Grand Hotel Francais – ex Best Western

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Grand Hotel Français? The fact that it’s shed its Best Western branding but kept all the good stuff – and honestly, that’s worked out pretty well. I mean, you’re right there on rue du Temple in the heart of Bordeaux’s old quarter, which sounds fancy until you realize it’s actually this wonderfully lived-in neighborhood where you’ll hear locals chatting on their balconies in the morning and smell fresh bread from the boulangerie around the corner.

The building itself has that classic French hotel feel – I’m talking about the kind of place where the lobby actually feels like a lobby, not some sterile corporate space. Three stars might sound modest, but here’s the thing about French hotel ratings: they’re honest. The rooms are clean and comfortable (though if you’re tall, well, the ceilings in some of the older rooms might remind you this building has history), and the staff genuinely seems to care about helping you figure out the city. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – rue du Temple isn’t one of those streets that turns into a party zone, so you can actually sleep with the windows open when the weather’s nice.

Location-wise, you’re maybe a seven-minute walk to Place de la Bourse, which means you can easily hit the water mirror for those Instagram shots without dealing with hotel prices right on the waterfront. The tram stops are close enough that you don’t need to think twice about heading out to the wine regions for day trips – though honestly, half the fun of staying here is just wandering the narrow streets around the hotel. There’s this little wine bar called Le Petit Commerce just a few blocks away that locals actually go to, and the morning market at Marché des Capucins is walkable if you don’t mind a bit of a stroll. Parking can be… well, it’s city center parking in France, so manage your expectations, but there are public garages nearby if you’re driving. The 8.6 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Bordeaux, but it gets the fundamentals right and puts you exactly where you want to be to actually experience the city instead of just passing through it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $168. Comfort Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $169. Ground Floor Double Room with Disability Access with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $204. Superior Double Room with Balcony with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $216. Deluxe Queen Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $240. Deluxe Queen Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• We had a great time at the Grand Hotel Français – Helen from United Kingdom – 23 July 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful building, very central, very helpful staff
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Hotel with character and helpful staff – Emma from United Kingdom – 21 July 2025 (8/10)

  Breakfast gave lots of choice
  
  What could be improved: Slightly larger room. Altho thd balcony made up for that

• Definitely will recommend for all travelers – Ceylan from Turkey – 20 July 2025 (10/10)

  Location is great, you are in the middle of everything and walking distance to everywhere
  Breakfast is great with all choices..
  Staff is very friendly and helpful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Bette from United States – 15 July 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location and a spacious room! Nice to spread out after a cruise and their small spaces.

• Nice location and wonderful staff – Robert from Canada – 14 July 2025 (9/10)

  Very pleasant and helpful staff. Bar was very nice as well.
  
  What could be improved: No complaints

• Lovely traditional decor and friendly staff. Very central location and ideal for exploring Bordeaux – Claire from United Kingdom – 3 July 2025 (8/10)

  Bedrooms very clean and comfortable. And the staff were very friendly and efficient. Excellent breakfasts too
  
  What could be improved: Rooms were quite small in some cases and looked out on to the lightwell so were a little dark.

• Exceptional – Elizabeth from Australia – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location in old town. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.

• Extremely happy with our experience at this hotel. – Howard from United States – 18 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location with wonderful and pleasant staff.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Exceptional – Jagdish from India – 21 May 2025 (10/10)

  The reception staff was very helpful and courteous

• Great overall. – Nabeel from United States – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  In the middle of downtown area. Staff at the desk was amazing and very helpful. Clean and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Small rooms and getting into the hotel area with the car a little difficult but desk staff were helpful in resolving the issue.

SURROUNDINGS