Claudia

My husband and I will be flying to Bordeaux at the end of May. We've got 2 nights on our own before meeting up with family in Margaux.
We'd like a quiet, place, not a chain hotel, accessible to the Bordeaux airport or train station because we may not have a car. A 3 or 4 star would be preferable, with a lot of character or uniqueness. Any advice on areas like Arcachon, or Bordeaux outskirts???

Merci....

Randall Smith

Bonjour,

My wife and I have stayed at the Hotelerie de Plaisanse in St Emelion. It is a beautiful place in an enchanted wine town perched on a hill. It also has a wonderful restaurant. They provide private parking on the hotel grounds which is a plus for St. Emelion. If I recall it's about a 45 min drive to Bordeaux, and the highway is fine.

Randall Smith

Barb

I second the Hotel Plaisance in St Emilion. It is a beautiful midieval city with wonderful wines. The hotel has wonderful dinners as well although you must reserve in advance. I think it is about 30 min from Bordeaux and you can probably take the train if you want to avoid renting a car. You won't need a car for the town, although you might want one for exploring the local wineries. The road from Bordeaux to St. Emilion are quite nice and not a problem to negotiate.

wendy

Go with Randall and Barb's suggestions...both are fabulous.

Carol

Claudia, if you go to St. Emilion, do not miss the little wine train tour thru the vineyards!

Ellen

We'll be there in May. Are staying at Chateau Cordeillan-Bages in Pauillac for three nights, then Hostellerie de Plaisance in St. Emilion for two nights. Both places have been highly recommended to us. Enjoy your trip!

Mike

Any feedback on Saint-James? Is it just an architectural/gastronomic gimmick, or something extraordinary? I think it looks fantastic!

Claudia

Thanks so much for your responses. Sounds like Plaissance is the place!

Marilyn

Hi Claudia and Ellen and everyone,

We stayed at the Chateau Cordeillan-Bages in May 1998 and it was fabulous! The management arranged private tours to many of wineries including Latour. My husband and I had a private guide to several of them.
It is one our favorites of the Relais and Chateaux group. They are so nice and the food is excellent. You will love it.

Lori

We also stayed at Cordellian-Bages in Pauillac. Wonderful place and a great restaurant. People were super nice and arranged all chateaux visits, etc. Great wine list--of course, that's to be expected!