Hotel La Zoologie & Spa Bordeaux

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Hotel La Zoologie & Spa on Cours de la Marne – the name alone had me wondering what I was getting into. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come from places that sound a bit quirky on paper. This 4-star spot sits right in the Bastide district, which means you’re actually on the right bank of the Garonne looking back at Bordeaux’s stunning stone facades across the water. Most tourists stick to the left bank, but being over here gives you this incredible perspective of the city that feels almost secretive.

The animal theme isn’t cheesy like you might imagine – it’s actually pretty sophisticated, with subtle wildlife motifs woven throughout the design rather than cartoon zebras everywhere (thank god). What really got me was the spa; I mean, after walking around Bordeaux’s cobblestones all day in less-than-comfortable shoes, those treatment rooms felt like a small miracle. The staff there actually knows what they’re doing too, not just going through the motions. The rooms themselves are solid – nothing revolutionary, but the beds are properly comfortable and the bathrooms have that rainfall shower situation that makes you want to stay in longer than you should. I stayed on the third floor and could catch glimpses of the Pont de Pierre in the distance, which was especially gorgeous during that golden hour before sunset.

Location-wise, you’re about a 15-minute walk to Place de la Bourse if you take the Pont de Pierre (which you absolutely should for the views), or there’s the tram right nearby if your feet are protesting. The Bastide area itself has been really developing over the past few years – there are some excellent wine bars within a few blocks that don’t feel touristy at all, and honestly, the breakfast croissants at the little bakery on Rue de la Benauge are better than what you’ll get at most hotels anyway. Parking can be a bit of a headache during the day, but the hotel sorted that out for us without much drama. The front desk staff switches between French and English pretty seamlessly, and they actually had useful recommendations beyond the obvious tourist spots – sent us to this incredible little bistro that I never would have found otherwise. With an 8.8 rating, you’re getting exactly what you’d expect: not groundbreaking, but reliably good with enough character to make it memorable. It’s the kind of place where everything just works without any unpleasant surprises, which is honestly all I really want when I’m trying to enjoy Bordeaux’s wine and architecture without worrying about my accommodation.

Rooms

• Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Standard Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Comfort Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Suite with Terrace with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Liam from Ireland (9/10)

  Really nice hotel. Decoration was beautiful. Rooms are very funky and different! Really enjoyed it. We had lunch in the Italian downstairs and it was amazing!

• Nicolas from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Friendly staff, lovely stylish hotel, good bar and restaurant with excellent food. Handy underground parking if you are travelling by car. Bikes to rent and close to the city centre and river.

• Fintan from Ireland (9/10)

  Beautifully renovated old building. Fabulous features. Excellent breakfast

• Rudi from Belgium (8/10)

  Nice integration of restored old part and new construction

• Cook from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The bar was great

• Julia from United Kingdom (9/10)

  We had a fabulous stay in this quirky hotel. Staff were very friendly and so helpful with any needs we had. Room was lovely and we upgraded to a room with a balcony.
  10mins walk to a tram stop and 20 mins to the main shopping street.

• Maureen from United Kingdom (9/10)

  What a wonderful building and beautifully restored. It was a pleasure to stay here.
  The staff were so helpful. Breakfast was delicious. Location was ok for me, being near the train station. Buses outside the hotel and trams nearby take you to the centre.

• Tom from Portugal (8/10)

  Wonderful building and super cool design. The have a good restaurant and the bar serves fantastic cocktails. Staff is super nice and helpful.

• Heather from United States (8/10)

  The building was very cool.
  Enjoyed the spa

• Marianne from United States (8/10)

  Loved the style, the interior the rooms. Quirky but fun and comfortable. Easy walk into the old part of town. The incheck desk ladies were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities