Le Grand Hotel stands on the Place de la Comédie, directly opposite the colonnaded Grand Théâtre, and both buildings come from the same hand: Victor Louis, the architect who gave 18th-century Bordeaux its grandest set pieces. Today it is the city’s flagship luxury hotel, run by InterContinental, with 130 rooms and suites behind its long stone facade. Dining is a major draw. Le Pressoir d’Argent, the gastronomic restaurant of Gordon Ramsay, holds two Michelin stars and sets the tone for special occasions, while Brasserie Le Bordeaux serves classic French dishes all day and the Winter Bar l’Orangerie is a cosy spot for a glass of local wine. In summer, the rooftop bar has views over the old town’s roofs to the cathedral spires. Downstairs, the Guerlain Spa has a pool, sauna, hammam and treatment rooms. For a special-occasion stay in the heart of the Golden Triangle, nothing else in Bordeaux comes close.
Location and getting around: the hotel is at 2-5 Place de la Comédie, at the meeting point of the Golden Triangle, the elegant shopping streets of the Cours de l’Intendance and the Allées de Tourny, and the pedestrian Rue Sainte-Catherine. The Place de la Bourse and the river are a few minutes’ walk east, and the Grand Théâtre tram stop is on the square, with lines to Saint-Jean station, the Chartrons and La Cité du Vin. Wine tours leave from the tourist office, a five-minute walk away.
Rooms: rooms are classically decorated with rich fabrics and period touches, and the best look out over the Grand Théâtre and the square. Suites are spacious and some have views to the cathedral. Courtyard-facing rooms are quieter.
Who it suits: couples celebrating, food lovers planning a serious dinner, and wine travellers who want a luxurious base between days in the vineyards.
Good to know: breakfast is usually charged separately unless your rate includes it. Book Le Pressoir d’Argent well ahead and check its days of service. The rooftop bar is a summer affair. Parking in the centre is limited, so ask the hotel about valet or nearby garages if you are driving.
Why stay here
- ✓Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay restaurant
- ✓Brasserie Le Bordeaux
- ✓Winter Bar l’Orangerie
- ✓Summer rooftop bar
- ✓Guerlain Spa with pool
- ✓Sauna and hammam
- ✓Views of the Grand Théâtre
- ✓Concierge service
Good questions
Where is the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel?+
It is at 2-5 Place de la Comédie, directly opposite the Grand Théâtre in the Golden Triangle. The Place de la Bourse and the river are a short walk away.
Does the hotel have a spa and pool?+
Yes, the Guerlain Spa has a pool, sauna, hammam and treatment rooms. It is one of the few hotel spas in central Bordeaux.
Who runs the restaurant at Le Grand Hotel?+
Le Pressoir d’Argent is the gastronomic restaurant of Gordon Ramsay and holds two Michelin stars. Brasserie Le Bordeaux offers a more relaxed option.
