Intercontinental Bordeaux: finally a hotel that meets the city's standing

Since its revival some fifteen years ago, the attractiveness of Bordeaux has not wavered. However, the city has long lacked a hotel worthy of its “little Paris” status. A few 4-star hotels with “provincial” standards, but nothing that meets the expectations of a Parisian and foreign clientele accustomed to something else and who expect an offer in keeping with the city’s renewed standing.

A gap filled with the opening in 2007 of “The Regent”, ideally located in the heart of a city center in full transformation, in the famous “golden triangle” of Bordeaux. A few brand changes later, the hotel came under the banner of IHG (Intercontinental Hotel Group) and acquired what it lacked: integration into a large international chain, the best way to attract a high-end foreign clientele that is very sensitive to the notion of chains and loyalty programs, so that they can stay with well-known service standards and enjoy the hard-won status they have acquired thanks to their professional activity during the year.

So it was with curiosity and interest that I went to spend a weekend at the “Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel”.

Booking and arrival

I booked via the IHG mobile application, the opportunity to remember that whether on PC or mobile the notion of customer experience and user interface is far from being IHG’s priority. But the reservation is made, laboriously but it is made. Still, I’m intrigued to see some brands still selling 5 stars with an online experience unworthy of an Ibis. Let’s move on.

The cab from the airport drops me off right in front of the hotel. As the area is now pedestrianized, he has the blocks that prohibit passage lowered by requesting this from the hotel via a dedicated terminal.

As soon as I stopped in front of the majestic façade, a bellman approached the car and took charge of the luggage, a second person guided me to the reception.

Upon arrival the hotel impresses.

But it is the night that pays it the most beautiful tribute.

I am surprised by the somewhat cramped nature of the check-in area, hardly capable in my opinion of handling more than two guests at a time. Most of the space has been left to a large bar, warm and cozy.

The reception is friendly and very professional. The Intercontinental style is clearly visible. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the chain but my “Gold” status was still active, which earned me an upgrade from “Superior” to “Deluxe” room.

They inquire about the reasons for my trip, they ask me if I need any assistance to organize my stay and possible visits. Everything is perfect. No bellman was available to take me to my room, so the person who did the check-in will do it to avoid making me wait.

The Deluxe Room at the Intercontinental Bordeaux.

Whether it’s here or in other chains, one day I’d like someone to explain to me the difference between a “Superior” room and a “Deluxe” room, apart from flattering the customer’s ego and getting a few extra euros out of him.

The room is a decent size for a room of this level but there is not a square meter too much. Very good when you travel alone, you must quickly suffocate if you are two. I can’t imagine the “Superior” room being smaller.

The decoration reminds of the period the hotel was built even if I think it is a little too crowded. But a certain sobriety makes that certain limits were not crossed.

I will make three main criticisms of the chamber.

First of all the lack of luminosity. Overlooking the inner courtyard, the sun only touches the windows without penetrating too much…and since the lighting (indirect in addition) of the room favors warm and orange tones, this added to the rather dark tones of the decoration makes you feel as if you were living in relative darkness.

Then the size of what is supposed to be a work space: not large at all, tucked away in a corner and stuck to the wall, it’s not the place where you see yourself spending a few hours to finish some work. And yet, in my opinion, the hotel also targets a business clientele.

Finally the wifi: the more than frequent disconnectionsmade my attempts to work somewhat of an ordeal. I haven’t seen such a catastrophic Wifi connection in ages.

The bathroom is very nice, in marble, bright, with a bath/shower and separate toilets. Nothing to complain about.

The video tour to finish:

Restaurants still to be tested

Contrary to my habits, I did not try either the restaurants or the bars of the hotel, having too many people to see outside. The menu of the brasserie seemed to me very suitable, the main restaurant, under the aegis of Gordon Ramsay (a way of saying that he gives the guideline but does not officiate there of course) also seems very promising.

To be postponed to a future visit.

Nothing to do with the hotel but gastronomes will find a restaurant in the Grand Théâtre, which faces the Intercontinental, with a menu created by Philippe Etchebest. Or a good way to try two good restaurants in two days just by crossing the street.

Finally, during the summer season, the rooftop of the hotel hosts an ephemeral bar, the “Night Beach” which is visibly quite popular. Reservation is recommended.

Fitness and spa at the top level

So it’s time to go to the fitness room and the Spa, both located on the top floors of the hotel.

Without being of impressive sizethe fitness room is very pleasant. The fact that it is located on a high floor and is very bright contributes to this.

It takes up the color codes and the general atmosphere of the Spa, which gives a nice coherence to the whole floor.

One morning I was surprised to see a couple who had brought…their poodle(or whatever small dog). In secret or having managed to hide it from the reception staff? Surprising to say the least, but I don’t think all the customers would have taken it easy like I did.

Let’s come to the Spa. If I haven’t tested the treatments I have tested the facilities.

Once again, I’ll start by saying that an upstairs Spa and not relegated to the basement changes a number of things.

It extends over no less than three levels. The first one where we find the main facilities: swimming pool, sauna, hammam. A second one with the treatment rooms. A third rooftop with a bar and a jacuzzi.

The sauna, spacious and bright, offers a superb view of the city’s rooftops.

No picture of the Hammam because of excessive steam but it is also much bigger than the average hotel.

Then the highlight of the show is the swimming pool, heated, with an artificial flow for swimming and massaging jets.

Simply superb. All around, beds allow you to lie down and relax, whether by the pool or in the more private areas behind.

Then you follow the long corridors and take the stairs that lead to the Rooftop.

There is a bar…

Breathtaking view of the city and the cathedral.

A “Sun deck

And, overhanging, surrounded by sofas and armchairs, the Jacuzzi.

It is only regrettable that this last part of the installation is certainly not usable all year round because of the weather.

But in general, the Spa is one of the most beautiful that I have seen in hotels, whether in France or abroad. An admirable achievement in every respect and a place where you like to stay and take your time.

Conclusion

One can always quibble about details but the Intercontinental Bordeaux is undoubtedly the most beautiful hotel in the city and is up to Parisian and foreign standards for this range of hotels, which Bordeaux has lacked for too many years. Special praise for its remarkable Spa.

The grades

Hotel (location etc…): Impeccably located, in a refurbished building, it is well decorated and age has not yet had time to take its toll. 10

Check-out:smooth and attentive.

Room: cramped desk area, lack of brightness but especially catastrophic Wifi. I would have been on a business trip, the situation would not have been tolerable. 8

Restaurant/bar: not tried.

Facilities (gym, pool, spa…):nice, warm, pleasant…so outstanding. I just take off one point for the dog in the gym. It should have lowered the score more, but that would not have done justice to the beauty of the place. 9

Service and attention : impeccable : 10

Loyalty program application: nothing to complain about with an unexpected upgrade. 10

Experience for money I got the room at 250 euros and that price is worth it even in a regional capital out of Paris. The hotel is often full from what I saw and sometimes the prices go much higher, which could make the judgment more severe. But at this price, I repeat, no criticism to make. The only negative point, and a big one…the wifi which spoiled me a part of the weekend. 8

The pictures are available here.