The Radisson Blu Bordeaux is a modern four-star hotel built for travellers who want to be close to the newest part of the city rather than the oldest. It stands at 63 Rue Lucien Faure on the waterfront, and the walking times tell the story: about eight minutes to the Jacques Chaban-Delmas lift bridge, eight to the Cap Sciences science centre and nine to La Cité du Vin, with the old submarine base that houses the Bassins des Lumières about twelve minutes away. It has 125 rooms in a range from standard to a one-bedroom suite, with Superior, Premium and Corner categories in between. A full-service spa with a sauna and a steam room is on site, though access carries a facilities fee. Dining is simple, with a restaurant called Espace Lawton, which serves breakfast, and a bar called Wallace Bar, with a terrace. The hotel is certified by Green Key and FairMoove, offers bike rental, and is described as accessible, with an elevator, a step-free entrance and wheelchair-accessible facilities, though some may have limitations. For wine-minded visitors, the proximity to La Cité du Vin is its strongest selling point.
Location and getting around
The Bassins à Flot tram station is about eight minutes on foot, and from there the tram links to the old town, so the centre is a short ride rather than a walk. Place de la Bourse and the Basilica of Saint-Michel are noted as nearby landmarks, but expect to use the tram for them. Mérignac airport is around nineteen minutes by car.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms run from 205 to 463 square feet across the room types, and the hotel offers free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, laundry facilities and luggage storage. Parking is limited and has height restrictions, so ask before you drive in. Small pets are allowed up to a modest weight limit. Check-in is from 3:00 in the afternoon and check-out is before noon.
Who it suits
Wine lovers planning La Cité du Vin and the Bassins des Lumières, couples who like a modern spa hotel, business travellers who value meeting space, and anyone who prefers a quieter waterfront district at night.
Good to know
The hotel scores highly with guests, with a 9.0 out of 10 across hundreds of reviews. The spa carries a charge, so factor that into the budget. If you want to be among the cafés and shops of the old town, the Golden Triangle hotels are better placed. Rooms facing the water are worth requesting, and the neighbourhood is at its best in the evening light on the river.
The district itself is worth a word. The old docks along the river north of the centre have been transformed in recent years into one of the most dynamic parts of Bordeaux, with museums, restaurants and a long riverside walk, and a stay here puts you at the front of that change. It is a good choice for a trip with a strong culture-and-wine focus, since La Cité du Vin and the Bassins des Lumières are on your doorstep and the lift bridge is a short walk away.
Why stay here
- ✓Spa with sauna and steam room
- ✓Espace Lawton restaurant
- ✓Wallace Bar and terrace
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Bike rental
- ✓Meeting rooms
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Step-free access
Good questions
How far is the Radisson Blu from La Cité du Vin?+
About nine minutes on foot. The Cap Sciences centre and the Jacques Chaban-Delmas bridge are about eight minutes away.
Does it have a spa?+
Yes, a full-service spa with a sauna and a steam room. Access carries a facilities fee.
How do I get to the old town?+
The Bassins à Flot tram station is about eight minutes on foot, with trams on to the centre.
