La Villa - Bordeaux Chambres d'hotes

The Bordeaux Chambres d’hotes opened in 2008, and Sylvain D., the manager, took over operations in 2013. The two-story bed and breakfast is a quiet retreat, located outside the bustling shopping areas of Bordeaux, attracting mostly couples. The street front entrance has double doors that lead into an open-air hallway with a red accent wall, potted plants, and framed artwork of five French poets and authors who inspired the room names. Past two intricate iron gates is a manicured garden, with a stone walkway, trellises, plants, and lawns. A small staircase with iron railings leads to the terrace, where there are modern plastic chairs, blue lounge chairs, and umbrellas. A glass door leads into a living room that’s cozy, inviting, and filled with bookshelves, a fireplace, a flat-screen TV, blue contemporary sofas, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural light. The breakfast room is adjacent, featuring colorful artwork, a rustic dining table with classic black chairs, and a wet bar -- there's also  a microwave,  toaster, a tea kettle, and a coffee machine. Guests can pour themselves a glass of wine from bottles in two wine coolers, as long as they log it into a book.

The bed-and-breakfast is a quick walk to the Victoire Plaza, which is surrounded by bars, restaurants, cafes, shopping, including the Marche des Capucins, the Victoire tram station, and the Porte d’Aquitaine. The Bordeaux Cathedral and Grand Theatre Opera National de Bordeaux are also within walking distance. It’s a 20-minute tram or bus ride to downtown, the Bordeaux Palais de la Bourse, the Pont de Pierre, Le Miroir d'eau, the Garonne, and the Bordovino Wine Tasting Day Tours. The Bordeaux-Merignac Airport is a 25-minute car ride, and the Bergerac Dordogne Perigord Airport is an hour and a half away. 

There are five rooms named after famous writers: the Alienor, Mauriac, Montaigne, Goya, and Ausonius. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, writing desks, and free bottled water. Though the decor varies, all have wood floors, white walls, white bedding, and lots of natural light, lending an airy feel; all but the Montaigne have a terrace or patio. The Mauriac features a headboard with handwritten notes, an ornamental fireplace, and a skylight. The Goya and Ausonius have red decor accents, and the Ausonius is also ADA accessible. The Montaigne has yellow and green decor, white furniture, and uninspiring views. The Alienor features chevron wooden floors, white and neutral furnishings, high ceilings, and an ornamental fireplace. Most bathrooms have separate toilet areas, towel heaters, and showers.

Light wooden floors and contemporary furnishings create a serene atmosphere in the modern spa that has a treatment room. Downstairs is a lighted hot tub with a wooden deck, a flat-screen TV, and a fitness bike. There’s also a modern bathroom with a shower and a towel heater.The staff also offers concierge services, provides guests with maps of the area, recommendations for restaurants, bars, shopping, and sightseeing tours. Staff can also arrange off-site parking. Breakfast is included, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout.