Novotel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Novotel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean? It’s one of those rare hotels that actually gets the balance right between being convenient and not feeling like you’re sleeping in a transit hub. I mean, it’s literally a five-minute walk from the main train station – which honestly saved my life when I had those heavy bags and was running late for my TGV to Paris – but once you’re inside, the noise from Rue Tauzia pretty much disappears.

The thing about this part of Bordeaux is that it’s sort of having this renaissance moment. The Bastide district across the river used to be pretty sleepy, but now there’s all this development happening, and you’re actually perfectly positioned to explore both sides of the city. From the hotel, you can walk along the Garonne – there’s this great path that runs right by the water – and honestly, the views back toward the old city center are probably better than what most people get staying in the touristy areas. Plus, you’ll save yourself about 50 euros a night compared to those places near Place de la Bourse. The tram line runs right there on Cours de la Marne, so getting to the wine museum or doing the whole UNESCO heritage tour thing is actually easier than you’d think.

What I really appreciated was how the staff seemed to know their stuff about the city. The woman at reception – I think her name was Marie – gave me these spot-on recommendations for wine bars in the Chartrons district that I never would have found otherwise. The rooms themselves are pretty much what you’d expect from a 4-star Novotel – clean, modern, decent shower pressure (which matters more than people admit). The beds are actually comfortable, not just hotel-comfortable, and the blackout curtains work properly. Small thing, but the USB ports by the bed are positioned where you can actually reach them without doing gymnastics. I stayed on the sixth floor and could see clear across to the Pont de Pierre, which was pretty nice in the morning with coffee from their machine – it’s not amazing coffee, but it’s not terrible either.

The breakfast situation is solid without being fancy. Fresh croissants, decent selection of local cheeses, and they had this honey that was apparently from somewhere in the Médoc region. Parking was straightforward too – there’s an underground garage that connects directly to the hotel, which meant I didn’t have to deal with street parking or worry about my rental car. Check-in was quick even though I arrived during what seemed like rush hour for business travelers. The lobby gets busy around 6 PM with people heading out for dinner, but it’s got this relaxed energy rather than feeling chaotic. For the price point and location, especially if you’re using Bordeaux as a base for exploring the wine regions or just need easy train access, it really delivers on what it promises without any nasty surprises.

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

• Classic Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Privilege King Room with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Room with One Double Bed and Sofa with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 3 children
• Standard Double Room with One Double Bed and Sofa with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 2 children

Reviews

• Mayamy from Switzerland (9/10)

  The very thoughtful staff, their kindness, cheerfulness and professionalism. The original and quirky decoration style of the hall.

• Antoni from United Kingdom (8/10)

  It was a comfortable room with a very nice breakfast, but the location was the best feature, with a tram stop just outside.

• Tom from United Kingdom (8/10)

  We were upgraded to a suite by the kind staff as we were celebrating twenty years of marriage. Bordeaux is brilliant and the hotel is well situated.

• Jeff from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Breakfast was excellent

• Rodney from Canada (8/10)

  The location is excellent. Only one tram stop away from train station. Large rooms with balcony. Restaurant was good.

• Flavio from Netherlands (8/10)

  The staff at the reception was very friendly and helpful

• Susan from United Kingdom (9/10)

  We were upgraded to a great room

• Bill from Australia (9/10)

  Excellent breakfast

• Frank from United Kingdom (7/10)

  Location was good for nearness to the City Tram network.

• Esko from Finland (7/10)

  Good location, fairly good breakfast although there were no vegetables.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities