We're looking for an apartment (preferably) or a hotel for a 15 night stay in Bordeaux in October.

We'll be attending the Bordeaux Language School located just near the Public Gardens/ Place Tourny.

If anyone can recommend private apartments in that area (also near Marche des Grands Hommes, Place de la Comedie, Esplanade des Quinconces) I'd be very grateful.

If we can't find a suitable apartment we'd also consider a moderately priced hotel in the same area.

Many thanks for any advice.

ttt
Would really appreciate any tips...

Hi K,

StCirq was kind enough to share this with me:

"We like the Hôtel Etche-Ona [75 ? 100E] (http://www.bordeaux-hotel.com/uk/) and its sister hotel, the Bayonne. Both are owned by the Parinaud family, and both are three stars, but they are vastly different - the Etche-Ona is very old-Basque in style, with massive carved furniture, whereas the Bayonne is starkly modern. Both are within a stone's throw of the Place de la Comédie and the pedestrian area."

Many thanks Ira.

I looked up the two hotels and can only find a joint website which suggests they have been merged. It looks as though they are now part of a Golden Tulip chain and am curious if anyone has any recent experience that supports StCirqs recommendation which I think might be from a year or two back. I'm hoping they are still as comfortable and well run as they were when she stayed.

Going once, twice, thrice...

Last attempt for any further input.

Kavey, we stayed at the Hotel Majestic while attending language school in Bordeaux two summers ago. It was nothing fancy, but it had a good location, was clean and the proprietors were very pleasant.

I recently stayed at the Hotel Majestic in Bordeaux. Good location, quiet, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. The furnishings are comfortable. Try to stay on the Rue de Conde side rather than the Grand Theatre side as the rooms are quieter.

Thanks, that's very helpeful!
Much appreciated!

Bayonne Etche-Ona doesn't have availability for the period we're interested in so that's out...

Which room types did you both stay in at the Majestic?
I'm looking at either a superior room or possibly the apartment.

This past February, I stayed at Citadines aparthotel, right on the east end of Esplandade Ch. de Gaulle,2 minutes walk to Tram Stop,10 minutes walk to Marche des G.H.,6-7 minutes to the Cathedral.

The aparthotel is functional and clean,but nothing fancy. Please check:www.citadines.com, I got a very good deal from www.laterooms.com.

Thanks Judy
I did look into that - but we'd really rather be within a few minutes walking distance as I have hip problems which can sometimes be a hindrance to mobility.
The majestic has an apartment which might be just the ticket. It's not huge but it does have a kitchenette and living area and it's up in the roof so noise from the street shouldn't be an issue.
I'm on the verge of booking it. It's 120 E a night including a continental breakfast.
Our other option is one of the larger rooms at the 4 soeurs hotel - a room with two double beds is 85 E and they are including breakfast. It's a significant saving but no kitchenette and I think over a long duration (2 weeks) we may really benefit from having that.

The Majestic has a private garage available, at a supplement, which is still a cheaper and more secure option than the public car park that we would have to use if staying at the 4 soeurs.

Given my preference for an apartment with kitchenette facilities and a living area I went ahead and confirmed the Majestic booking and let the 4 soeurs know we would not be staying with them this time.

Thanks for the help folks. I'll report back on our return.

I think you'll enjoy the Majestic as your home for 2 weeks, though the continental breakfast will be boring. But, unless you are vegetarians or vegans, do try the L'entracote restaurant which I believe is next to the 4 soeurs hotel. All they have is steak, salad, frites and house wine. Outstanding looking ice cream desserts, but not really worth the 6 euros they charge. The line goes up the stairs and out the door every night and they are open on Sundays.

Thanks Gail, I'll make a note of it. Other restaurant recommendations also welcome. I'll be searching on the forum for past recommendations too.

We're signed up for the basic course which means we have many free afternoons. I'll make a separate post but am interested in any advice about excursions suitable for half days plus for the weekends.

We'll have our own car with us.

I'm enjoying this thread too. I will hopefully be in Bordeaux the first of December for 4 nights. I'm looking at a day trip to St Emilion.

Kavey, I hope you post a trip report so I can read about your restaurant experiences.

Indytravel, do get to St. Emilion. What a charming medieval town! While there, I'd recommend a wine tour or two. We enjoyed a small winery, Chateau Magdeleine. Upon my return, I was surprised to see their bottle displayed on an upscale cruise [on the travel channel], as an example of their quality of wines. It doesn't produce a large volume, which makes that even more significant. The area around there is pretty. While there, we also headed to the coast, about an hour's drive from St. Emilion.

Will do Indy!

Thanks LoisL for the Magdeleine recommendation. I've made a note.

Thanks too Kavey. With 4 nights in Bordeaux it will be nice to have a couple of "no-brainer" meal decisions.

Indytravel, The wineries very often require reservations for tours, especially for an English speaking one. Magdeleine does have English ones, but we also did have a reservation. Don't know how it will work out if you just show up. The hotel we stayed at in that area [Chateau Barrail] strongly recommended reservations for wine tastings, saying that they are usually required.

Restaurants in Bordeaux that my husband and I enjoy: La Tupina, L'Entrecote. Bars: Milos, Dick Turpin. Chocolate shops: Saunion. Cheese: Jean D'Alos

If you are in St. Emilion, we recommend L'Envers du Decor.