La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez Hotel Review: Pure Luxury in Bordeaux, France

The Hotel

Luxurious, tempting, classy, sumptuous – those are just a few of the words I could use to begin and describe Le Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez. This is my second visit to Bordeaux now and it most certainly won’t be my last, with so many more luxury hotels and Château’s to visit, Bordeaux really is the perfect place for a long weekend, oozing style and sophistication – but without all the tourists. Admittedly Le Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez isn’t situated immediately central or with much at the foot of its gates, but what it lacks in immediate surroundings it makes up for inside. As you walk through the hotels iron gates you’re greeted by a jaw dropingly beautiful mansion and pristine grounds – it’s also very peaceful here which is surprising for a city centre. The mansion was designed in the classical style of the late 19th century and we can thank its design to its original owners who once used the mansion as a town house. Behind this property is no other than Bernard Magrez, a French wine magnate who owns some of Bordeaux’s most renowned Château’s and you see that seeping into the hotel, wine is a big focus here, flowing throughout. The hotel is also part of luxury group Relais & Chateau, a brand I’m very in love with – they really understand the meaning of both quality and luxury.

The Grounds/What To Do

The grounds here at Le Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez are not particularly sparse, but with the small space it does have is kept looking immaculate. A large valet path opens up to lush green turf, herb & shrub gardens and two very prominent features. In the centre you’ll find a round sculpture titled, “The Earth’s Skull” which was created by Chinese artist Shen Yuan. The whole thing is dotted with monuments and buildings from across the globe. To the right of the grounds is Pliny the Elder, a magnificent 2000 year old olive tree symbolising – longevity, wisdom, hope and peace. After exploring the interiors and everything else this grand hotel has to offer, we took a stroll into the centre of town to soak up some of that French hospitality. To the centre of this city it will take approximately 15-20mins depending on your pace, where you’ll find a wealth of local food and wine shops to pit stop, most notably Canelés Baillardran – the best place to pick up some of Bordeaux’s famous Canelés. The Place de la Bourse (Place Royale), Water Mirror and Pont de pierre bridge were my highlights and all well worth making the time for, especially after enjoying some local steak frites close by.

The Room

The hotel has a total of six luxury guest rooms, all of which have been exquisitely designed in a reworked Napoléon III style, full of bright floral tones and luxurious furnishings. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, it’s very French – but I absolutely adored it. I felt like French royalty, as if I’d been whisked away for a short time to the 19th century, yet with all necessary mod cons. The walls of the entire room have been lovingly adorned with not wallpaper, but Braquenié embroidered fabrics by Pierre Frey in silk taffets. Soft to the touch it adds a lovely warmth to the whole room. Each room comes with a very well stocked inclusive mini bar, coffee/tea facilities and artisan snacks. And then there’s the bathroom, a sumptuous affair of white tiles and marble surfaces. The Hermes spa products (with a selection for both women and men) turn a bath or shower here into a full of spa experience.

The Food & Drink

The hotels biggest asset? Well it has to be the food. I enjoyed one the best meals in my entire life here. Expect classical French cooking injected with fun and intrigue – all made with love, care and attention to detail. That evening I enjoyed a seven course tasting menu to which I’ll never forget. The wine list here is also magical, filled with some of the best wines from both Bordeaux and the rest of the world – with a very large selection from the estates owned by Bernard Magrez such as the acclaimed Pape Clement. We took breakfast in the room the following morning, having pre-ordered the night before. The next day when we woke we had little room for it, with only space for a single bite of a warm croissant and moist lemon drizzle – yet minutes later we’d shamefully consumed the entire contents that was wheeled into the room that morning. One bite of that croissant left to the total annihilation of it all because these were in fact the finest pastries we’d ever eaten. They really were incredible and I doubt I’ll ever come across any as good again. I’ll just have to come back. You can read about my full dining experience HERE.

The Verdict

La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez is without a doubt one of the finest hotels I have ever visited. It’s boutique, personal, decadent and refined – all at the same time. The attitude of the staff here really make this place so inviting from start to finish, from the warm greeting out the front to the glass of wine and chocolates brought to your room on arrival. La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez is a world-class hotel and I couldn’t think of a better way to make your stay more enjoyable when visiting Bordeaux, other than booking a night here. You’ll feel like royalty.

La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez
10 Rue Labottière
33000
Bordeaux
France
Tel: +33 5 35 38 16 16