larger Bacalan district. It is about 20 min away from the heart of the city depending on where you need to go.
The one thing you mustn’t miss while you’re here is the La Cité du Vin, a cultural center dedicated to wine and recognizable for its bold architectural design – just buy a ticket in advance! Here, you can also enjoy your glass of wine with a 360-degree view of the city.
I suggest you also visit the Bassins des Lumières, a former submarine base converted into an art gallery!
The area’s architectural heritage and maritime past, with features like cranes, barges, rails, and silos, add a unique twist to what you thought Bordeaux was all about.
The 4-star contemporary hotel includes facilities with a 24-hour front desk and room service, an indoor pool, and concierge service. Each room has air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A buffet breakfast is served daily, and guests can enjoy amazing city views.
Other accommodation options in Bassins à Flot
A 4-star hotel with a terrace, bar, spa, and wellness center. There’s also a French restaurant serving delicious dishes
At an incredible location, this hostel offers private and shared rooms. There’s also a lobby, a bar, and concierge services!
Located super close to La Cite du Vin, this houseboat has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and barbecue facilities
| 👑 Luxury price: | €250 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €130 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €80 |
| 🍷 Best winery hotel: | Les Sources des Caudalie |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hôtel Singulier Bordeaux |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | Hotel Vatel Bordeaux |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Quality Hotel |
BONUS 1: Best winery hotels in Bordeaux
There are many reasons to visit Bordeaux, but if you want an authentic wine-country experience during your stay in France, then get out of the city. Book accommodation somewhere in the Bordeaux region, close to the wineries and the best wine châteaux!
Please note that these accommodations are NOT in the center or even within the city of Bordeaux.
These are great if you rent a car during your vacation, as you’ll be about 30 minutes to 1 hour from Bordeaux!
Here are my top choices:
- Les Sources des Caudalie – this beautiful 5-star chateau is excellent if you want to be 20 minutes from Bordeaux by car! It has superb rooms and is also one of the top options for enjoying some wine tasting in style!
- La Closerie de Fronsac – this beautiful 17th-century mansion is located 75 km/45 mi from Bordeaux, and it’s a superb option if you want to be close to the vineyards and enjoy some delicious wine! You can stay here for years and just won’t get bored!
- Château du Tertre – here’s another superb château located 25 km/15 mi from Bordeaux, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy some wine while exploring this beautiful region! Trust me, the rooms here are quite superb!
- Château Hôtel Grand Barrail – if you’re looking for a magnificent 5-star 19th-century chateau located 3 km/2 mi from Saint-Émilion, this one’s for you! During your stay here, you can sip on wine, relax in the beautiful rooms in the village, and try some yummy dishes!
- Chateau Cordeillan-Bages – this 4-star mansion is a CASTLE! It is located in some former wine stores, 45 km/30 mi from Bordeaux. The rooms are superb, and the service is impeccable! Just a quick note – this Château is closed during winter.
- Château Pape Clément – this superb historic mansion is surrounded by acres of vineyards and is located only 7 km/4 mi from Bordeaux center! Book your stay here to enjoy beautiful rooms and delicious wine!
BONUS 2: Best accommodation for families in Bordeaux
Are you planning on traveling with your family to Bordeaux? No problem!
Let me share with you some amazing Bordeaux hotels for families with all the needed facilities and amenities you could think of. And, of course, all of them are located in the city center for your convenience!
I’ve chosen one for each budget; check them out below and pick your favorite:
- Luxury: InterContinental Le Grand Hotel Bordeaux – a top boutique hotel in Bordeaux, located in the historic area. This 5-star hotel offers luxurious amenities, unique contemporary room design, and excellent service.
- Mid-range: B&B La Maison Galiène – this B&B is ideally located in the city center near antique shops and attractions, so I’m sure you won’t get bored! Other perks include an airport shuttle, free parking, and pet-friendly accommodations!
- Budget: Gabylou – this apartment offers excellent family rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and even board games for the little ones. Plus, there is a fishing site nearby!
BONUS 3: Where to stay near Bordeaux Airport
Maybe you’re not completely convinced about staying in the city center or have to catch an early morning flight. If this is the case, it might be a good idea for you to stay near the airport!
Bordeaux Airport (BOD) is about 12 km (about 7.5 miles) from the center, which means about 25 minutes by car with no traffic.
Let me share some hotels near Bordeaux Airport in the Mérignac area.
- Luxury: Sheraton Bordeaux Airport – the hotel offers free shuttle transport from the airport and provides room service. The chic rooms are spacious and comfortable, and Wi-Fi is free of charge.
- Mid-range: Kyriad Prestige Bordeaux Aeroport – this awesome 4-star hotel is located 4.2 km from the airport, and offers an airport shuttle you can use! Some great facilities include a swimming pool, an on-site bar, a restaurant, and more, all at very reasonable prices.
- Budget: Holiday Inn – with an indoor/outdoor pool open year-round, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, just 3km from the airport, this 4-star hotel is a great place to stay to prepare or rejuvenate after a long flight before taking on the city.
FAQs about where to stay in Bordeaux
📍 What is the best area to stay in Bordeaux?
The best area of this lively city is Bordeaux Saint Pierre, i.e., the Historic District. There are plenty of things to do here, and I’m sure you won’t get bored!
🚶 Is Bordeaux a walkable city?
Bordeaux is a very walkable city, and all the main attractions are within the city center, a short distance apart. However, if you get tired of walking or need to go farther, the city has an excellent transportation system.
🍇 What is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
The best time to visit Bordeaux is between May and November if you want to explore the city and the vineyards! But if you are truly a wine lover, then I suggest visiting Bordeaux in September during the grape harvest season!
📅 How many days are enough to visit Bordeaux?
Since Bordeaux has a lot to offer, I would recommend 4 days. 2 to explore the city’s neighborhoods and the other 2 to visit the best winery hotels or go on wine tours.
❌ Where not to stay in Bordeaux?
Even though Bordeaux is generally a safe city with a low crime rate, it’s best to steer clear of certain areas. Some of the areas to avoid in Bordeaux are Grand Parc, Cours Victor Hugo, and Saint Michel at night, but unless you start a fight, chances are no one will say/do anything to you.
🏛️ What is the city center of Bordeaux called?
The Bordeaux city center is known as the Historic Center/District. However, this part of the city is often called Vieux Bordeaux, which literally translates to ‘Old Bordeaux’!
🚆 How do you get to and around Bordeaux?
The TGV runs from Paris to Bordeaux’s Gare Saint-Jean in about 2 hours. Once you arrive, an easy tram network (lines A to D) plus buses serve every area, so you won’t need a car for a city stay. Merignac Airport is about 30 minutes from the center.
🍷 Do you need a car to visit the Bordeaux wine region?
Not necessarily! Guided wine tours run from the city to Saint-Émilion, Medoc and Pessac with transport and tastings included, so you can sip without driving. A car gives you more freedom to chateau-hop, but bring a designated driver, as the tastings add up fast.
Conclusion
I hope it will now be easier for you to choose where to stay in Bordeaux! There are plenty of amazing areas and hotels worth your attention, but if you’re still unsure, here are my top choices.
- Hôtel Singulier Bordeaux – centrally located, with an amazing terrace overlooking the city.
- Hotel Vatel Bordeaux – I love the large, comfortable rooms and the on-site restaurant, Les Tables Vatel.
If you need more travel inspiration for this wonderful city, I recommend my post on things to do in Bordeaux. Let me remind you that the best way to enjoy your trip is to book in advance so you don’t have to plan last minute.
If you have any further questions, please leave them below. I am more than happy to answer and help out!
I hope you have a great time in Bordeaux!
Yulia
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