For visitors who want to wake up in the middle of the action without paying Golden Triangle prices, the Hôtel de la Presse is a sensible choice. It sits at 6-8 Rue Dijeaux in the shopping district of the city centre, a one-minute walk from the long pedestrian Rue Sainte-Catherine and about three minutes from the Grand Théâtre, with the Place de la Bourse and the Place Saint-Pierre each around five minutes away and the cathedral about six. The Grand Théâtre tram stop is two minutes on foot and the Gambetta stop within five. It is a small, three-class hotel, with three room types, Classic, Comfort and Premium, ranging from roughly 118 to 205 square feet, so the rooms are compact and you should choose a higher category if you want more space. The hotel offers free WiFi, air conditioning, a terrace, a concierge, free newspapers, luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk. It also has an elevator, and a buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge. Guests rate it 7.8 out of 10, with location scoring highest, at 9.2. It is an honest, central base for people who plan to spend their days outside.
Location and getting around
The old town is on your doorstep. Rue Sainte-Catherine, the cathedral, the Grand Théâtre and the river quays are all within a few minutes’ walk, and the tram network is two minutes away for trips to La Cité du Vin or the Chartrons. Mérignac airport is about twenty-seven minutes by car. Restaurants and cafés are within a minute or two on foot, including bistros and casual places, so you will not need to plan dinners far in advance.
Rooms and facilities
The rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, desks and phones, and bathrooms with showers and free toiletries. Housekeeping is daily. Check-in starts at 3:00 in the afternoon and check-out is at 11:30, slightly earlier than many hotels, so plan your departure. Pets are not allowed.
Who it suits
Independent travellers, couples on a budget and anyone who plans to sightsee all day. It is not a hotel for lounging, since there is no pool or spa, and the rooms are small. Families may prefer a larger room category or an apartment-style option.
Good to know
The location is the point, so choose a room that is not on the street side if you are a light sleeper, since central Bordeaux can be busy on weekend evenings. Breakfast is optional, and there are plenty of bakeries nearby that make a good alternative. Rates rise on weekends and during wine fairs, so book early if your dates are fixed.
Value is the quiet strength of this address. Because the building is modest in size and facilities, the room rate usually undercuts the grander hotels around the Grand Théâtre while delivering nearly the same walking times, which leaves more of the budget for dinners and tastings. Travellers who plan to spend most of their time outside will find that is a sensible trade, and those who want more space can compare the Premium room, which is the largest of the three categories.
Why stay here
- ✓Terrace
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Free newspapers
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Elevator
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Air conditioning
Good questions
How close is the Hôtel de la Presse to the Grand Théâtre?+
About three minutes on foot. The Rue Sainte-Catherine is a one-minute walk and the Place de la Bourse about five.
What time is check-out?+
Check-out is at 11:30, with check-in from 3:00 in the afternoon.
Does it allow pets?+
No, pets are not allowed.
