LA SALAMANDRE

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about La Salamandre? The building itself – it’s this gorgeous 18th-century mansion tucked right into the heart of Bastide, and honestly, I almost walked past it because it blends so seamlessly with the neighborhood’s historic architecture. The entrance is understated in that perfectly French way, no flashy signage screaming “hotel here!” Just a subtle brass plaque and wooden doors that make you feel like you’re entering someone’s elegant private home. Which, I mean, is probably exactly what this place used to be centuries ago.

The location is absolutely brilliant if you actually want to experience Bordeaux like a local rather than just hitting the obvious tourist spots. Rue du Général du Cheyron is this quiet residential street where you’ll hear more French conversations than English, and it’s literally a five-minute walk to the Saturday market at Marché des Capucins – trust me, go early for the best oysters. The staff here genuinely knows the neighborhood; when I mentioned wanting good wine that wasn’t touristy, the front desk guy (I think his name was Antoine?) sent me to this tiny cave à vin three blocks away where the owner’s family has been making wine since the 1800s. You won’t find that place on TripAdvisor.

What really sets La Salamandre apart is how they’ve renovated the interior without destroying its soul. The rooms have these incredible high ceilings with original moldings, but the bathrooms are completely modern with rainfall showers that actually have decent water pressure – something you can’t take for granted in historic French hotels, believe me. The breakfast room overlooks a small courtyard garden where you can actually hear birds in the morning instead of traffic, which feels like a minor miracle when you’re in the center of a city. Speaking of breakfast, they do this thing with local pastries from a bakery nearby rather than the usual hotel croissants, and their coffee is surprisingly good for France (I say this as someone who spent way too much time in Italian cafés). The only tiny complaint I’d have is that the walls are a bit thin – not terrible, but you might hear your neighbors if they’re having animated conversations late at night. Then again, the neighborhood is pretty quiet after 10 PM anyway, so it’s rarely an issue. Honestly, with a 9.3 rating, this place has figured out how to be genuinely boutique without being precious about it, which is harder to pull off than you’d think.

To book a hotel in Bordeaux during the wine harvest season, visitors should make reservations well in advance as the city attracts wine enthusiasts from around the world.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $171. Three-Bedroom Villa with 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Excellent for the whole family – Laura-lee from France – 29 October 2024 (10/10)

  The location was perfect, safe, close to the action across the bridge. The unit was spacious and well equipped and so clean!
  Would have liked to sit on the back patio but it rained. There was plenty of bedding and towels. Wifi and tv worked. The large dining table was great for the family. Bathroom was large as well. Great place to come back to rest and relax after a long day walking. Christine was a great host and gave excellent sight seeing information too.
  We all felt lucky to have found this place.
  
  What could be improved: We truly liked everything about the place.

• Exceptional – David from Canada – 7 October 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing apartment within walking distance or a quick tram ride to the heart of Bordeaux. Christine the host was terrific…allowed us to drop off luggage ahead of check-in time, and gave us great local information. The apartment was well stocked with breakfast items and coffee. One of the best apartments we've ever rented.

• We enjoyed our stay and would definitely return. – Gutierrez from United States – 21 September 2024 (8/10)

  The location is excellent, just cross the bridge to be in old town Bordeaux. The host is very nice and responsive. It is clean and the kitchen has everything we needed. It was a nice gesture to provide milk, coffee and pastries for breakfast. It was easy to get in with the code provided to us, and get the key. The parking was large enough to fit a 7 passenger van, which was great because I was concerned about the parking with such a large vehicle.
  
  What could be improved: The parking is located a couple blocks away from the property. It is difficult to find if you are arriving at night. However, we were able to park on the street when we arrived at night and figure out the parking in the morning. The bathroom layout is strange, having to walk through the toilet to access the sink with the shower at the end, but it's probably because the building is old.

• Superb – Jörg from Germany – 16 July 2025 (9/10)

  Eine sehr freundliche Besitzerin, die uns auch Tips für unseren Aufenthalt gegeben hat. Es waren zahlreiche Snacks für uns vorbereitet, die Unterkunft ist insgesamt stimmig. Die Zimmer sind mit Klimaanlagen ausgestattet, was uns in der Hitze sehr geholfen hat. Die Nähe zum historischen Zentrum der Stadt ist fußläufig zu erreichen, Restaurants, Bars und Einkaufsmöglichkeiten in der Nähe vorhanden. Das alte Haus hat Charme!
  
  What could be improved: Einige Ausstattungsgegenstände und Räume, wie Küche und Bad wirken etwas in die Jahre gekommen. Dort könnten durchaus Veränderungen vorgenommen werden. Alles aber dennoch vollkommen ok!

• Magnifique – Marie-laure from France – 9 May 2025 (9/10)

  L'accueil, l'aménagement de la maison, la déco ; tout était parfait.
  
  What could be improved: Rien

• Estancia excelente y cómoda en Burdeos – Marta from Spain – 17 January 2025 (10/10)

  Las explicaciones de la anfitriona y el detalle del desayuno.
  
  Comodidad en llegar al centro andando.

• Exceptional – Sandrine from France – 2 December 2024 (10/10)

  La maison est très agréable et super bien équipée. Christine est très chaleureuse et partage avec enthousiasme l’amour de sa ville! Très chouette séjour.

• Exceptional – Michele from Italy – 3 September 2024 (10/10)

  Semplicemente perfetto

• Una estancia preciosa en Burdeos para pasar unos días en familia – Ana from Spain – 14 August 2024 (10/10)

  Esta casa está muy bien situada a 10 minutos andando del centro histórico de Burdeos. La decoración es muy bonita, con todo lo necesario para cocinar, con una terraza muy agradable y 3 habitaciones cómodas para 6 personas. Nosotros fuimos con nuestros 3 hijos y nos encantó la experiencia. Además Christine te da la posibilidad de aparcar cerca de la casa por un precio razonable. Nos dejó cosas para desayunar. Le damos un 10!
  
  What could be improved: Nada. Superó nuestras expectativas.

• Burdeos en familia – Rosa from Spain – 27 June 2024 (10/10)

  Todo es una casa acogedora muy limpia, con todo tipo de utensilios para cocinar, así como cafetera horno micro, además la anfitriona nos dejó bebidas, yogures pan galletas cafés o sea de todo para desayunar
  Nos vino a recibir nos indico donde estaba todo, super amable y cordial,
  Lo valoraría con un 20
  
  What could be improved: No había nada que decir

SURROUNDINGS