Hôtel 56 – Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean

Hotel Description

So I stumbled upon Hôtel 56 while rushing to catch a train from Gare Saint Jean, and honestly? I’m kind of mad I hadn’t discovered it sooner. The thing sits right on Quai de Paludate – which, if you know Bordeaux at all, means you’re literally a two-minute walk from the main train station but somehow still tucked away from all that chaos. It’s one of those spots where you feel like you’re in on a secret.

The building itself has this understated elegance that screams “we don’t need to try too hard” – you know what I mean? Four stars that actually feel earned, not just slapped on for marketing. Walking in, there’s this immediate sense that someone put real thought into the details. The lobby doesn’t assault you with generic hotel smell (thank god), and the staff… well, they actually seem to know the neighborhood. I asked about grabbing coffee before my 7 AM train, and the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward the overpriced hotel café – he told me about this little place around the corner that opens at 6:30 and makes proper espresso.

What really got me was how quiet it stays despite being so close to the station. I mean, you’d expect constant train noise, right? But my room faced the quai, and all I could hear was the occasional gentle hum of the tram – sort of soothing, actually. The rooms themselves feel thoughtfully designed rather than cookie-cutter corporate. Good lighting (finally, a hotel that understands you might want to read something), decent wifi that doesn’t cut out every five minutes, and – this is key – proper blackout curtains for those early morning departures. The bathroom was surprisingly spacious too, with one of those rainfall showers that actually has decent water pressure.

Here’s the thing about the location that most people don’t realize until they’re there – you’re not just convenient to the train station, you’re perfectly positioned to explore Bordeaux on foot. Cross Pont de Pierre and you’re in the heart of the old city in fifteen minutes. Head south along the river and you hit some of the best wine bars in the city (ask for directions to Bar à Vin – locals will know). The whole Bastide area is having this quiet renaissance too, so you’re staying somewhere that feels authentic rather than touristy.

The 8.9 rating makes total sense once you’ve been there. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in town, but everything works exactly as it should. Check-in was smooth, the elevators are quick, and they’ve got this nice touch where they leave local recommendations in your room – not the usual tourist traps, but actual places where Bordelais go. I ended up at this incredible little bistro because of their suggestion, somewhere I never would have found otherwise. That’s the kind of detail that turns a decent stay into something memorable, you know?

Visitors often choose Bordeaux’s apartments over traditional hotels because they provide more space, kitchen facilities, and the opportunity to live like a local in this magnificent wine capital.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $145. Classic Room with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $151. Classic Garonne Room with Balcony with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $170. Superior Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $177. Superior Room Garonne view with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $189. Deluxe Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $202. Prestige Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $274. Family Room with 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $280. Family Room Garonne view with 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Tracey from United Kingdom – 23 July 2025 (10/10)

  Everything apart from location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Very clean and modern. We were able to check in at 12:30 pm – Andrew from United Kingdom – 19 July 2025 (10/10)

  Very modern and clean
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Would recommend & definitely stay again. – Susanne from United Kingdom – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful new hotel. Lovely decor & attention to detail. Immaculate throughout.
  
  What could be improved: Slightly out of the way but not too far to walk.

• Excellent place to stay – Claudia from United Kingdom – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  This hotel excelled our expectations.
  The staff were brilliant – so helpful and accommodating and spoke excellent English.
  The room was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The excellent breakfast was taken in the dining room on the 6th floor with views overlooking the river.
  The hotel is about a 20 minute walk – or shorter bus ride – into the old town – which is delightful.
  We would definitely recommend this hotel for a stay in Bordeaux – especially if you are happy to walk everywhere.
  
  What could be improved: Although the hotel had access to a secure car park, it did seem expensive at €25 for 1 night.

• Good price, location, and nice view of the museum. – Jon from United States – 14 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great price, location was moderately good. It wasn’t too far from everywhere I needed to be. Great views
  
  What could be improved: Location seemed shady with lots of graffiti at first but it was fine for us.

• Perfect for work stopover – Karin from France – 13 June 2025 (10/10)

  Brand new, modern, very clean and convenient to Bordeaux station.

• Exceptional – James from France – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Awesome spot with a view of the river!

• Very well appointed rooms, roof top amenities and very helpful staff make an excellent stay. – Robert from Australia – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  Our greeting was a very welcoming and helpful as a starting point and the room and appointments were excellent. Wonderful bed and the room also included lounge chairs for reading and relaxing. One of the best appointed rooms I have stayed in for quite some time. The roof top bar and restaurant were a great bonus. The breakfast was also perfect to start the day.
  
  What could be improved: Some people may find it a little too far from the old centre and in an area undergoing transition but it still offers a great base to explore. The restaurant meal despite the excellent service was incredibly disappointing and we did not return.

• Superb – Alina from Belgium – 2 June 2025 (9/10)

  The hotel is pretty new and the staff are really nice. It is well equipped and it has a very nice rooftop.
  
  What could be improved: The location was ok in the sense that it is close to the train station and there is a nice view from the top but otherwise a bit far from the city centre.

• Excellent hotel – Simon from France – 26 May 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent service and good hotel 3 Kms from the center of town
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, all good

SURROUNDINGS