Gabylou

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first walked up to Gabylou on Rue de la Porte Basse, I wasn’t sure what to expect – the street’s pretty narrow and you might actually walk right past it if you’re not paying attention. But that’s sort of the charm of staying in Bordeaux’s old center, you know? You’re literally in the thick of things here. I mean, you step outside and you’re already surrounded by those gorgeous 18th-century stone buildings that make this city so damn photogenic. The hotel itself sits in what feels like a perfectly preserved pocket of old Bordeaux, and honestly, the location alone justifies booking this place. You can walk to Place de la Bourse in maybe eight minutes – I timed it because I’m weird like that – and the tram stops are close enough that you’ll never feel stuck.

What really surprised me about Gabylou was how they managed to make a 3-star place feel so much more thoughtful than it needed to be. The rooms aren’t huge (this is France, after all), but there’s something about the way they’ve done the interiors that just works. Clean lines, decent lighting, and – thank god – actually comfortable beds. I’ve stayed in plenty of boutique places that look great in photos but leave you with a sore back, so this was refreshing. The staff genuinely seemed to know their stuff too, especially about restaurant recommendations. They steered me toward this little wine bar on Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges that I never would’ve found otherwise, and it ended up being one of those perfect Bordeaux evenings where you lose track of time over natural wines and cheese plates.

You know what I appreciated most, though? The whole experience felt effortless in a way that’s surprisingly rare. Check-in was smooth, the neighborhood stays lively but not obnoxious late at night, and you wake up to the sounds of the city actually starting its day – market vendors setting up, café owners hosing down sidewalks, that kind of thing. If you’re someone who needs to be in the absolute center of everything without paying Saint-Émilion château prices, this is honestly your spot. The 8.9 rating makes total sense when you factor in that you’re getting solid comfort, genuine local flavor, and a base camp for exploring one of France’s most underrated food and wine cities. Just don’t expect a rooftop pool or anything flashy – Gabylou’s strength is being exactly what Bordeaux does best: unpretentious, well-executed, and somehow better than you expected.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $126. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• We had a very lovely stay in Bordeaux. – Colin from United Kingdom – 14 July 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is located in a very central and easy to get to location, being very close to two tram stops. It was very easy to get the keys from the drop-down box on instructions sent. The area is full of bars, restaurants etc. Plus all the main shopping streets are very walkable. Also all the historical buildings are close by and walkable or you can use the tram system to get around the city

• Enjoyable stay – Stacey from Australia – 16 May 2025 (10/10)

  The accommodations location, decor & comfort were a perfect combination
  We left wishing we had more time to soak it all in.

• Central location. – Janice from Australia – 9 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good size mini apartment.

• Exceptional – Nicholas from United Kingdom – 4 May 2025 (10/10)

  Brilliant location

• Perfect, central and quiet. – Janette from Australia – 30 April 2025 (10/10)

  Everything. It is in a very cool central area with lots to see and do centrally. You can walk everywhere or tram … we even walked to the station. In a quiet street but so close to all the fun places.
  It has all the facilities you need. Comfy bed. Great bathroom.
  Warm and can open window for fresh air.
  
  What could be improved: Look at the size of the apartment… so you don’t expect it to be huge but it is really well set out so it feels spacious and it was plenty of room for us.

• 10/10 – Crowe from United Kingdom – 6 April 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely property, very central and accessible. 10/10

• Perfect for a weekend-trip – Thea from Switzerland – 28 March 2025 (10/10)

  It’s everything you need for a city trip to Bordeaux. the host is very responsive and accommodating; you know exactly how to check in and there are even some recommendations how to get best to the apartment and what to see/eat.

• Exceptional – Mariya from Switzerland – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  It was super nice and warm property

• I’d stay there again – Viacheslav from Portugal – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Nice location, clean, accessible, quiet
  
  What could be improved: No view from the window (as shown on the property photos)

• Very good – Rebeka from France – 31 January 2025 (8/10)

  Great location. Warm and cosy spot for a short stay in Bordeaux

SURROUNDINGS