Rugby World Cup: Bordeaux Hotels
Hotel Accommodation in Bordeaux where Ireland and Australia Play
Australia and Ireland play matches in Bordeaux in the Rugby World Cup 2007, and France's big wine city hotels ranges from 5-star luxury to cheap budget accommodation
Not many people know that the Irish are good wine-makers. Not in their own country whose climate doesn't do much for grape-growing, but when the Irish first emigrated around the world many of them ended up in Bordeaux. Known as The Winegeese, they founded vineyards and have long been a part of the Bordeaux wine business. So it's the perfect place for the Irish rugby team to be based, but with Australia, Canada, Georgia, Namibia and Japan all playing there too, there will be a big demand for hotel rooms. Look around now, whether your budget is for a cheap hotel or the best deluxe accommodation – or maybe you want to stay on a vineyard?
*
Les Sources de Caudalie, Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, Bordeaux-Martillac
Wine lovers and their partners will be in heaven if staying in the 4-star spa resort right on the Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, one of the most exclusive wine labels in the world. It's outside Bordeaux but if you prefer peace and fine wines to being in the middle of the rugby action, you won't mind that. There are 49 luxury rooms and suites, one even being on its own island. Guests can enjoy some vinotherapy pampering, an outdoor pool and a jacuzzi, with two restaurants and a 16,000-bottle wine cellar.
*
Mercure Mondiale, 18 parvis des Chartrons
Conventional mid-range Mercure in the modern Cité Mondiale, just a stroll from the city centre. There are 96 rooms and wonderful views of Bordeaux from the rooftop breakfast terrace.
*
La Maison Bordeaux, 113 rue Albert Barraud
The chic style of this boutique (but not expensive) hotel tells you that the owner is a designer. The family also owns vineyards so can arrange private visits to their chateau and wine cellars too, for guests who are interested. It's just north of the city centre, with all rooms overlooking the courtyard garden and having free internet access.
*
Hotel Notre-Dame, 36-38 rue Notre-Dame
Right in the historic Chartrons district, filled with the elegant mansions of the old Bordeaux wine dealers. Several of these are now hotels, and the streets are lined with antique shops. A short walk into the city centre, the hotel has 21 rooms and is only a 2-star rating but it's clean and has all that you need from a room, and the 19th-century mansion makes for a terrific base.
*
Hotel de la Tour Intendance, 14 rue de la Vieille Tour
On a traffic-free street close to place Gambetta this slightly quirky place has great charm and character. There are two buildings, a few yards apart. The main hotel building has fairly plain but comfortable rooms, while the annexe has more stylish decoration but the rooms are smaller – and there's no lift. A very good budget choice.
*
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
