Hotels:

The Best Western Premier (don’t let the “Best Western” name drive you away – it’s very nice and very centrally located)

The Intercontinental (sort of the “grand dame” of the city)

The lovely boutique Hotel de Seze – swoon!

Farther afield: Chateau Lamothe du Prince Noir – run by my friend Carla, a gorgeous, secluded, indulgent bed & breakfast en route to Saint-Emilion

If you have Hilton or Marriott points, just check out their websites and I know you can find those brands in Bordeaux, as well. 

There’s also a good Airbnb market in Bordeaux, which I’ve used several times, so check that out if that’s how you prefer to roll.

Lunch/dinner options in Bordeaux city center: 

La Brasserie Bordelaise (you can book a table online)

Le Bistrot du Gabriel (amazing bar, fancy restaurant – and can be booked online)

*your hotels will have more recommendations, but these are my favorites

Activities: 

Tour the famous Cité du Vin, and have a glass of wine overlooking the city (the actual museum gets pretty technical on wine – so I recommend just browsing the gift shop, getting a glass of wine at the top, and perhaps dining at the chic restaurant here)

Visit Le Bar a Vin and enjoy getting prestigious wines by the glass you can’t get anywhere else – they have small plates, cheeses, etc., so you can have a snack while you sip

Tour the Cathedral Saint-André

Cocktails at the Intercontinental Rooftop Bar

Tour or check out a concert at the beautiful Bordeaux Opera House

Fabulous shopping right in the City Center – check out this guide (I bought some of my favorite perfume ever at L’Artisan Parfumeur at the Galeries Lafayette in Bordeaux!)

Walk off your jet lag along the Garonne River promenade 

If you rented a car, drive for lunch and a walk around the amazing village of Saint-Emilion – home to some of my very favorite French reds