Bordeaux Luxury: Uncover IHG's Hidden Gem!
Bordeaux Luxury: Uncover IHG's Hidden Gem! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, let's be real. When I booked Bordeaux Luxury, I was expecting a generic, cookie-cutter IHG experience. You know, the kind that's meticulously curated to be inoffensive. But, and this is a big but, Bordeaux Luxury surprised the heck out of me. It wasn't perfect, and it definitely had its quirks, but it felt… genuine. And for someone jaded by the endless sameness of hotel chains, that's a damn good start.
First things first: Accessibility. I’m not personally reliant on accessibility features, but I always look for them. Bordeaux Luxury gets a thumbs up here. Wheelchair accessibility is definitely present, including in on-site accessible restaurants / lounges, which is crucial. The description doesn't list everything, but from what I saw, it looked pretty solid. Crucially, they also offer facilities for disabled guests, which hopefully encompasses even more detail than the baseline.
Internet access? Yeah, it's there. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (praise the heavens!), Internet [LAN] listed, which always makes me feel like I'm in the 90s (in a good way!), and a decent Internet service. Didn't experience any drop-offs during that all-important Netflix binge. The Wi-Fi in public areas seemed good too, I managed to get a decent signal in the lobby while pretending to work (shhh!).
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where Bordeaux Luxury REALLY shines. In this post-pandemic world, it’s a huge relief. The Anti-viral cleaning products are obviously a big plus. The Daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable, the staff were definitely on it. They also have a Hygiene certification, which is a good indicator of adherence to protocols. Rooms sanitized between stays, which is a given nowadays. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter felt enforced without being overbearing. Professional-grade sanitizing services, as they state. And most importantly, the constant Staff trained in safety protocol.
The commitment to safety didn't feel forced or performative. It felt… reassuring.
Let's talk Food, Glorious Food!
Dining, drinking, and snacking. Okay, my stomach rumbled as I was re-reading the list. Here goes:
- Asian breakfast: Didn't try it, but the smell of the restaurant got me going.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yup, available.
- Alternative meal arrangement: The kitchen staff weren't only willing to accommodate dietary requests, they were actually interested in hearing them. HUGE point.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Another bonus!
- Bar: A nice, cozy bar.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard but good.
- Breakfast service: Yup.
- Buffet in restaurant: See breakfast above.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes and it was solid coffee.
- Coffee shop: Did I say coffee?
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts! My downfall.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Wide variety.
- Happy hour: Always a win.
- Poolside bar: Because luxury.
- Restaurants: Multiple.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for late-night cravings.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy options available.
- Snack bar: Grab-and-go goodness.
- Soup in restaurant: Very welcome on a chilly evening.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Options, yay!
- Western breakfast: Eggs, bacon… the staples.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: See above.
- Bottle of water.
- Essential condiments.
The food delivery was a great option in addition to the huge variety of restaurants on-site. The Safe dining setup was also great. I felt safe dining.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and maybe Overindulge)
Okay, so here's where things get REALLY decadent. I’m a sucker for a good spa experience, and Bordeaux Luxury didn’t disappoint.
- Body scrub: Divine.
- Body wrap: Even more divine.
- Fitness center: Actually, a well-equipped gym!
- Foot bath: A total game-changer.
- Gym/fitness: Check.
- Massage: Don’t even get me started. I may or may not have fallen asleep mid-massage. (Highly recommend).
- Pool with view: Stunning views of the city, especially at sunset.
- Sauna: Ahhh, the sauna!
- Spa: Yes, of course.
- Spa/sauna: Yes and more!
- Steamroom: I spent way too long, but no regrets.
- Swimming pool: Indoor and outdoor. Perfect for any weather.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yup, beautiful.
The Pool
Okay, I have to go off on a tangent about the pool. It’s one of the best hotel pools I’ve ever seen, period. The Pool with view is breathtaking. They've clearly designed it to be an oasis, with comfy lounge chairs, and attentive staff. One of the biggest wins.
Now, it wasn't perfect. There were a few minor hiccups. The gym, while well-equipped, could use a bit of a refresh in terms of equipment. And finding my way around the first day was a bit of a maze - but honestly, that added to the charm. I prefer unique hotels to the standard.
Rooms That Make You Say "Aaaaah"
My room? Fantastic. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. The Blackout curtains meant I could sleep in until noon (a rare luxury). Free Wi-Fi, of course. The seating area was perfect for reading, and the bathroom had an awesome Separate shower/bathtub, and enough Toiletries to stock a small pharmacy. The Mini bar was tempting, but I exercised some restraint (mostly).
Services and Conveniences: The Nitty-Gritty
Let's run through these quickly:
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Never used, but good to know.
- Business facilities: Standard, from what I saw.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Speedy and efficient.
- Convenience store: For those last-minute essentials.
- Currency exchange: Handy.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Doorman: Always a nice touch.
- Dry cleaning: Always a godsend.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Already discussed.
- Food delivery: Handy.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for picking up something for back home.
- Indoor venue for special events: For events.
- Invoice provided: For those expense reports.
- Ironing service: Crumpled clothes? No problem.
- Laundry service: Useful.
- Luggage storage: Always appreciated.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Seems good.
- Meetings: For those who need them.
- Meeting stationery: Standard.
- On-site event hosting: Yes.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Check.
- Projector/LED display: No idea, didn't see it.
- Safety deposit boxes: Essential.
- Seminars: If you need them.
- Shrine: Unexpected.
- Smoking area: For those who need it.
- Terrace: Amazing.
- Wi-Fi for special events: They have it.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Still a thing!
And for the kids:
- Babysitting service: If you need it.
- Family/child friendly: Yes, definitely.
- Kids facilities: Didn't see anything specific, but it seemed welcoming.
- Kids meal: Probably.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Easy.
- Bicycle parking: Yes.
- Car park [free of charge]: Awesome!
- Car park [on-site]: Also good.
- Car power charging station: Techy bonus.
- Taxi service: Available.
- Valet parking: They also have valet, if that's your style.
The Little Things (or Not-So-Little Things)
- Additional toilet.
- Alarm clock.
- Bathrobes.
- Bathroom phone.
- Bathtub.
- Blackout curtains.
- Carpeting.
- **Clos
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is…well, it's my Bordeaux trip, and it's gonna be a glorious, slightly chaotic mess. Welcome to the inner workings of my frazzled, wine-soaked brain!
Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel: A Love Affair (and a Few Frustrations) – My Bordeaux Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Audacity, and Maybe That Darned Elevator
- 14:00 - Arrival & Immediate Panic: Okay, the hotel. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. Like, "jaw-on-the-floor-trying-not-to-drool-on-the-Persian-rug" stunning. The bellhop looked incredibly bored, and probably sees this a hundred times a day. I fumbled with my phone so badly I almost dropped it. My French is, alas, atrocious. "Bonjour… euh… room…?" (Smooth, right?)
- 14:30 - Room Reconnaissance & Mini-Freakout: Got to the room. Oh my god, it’s HUGE! Actually, getting to the room took a frustrating amount of elevator navigation… I have NO idea why hotel elevators are always so… unreliable. I swear, I felt like I was in a Wes Anderson film, but with less charm and more me getting increasingly hangry. I eventually found my room, which, the view is… breathtaking. Just a little… sniff. The pillows are like clouds, the bed… tempting, but NO! Focus, woman!
- 15:00 - Afternoon Tea (Attempt #1): I had visions of myself, elegant, sipping tea, nibbling tiny sandwiches. Reality? I tripped. Spilled a tiny bit of tea, it wasn't as good as I'd hoped… I might need another pastry.
- 16:00 - City Wanderings and the "Oh, Crap, I'm Lost" Moment: Bordeaux is… beautiful. Seriously, like movie beautiful. Okay, I got a little lost in the ancient streets, which is my specialty! I walked way further than I intended (thank goodness the weather was lovely), and the scent of fresh bread from the bakeries nearly broke me. Ended up buying a baguette, which I promptly tore into like a rabid animal while wandering aimlessly. Fashionable, I am not.
- 18:00 - Aperitivo & First Tumble into French Obsession: Found a charming little wine bar near the Garonne. The wine? Divine. The setting? Perfect. I met a local woman named Claire, who spoke English fluently. She told me about the history of Bordeaux, and about her dog, who seems to be the main reason she loves living in Bordeaux. She's very French in all the right ways. She insisted I try the cheese plate and showed me how to swirl the wine like a pro. I may or may not have spilled some on my shirt. "C'est la vie," she laughed. This trip? Has already made me a better person, and I might become a wine snob.
- 20:00 - Dinner Disaster (Almost): Dinner at Le Pressoir d'Argent, the Michelin restaurant. This place is HEAVEN. The service is impeccable, the food… honestly, I nearly cried with joy. The wine pairing? Perfection. The waiter… well, let's just say my attempts at speaking French peaked at "Merci beaucoup." The whole experience was perfect until I looked at the bill. My wallet just whimpered. But hey, I'm on vacation! The champagne was worth it!
Day 2: Wine, Walks & The Deepest Sleep of My Life
- 09:00 - Breakfast Bloat & The "Perfect" Croissant Hunt: Hotel breakfast. The croissant. The croissant. I ate at least four. And several little pain au chocolats. And a mini quiche Lorraine. Okay, I might have a problem. But they're the best croissants I've ever tasted, with the best butter. My self-control is sadly lacking.
- 10:00 - Saint-Émilion & The Wine-Soaked Bus Ride: We're off to Saint-Émilion! The postcard scenery. The charming (and steep!) cobblestone streets. The wine! The chateaus are ridiculously gorgeous, and the wine tasting was… well, let's just say I may have bought a case. The bus ride there was filled with tourists, and I thought I'd go insane. I think I saw the driver roll his eyes a few times, but everything was so worth it.
- 12:00 - Wine Tasting & The "I Think I'm a Sommelier Now" Delusion: Multiple chateaus. Multiple wines. Multiple toasts. I learned about terroir (apparently it's the secret to good wine), and I think I accidentally gave some unsolicited wine advice? The wine, the food, everything was fantastic. I now know too much to say the wrong things about wine.
- 15:00 - Saint-Émilion Exploration: Hiking up the hills. Seeing all the views. Okay, I needed a long break. I found a bench, and I may have closed my eyes and taken a little… nap. Don't judge me! At least I didn't snore. Then back into the town, where I may or may not have bought more wine.
- 19:00 - Dinner & The "Accidental" Dessert Order: A simple dinner at a bistro. The food was lovely, but the real star was the dessert. I accidentally ordered the chocolate lava cake. It was ridiculously decadent. I'm pretty sure I moaned. After a long day, good food is just so rewarding.
- 21:00 - Sleep: The most incredible sleep of my life. I was so exhausted, still a touch tipsy, and completely content. Every trouble simply didn't exist. Every muscle was happy.
Day 3: Markets, Memories, and the "I Don't Want to Leave!" Syndrome
- 09:00 - The Market & The Sensory Overload: The Capucins market. The smells! The colors! The hustle and bustle! I could have stayed there all day. I bought some cheese, some bread, some charcuterie. Then wandered around looking lost again.
- 11:00 - River Cruise & The "Romantic" Interlude: A boat trip along the Garonne. It was stunning. The city from the water. The sun on my face. I thought I was going to find a moment of serenity… until a flock of seagulls decided to wage war on anyone eating a croissant. I ducked for cover, covered in bird droppings. Romantic.
- 13:00 - Lunch & The Persistent Pastry Craving: Back to a small bistro. The food was good, but I kept thinking about those darn croissants. I ate a lot of bread and cheese, which always makes me feel great.
- 15:00 - Exploring The Cathédrale Saint-André: A visit to the cathedral. A moment of peacefulness. Maybe I found a new source of strength.
- 16:00 - Shopping Spree & The "Almost Broke" Situation: I found a little shop with beautiful scarves and a perfume I can't live without I may have… overspent. My credit card is weeping. But hey, souvenirs, right?
- 19:00 - Farewell Dinner & The Slightly Teary-Eyed Toast: One last amazing meal at a restaurant. I raised a glass to Bordeaux, to the wine, to the laughter, and to the slightly-imperfect-but-perfectly-memorable trip. Okay, I shed a few tears. I don't want to leave.
- 21:00 - Packing (Attempt #1): My bag is a mess. Filled with souvenirs. And cheese. Still not sure when it is going to be ready to go.
- 22:00 - More wine & The "I'll Just Stay Forever" Decision: One last glass of wine on the balcony, overlooking the city. This city has stolen my heart. I'm seriously considering just stowing away and never leaving. I did a lot of self-reflecting about what I wanted to do in my life.
Day 4: Parting Thoughts & The "Goodbye, For Now"
- 07:00 - Waking up and staring at my baggage. I'm missing Bordeaux already!
- 09:00 - Final Breakfast: One more croissant. Just… one more.
- 10:00 - Last Minute Panic & Airport Dash: I'm late. Airport chaos. I feel like I'm running a marathon. I swear, I'll miss my flight. I'm definitely sweating and I might have gotten some chocolate on my face.
- 12:00 - On the plane: Thinking about all of the memories I've made. I will return.
- The after-trip: I will learn French, I want those croissants, and I need more time in Saint-Émilion
This itinerary is just an outline, of course. Expect spontaneous adventures, moments of pure
Subotica's BEST Hidden Gem: Max 2 Accommodation!
Bordeaux Luxury: Uncover IHG's Hidden Gem! (Or Maybe Not... My Messy Experience)
So, IHG calls a Bordeaux hotel a "Hidden Gem" - is it actually *good*? Because marketing is a liar, right?
Okay, let's be honest. "Hidden Gem" sounds like something slapped on a mildewed basement apartment. And I went in fully expecting that. Bordeaux? Luxury? IHG? My brain screamed "scam!" But... I'm a sucker for a promise. The truth? It's complicated. It really depends on what you're *expecting*. If you're anticipating a Four Seasons experience, you'll weep. If you're hoping for clean sheets and a nice glass of wine at the end of a long day... you might be pleasantly surprised. (Although, I did have to chase the housekeeping down twice, which, yeah, not ideal.)
What's the *actual* hotel like? Is it all velvet ropes and butlers?
Velvet ropes? LOL! Butlers? Honey, no. Think... elegant, but... well-worn. It definitely *tried* for luxury. There were chandeliers! Gleaming marble! But you could tell someone maybe – just maybe – forgot to dust them for a week. The lobby smelled faintly of old books and a very strong air freshener trying to cover up... something. I don't even want to think about what. The room, thankfully, was pretty spacious. And the bed? Actually, the bed was fantastic. I could have happily lived there for a week, just sprawled out and doing absolutely nothing. Which I kinda did. Which also felt like a luxury on its own.
The location – is it a nightmare, or are you actually *in* Bordeaux?
Location, location, location! This is where things got interesting. I was expecting a trek to Narnia. Nope! It's definitely *in* Bordeaux. But "in" like... a slightly less glamorous part of Bordeaux? Think walking distance to some amazing restaurants and the Garonne River. That part? Absolutely gold. But the surrounding area, let’s call it “developing charm." Plenty of character, but a little… gritty? Picture this: you're strolling back from a Michelin-starred dinner, slightly tipsy and euphoric, and BAM! You’re dodging a rogue bicycle and a surprisingly grumpy poodle. It's authentic, that's for sure.
Let's talk food. Is the hotel restaurant worth the price tag, or should I just hit up McDonald's (judgement free zone)?
Okay, the restaurant. This deserves its own messy, emotionally charged paragraph. I'm a foodie. I love food. I need it. The hotel restaurant... well, it was a rollercoaster. The presentation was *gorgeous*. Like artistic plates, little sprigs of this and that. The first night, I ordered the steak, which was cooked perfectly… but the sauce? It tasted suspiciously like something out of a jar. My heart *sank*. The second night, I ordered the fish, which was… overcooked. But! The wine list! Magnificent. And the breakfast buffet? A mixed bag. The croissants were flaky, the coffee was *strong*, but the scrambled eggs were... rubbery. It's like they were trying *so hard*! But mostly, it ended up feeling... pretentious. At least, in my opinion. Maybe it was just me being grumpy, who knows. Maybe I should gone to Mcdonald's.
Were there any REALLY memorable experiences? Good or bad? Spill the tea!
Okay, this is where the story gets weird. It happened during my breakfast. I went down, bleary-eyed and hungover, for a late breakfast. I wanted my coffee and my croissant. I settled in and was working, eating my mediocre breakfast when something hit me. Literally. A waiter, bless his heart, was carrying a tray and tripped right at my table. And I got soaked in a glass of orange juice. It was everywhere. He was mortified. I was covered in sticky goo. And then this… this amazing, elderly woman with the most perfect accent came over and just started laughing. Proper, loud, unrestrained laughter. And she said, "Well, darling, that's one way to wake up!" She then proceeded to help me clean up and order me a fresh coffee. We ended up chatting for ages. This random, wonderful woman made it all worthwhile. That incident, for some reason, I'll never forget. It wasn’t the luxury I expected, but it was the human connection I probably needed.
What about the spa? Worth the splurge?
Spa? Okay, full disclosure. I didn't go. I *intended* to go. I looked at the pictures online. They looked amazing: dimly lit rooms, fluffy robes, the whole shebang. But after the restaurant and the accidental orange juice bath, my trust was… shaken. I chickened out! So, I can't personally vouch for it. Based on my experiences, I'd say manage your expectations. Possibly pack your own spa kit. (Yes. I said that.)
So, is it really a "Hidden Gem?" Would you go back?
Hidden Gem? No, probably not. It's more like a "Recovering Gem." It's got potential, but it needs some serious TLC. Would I go back? *Maybe*. Bordeaux is stunning. And the bed was fantastic. And that random encounter with the woman, that will always stick with me. I wouldn't go expecting perfection. I'd go armed with low expectations, a sense of humor, and maybe a good supply of snacks. If you are ok with all of that, then yes, you *could* see it as a hidden gem. But be warned! It’s a messy one.
Any tips for surviving... or *thriving*... in this hotel?
Oh, I have tips! First, lower your expectations, deeply. Pack your own snacks. And wine. Actually, pack a whole suitcase of snacks and wine. Embrace the imperfections. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Learn a few basic French phrases, even if you're going to butcher them. Investigate the hotel's coffee machine situation the minute you arrive (it's a serious decision). Most importantly, be open to the unexpected. You might end up with a story, and maybe even a new friend, and that's what makes travel, and life, interesting.
