Novotel Bordeaux Centre

The hotel offers a convenient base for exploring the city, distinguished by its excellent central location and direct access to the tram network. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and professional staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. While the hotel features modern decor and a lively atmosphere, some rooms show signs of age, prompting calls for renovation. The breakfast receives praise for its variety, though some find the hot options lacking. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and families due to its spacious rooms and proximity to attractions, making it easy to navigate Bordeaux. Business travelers also find it a practical choice. To enhance your experience, consider checking the air conditioning upon arrival, as some guests reported issues, and take full advantage of the efficient tram system for effortless city exploration.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's commitment to sustainability, evident in the readily available filtered water refill stations in the lobby, encouraging reduced plastic use. The common areas, including the spacious lobby and terrace, are praised for their modern design and comfortable seating, providing inviting spaces for relaxation or work. For recreation, the hotel offers a fitness center, though some guests found it to be minimal and lacking a treadmill. While the hotel aims for an eco-friendly approach, many guests noted the absence of a mini-fridge or minibar in their rooms, which was a point of inconvenience. Additionally, some rooms were found to have a limited number of electrical outlets, and the provided mugs without handles were impractical for hot beverages. The elevators were occasionally a source of frustration, with only one often operational, leading to wait times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for cleanliness, with many guests describing their rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Rooms are often noted for being spacious and quiet, thanks to effective soundproofing and double-glazed windows, ensuring a peaceful stay. However, feedback on bed comfort is mixed; while many found the beds comfortable, some reported mattresses being too soft, hard, or having plastic covers that affected sleep quality. A recurring concern is the functionality of the air conditioning, with numerous guests experiencing issues or finding it ineffective, especially during warmer periods. The bathrooms also drew varied comments, with some finding them small, dated, or lacking proper ventilation, and several reports of low shower pressure or inconvenient layouts. Some rooms were described as needing renovation to align with modern four-star standards.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast generally garners positive reviews for its extensive variety and fresh offerings, with many guests enjoying the selection. However, some found the hot food options to be limited or of inconsistent quality, occasionally appearing reheated or unappetizing. The on-site restaurant and bar are often highlighted for their pleasant atmosphere and good service, with the tapas-style menu being a popular choice for evening dining. While many praised the overall food quality at the restaurant, some guests noted that the bar prices were quite high. Additionally, there were instances where the restaurant was closed on weekends or specific dishes were unavailable, and some guests experienced slow service or a lack of staff presence at the bar during late hours.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for guests to explore Bordeaux. It is within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, main attractions, and the city center. A significant advantage is its direct proximity to a tram stop, providing effortless access to both the city's key sights and the airport. Guests also appreciate the convenience of having supermarkets and other amenities nearby. However, parking is a notable point of contention; while available in an adjacent public garage, it is frequently described as expensive and, at times, difficult to access, with some guests finding the route to the hotel from the garage confusing. The immediate surroundings of the hotel, including ongoing construction work, were also mentioned by some as less appealing.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond, often assisting with requests, providing local recommendations, and even handling medical emergencies with remarkable care. The check-in process is generally described as swift and welcoming, with staff often accommodating early arrivals. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported instances of slow service at the bar or reception, or perceived staff as being preoccupied. Despite these minor points, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience and making visitors feel valued and well-cared for.

Additional Information
The hotel actively promotes its eco-friendly practices, which are well-received by guests. Initiatives such as the removal of mini-fridges for environmental reasons and the provision of reusable water bottles with refill stations underscore this commitment, reflecting a conscious effort towards sustainability. The hotel also maintains a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with their animals, with ample space provided for pet beds in rooms. While the hotel is part of a loyalty program, some higher-tier members expressed disappointment regarding the lack of expected loyalty benefits, such as complimentary welcome drinks for all guests in a party, which they had experienced at other properties within the same brand. The hotel's modern and vibrant decor, featuring elements like pinball machines and table football, adds a unique and youthful ambiance to the common areas, contributing to a lively and engaging atmosphere for all visitors.