I am going to be in Bordeaux between October 18 to 22, 2005, and will have a car.
My main focus is to tour the vineyards and do wine tasting. I have arranged tours with: Latour, Margaux, Pichon Baron, Lynch Bages, Haut brion, and Lascombe.

What are some good hotels in that area for a reasonable budget? Would like to stay under $200 a night.

If I stay in Bordeaux would parking be an issue?

I usually stay in either the Etche-Ona or the Bayonne in Bordeaux. Both are owned by the Parinaud family; both are 3***. The Etche-Ona is very Basque in décor; the Bayonne sleek and modern. Both are within a block of the rue Ste-Cathérine pedestrian shopping area, which is teeming with cafés and restaurants and shops. There's a large car park under the cours de l'intendance, opposite the Comédie that's just a three-minute walk to both hotels.

Since you have reservations to tour many wineries, why don't you think about staying in Pauillac..in the center of all the very top places. I stayed there several years back and had the good fortune to tour LaFitte-othschild, LaTour and Margaux while staying at Ch. Cordeillan Bages in Pauillac. They are part of Relais & Chateaux...check out their rates..I'm sure you will enjoy being in that area.

Hi C,

Since you will be visiting the vineyards, wouldn't you be happier staying out in the country rather than in the city?

Any suggestions to websites where I can make the reservations?
Does Etch-Ona have a website???

I don't really need to stay within bordeaux city...As I will have a car, and primary focus is the vineyards....The countryside works too.

Any other recommendations?

Check out tripadvisor.com.It will give you all the information tht you need.I agree that it wil be nice to stay outside of the city.My spelling will be off on these places but chateau Larensac,CordellianBages,Hauterive,St.James Hotel, Relais de Margaux, Les Caudiales(spelling).Even the top places for a standard room are about 200E.Check out tripadvsor where you can see pictures and get rates of all the hotels and chateaus in the area.Also check out JP Moser.com.To make a reservation google froggy.com and ask for Lionel.tell him Cindy rec, you.He is French and will be very helpful.I am going there this week and will post a restaurant and trip report.There are so many chateaus and nice inns to stay in that are not that expensive.Be sure to do a search on this forum as there is some good advice.If you need a phone check out mobal.com as they have the best rates.Have fun and it sounds like you have some nice chateau appointments.
cindy