The first surprise is that this is a city hotel — the archetypal Bordeaux getaway involves a country farmhouse, acres of vineyards, and only minimal contact with the city itself. La Maison Bordeaux is located just north of the city center, affording guests the opportunity to stroll the streets of the west bank, amidst the wealth of 18th-century landmarks and monuments.
And the second surprise comes once you’re through the doors of this postcard-perfect old townhouse. La Maison is, inside, as contemporary as can be, with platform beds and hardwood floors, soft muted colors and modern fixtures and materials. This is modern city life, not a storybook Bordeaux fantasy — the fact that this particular city is the capital of the wine industry is just a bonus. It’s intimate, just six rooms, each individually designed, more like stylish little loft apartments than traditional hotel rooms.
There’s a wine bar, serving selections from the owner’s family, the Marie-Laure Lurton winery, and a small room service menu for when you feel like staying in. Otherwise, though, it’s out to the streets of Bordeaux, a city that’s enjoying a bit of a rebirth, and that, like most places in France, is never hard up for excellent restaurants.
author Daily Tablet Hotel, source www.tablethotels.com
