Stay: Hôtel Ville d'Hiver
Escaping the vinophile crowds on Bordeaux's Atlantic beaches.
Bordeaux, France
12 rooms, from 200 eur nightly
When in Bordeaux, every accommodation doesn't have to be centered on grapes. In fact, the region's sandy Atlantic coasts are underrated by most travellers outside of France. In this quirky former pumphouse-turned-inn in the seaside town of Arcachon, French hospitality is a good bet. Fun colors, stripes, archways, and Moorish-meets-Italianesque details create an eclectic, contemporary space. The notable restaurant onsite is a must-dine, featuring local oysters and wine. There’s an outdoor swimming pool and library, and the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the beach. Rooms are divided between the main house and annex (the latter of which has smaller rooms). Guests note having stayed here during their honeymoon, and indulge in the “many pleasures” of this “charming” and “amazing” hotel. A few mention some questionable service, dark spaces, and worn furnishings.
Photo Source: Hotel website
Every publication will feature one unique restaurant, hotel, activity, or other travel discovery that stood out in our research. Some of these are established institutions that deserve repeat merit, while others are hidden gems that are often off the radar of most. Our commentary is meant to be brief, summarizing the scale and offerings of a place, as well as the best and worst of relevant reviews found across the web – allowing our clients to quickly discern if this a good fit for them.
