Cardinal
Luxury residential boutique — low-key, intimate, no rowdy restaurant. More private house than hotel.
Ask for an upgrade when booking the Escapade package — the hotel notes it's subject to availability but often comes through
Why It Matters
One of the smallest and most design-forward addresses in Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed historic centre. The only hotel of its kind this close to both the cathedral and city hall. Wine cellar curated with wine trader Duclot (400 bottles including grand cru classé), and pastries by Pierre Mathieu — a former Mandarin Oriental chef who trained under 2-Michelin-star Thierry Marx.
Ten individually designed suites behind the understated facade of an 18th-century mansion, right across from the Bordeaux city hall and steps from the cathedral. Built around a central courtyard, this is a place that genuinely feels residential — think curated bookshelves, original art, and Clarins products, not a lobby bar and a buffet. Each suite has its own name, colour palette, and character. Rich gem tones, velvet, brass, and marble throughout.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Suite Cardinal
The hotel's signature suite at 60m² on the top floor. Decorated in deep blue, it opens onto a private south-facing patio — the only suite with a dedicated outdoor space for breakfast in the sun. Separate living room with open-plan kitchen and a large oval marble table, plus a freestanding Corian bathtub positioned to look out onto the flower-filled courtyard.
160x200 king (twin configuration available) · 60 sqm
Suite Fort du Hâ
Prestige-category suite named after the medieval fortress towers on the edge of Bordeaux's old city. Exact dimensions not published but consistent with the 38–45m² Prestige tier. Likely has separate bedroom and fully equipped kitchen.
Suite Léopard d'Or
32m² on the 2nd floor, courtyard-facing. British racing green walls in the living room, softer tones in the separate bedroom. Velvet fabrics, brass designer furniture, and subtle mother-of-pearl detailing — one of the bolder palettes in the house. Fully equipped kitchen with marble dining table.
160x200 king · 32 sqmSuite Mauriac
Named after François Mauriac, the Bordeaux-born Nobel Prize-winning author. Privilège category. Individually styled suite with the hotel's signature materials. Exact size not published.
Suite Miroir d'Eau
27m² Privilège-category suite on the 2nd floor, facing the inner courtyard. Chic contemporary style inspired by black marble, velvet, and brass. Fully equipped kitchen with a marble dining table. Shower only (no bathtub).
160x200 king · 27 sqmSuite Montaigne
Spacious 40m² suite with high ceilings and bright, cheerful light. Cream, tawny, black, and gold tones throughout. Two full bathrooms make it the best choice for families. Separate bedroom, marble dining table, fully equipped kitchen. 1st floor with elevator.
160x200 king (twin configuration available) · 40 sqmSuite Montesquieu
At 42m², this courtyard-facing ground-floor suite is the go-to for guests with reduced mobility — it's the only fully accessible suite. Cream and violet living room with velvet and marble details, separate bedroom in cream and taupe tones. Walk-in shower, sofa bed for kids. Opens onto the flower-filled courtyard.
160x200 king (twin configuration available) + sofa bed · 42 sqmSuite Palais Rohan
The smallest and most characterful suite at 24m² — an attic room with a loft-inspired design under the rooftops, opening onto a private patio with a cathedral view. Petrol blue and orange velvet, brass lamps, and walnut furniture. Note: no kitchen (mini-bar fridge and Nespresso only), and the sloped ceiling is not great if you're over 1.80m.
160x200 king · 24 sqmSuite Pont de Pierre
Signature-category suite named after Bordeaux's famous 18th-century stone bridge. Individually styled within the hotel's design language of velvet, brass, and marble. Exact size not published but consistent with the 30–35m² Signature tier range.
Suite Trois Grâces
One of three Privilège-category suites. Named after the famous fountain in Bordeaux's Place de la Bourse, exact dimensions not published but consistent with the 27–32m² Privilège tier. Individually styled with the hotel's signature velvet and marble interiors.
The Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Hotel pre-books skip-the-queue day passes to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux's spectacular wine culture museum. Includes permanent tour and belvedere access. Available as part of the Cité du Vin package offer.
Concierge team provides age-appropriate games and all necessary children's equipment for family stays. Cot, push cart, and sofa beds available.
Concierge-arranged bicycle ride with a private guide to discover lesser-known corners of the city. Bike rental is available at the hotel.
Concierge-arranged full-day private car and driver tours to famous Bordeaux châteaux, including wine tastings and lunch reservations. The team handles everything — guests just show up. Past reviewers call it the highlight of their Bordeaux trip.
Concierge-organised picnic lunch on an elegant tablecloth in a wicker basket, served among the vines. A curated Bordelaise experience for those who want something more relaxed than a formal château visit.
Access to the hotel's 400-bottle wine cellar in Le Salon, curated with négociant DUCLOT. Selection spans left-bank and right-bank Bordeaux, second wines from famous châteaux, grand cru classé, champagnes, and spirits. Can be paired with charcuterie and cheese boards.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Suite Montesquieu on the ground floor is fully adapted for guests with reduced mobility, including walk-in shower and roll-in access.
Lift access to all floors.
Air-conditioned private room for up to 12 guests. Equipped with large flat-screen TV, flipchart, conference phone, high-speed WiFi, and stationery. Available for board meetings, private dining, or events.
Available in all suites and common areas.
Available in most suites (exception: Palais Rohan attic suite). Includes dishwasher, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, Nespresso machine, kettle, dishes and utensils.
CLARINS personal care products provided in all suites, along with bathrobes and slippers.
Pets accepted on request. Charges may apply.
No swimming pool on property.
Staff speak French, English, German, and Spanish. Concierge arranges tours, transfers, restaurant bookings, and personalised experiences.
No parking available at the hotel. Nearest public car park is Parking de la Mairie.
Bike rental available for exploring the city.
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