Bordeaux, with its charming streets, historic architecture, and world-renowned wines, has long been a popular destination for travelers from around the globe. However, as a seasoned traveler who likes to enjoy both luxury and budget options, I know that finding affordable yet quality accommodation is often a priority for many visitors. During my trip to Bordeaux, I stayed at a budget-friendly hotel that offered great value for money without compromising on comfort or convenience.

My Stay at Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck

Bordeaux is known for its elegant charm and its vibrant cultural scene, so finding a hotel that blends comfort with affordability is key. I opted for Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck, a well-established, budget-friendly chain that is known for providing quality stays at reasonable prices. The location was perfect for my needs, situated right in the heart of the city and close to many of Bordeaux’s most iconic attractions.

Location and How to Get There

The Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck is centrally located at 35 Cours du Maréchal Juin, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. It’s just a short walk to the historic center, where you’ll find the stunning Place de la Bourse and the magnificent Bordeaux Water Mirror. Additionally, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, making it easily accessible from the airport and other parts of the city. For travelers arriving by public transport, the tram station Mériadeck is right outside the hotel, which is convenient for exploring other parts of Bordeaux.

When I arrived at Bordeaux’s airport, I took the Jet’Bus shuttle to Gare Saint-Jean, which costs around €8 and takes about 30 minutes. From the station, I walked about 10 minutes to the hotel. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also widely available, making the hotel easy to reach from anywhere in the city.

Booking the Hotel

Booking my stay was a breeze. I used Booking.com, a platform I always rely on, as it often has the best deals, detailed guest reviews, and flexible cancellation policies. The price for a standard room at the Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck was very reasonable, considering the city’s typically high accommodation prices. I booked a room for four nights, and the total cost was about €360, which seemed like an excellent deal for the location and amenities.

Hotel Environment and Atmosphere

From the moment I walked into the Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck, I felt welcomed by its warm and contemporary ambiance. The hotel has a clean, minimalist design with modern touches. The staff at the reception were friendly and efficient, quickly checking me in and giving me all the information I needed about the hotel’s amenities and nearby attractions. The lobby was bright and well-maintained, and there was a small bar area where guests could relax after a day of exploring the city.

While the hotel isn’t one of those lavish places with excessive luxuries, it provides everything you need for a comfortable stay. I felt it had just the right balance of functionality and style.

Hotel Facilities and Amenities

The Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck offers several amenities that make it an excellent choice for travelers on a budget:

  • Free Wi-Fi: I could easily stay connected to the internet, which was essential for me as I needed to research local restaurants and attractions throughout my stay.
  • Breakfast Buffet: The hotel offers a delicious breakfast buffet, which I thoroughly enjoyed. For just €9.90 per day, I had access to a variety of pastries, fresh fruits, cereals, cheeses, and juices. It was a good start to my mornings before heading out to explore Bordeaux.
  • Bar: The hotel also has a cozy bar area that serves drinks and light snacks, perfect for winding down in the evening.
  • 24-Hour Reception: The reception is open 24/7, which gave me peace of mind knowing I could come and go as I pleased without worrying about check-in times.
  • Air Conditioning: This was a big plus, especially during the warm summer days when Bordeaux can get quite hot. The air conditioning kept the room comfortable, making it easy to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
  • Parking: The hotel also offers paid parking, which I didn’t need, but I could see how it would be convenient for guests traveling by car.

Room Experience

My room was spacious and had all the basic amenities I needed for a comfortable stay. The Queen-size bed was large enough for a good night’s rest, and the bedding was fresh and comfortable. There was a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, which I didn’t use much since I was out exploring Bordeaux, but it was a nice addition for a quiet evening in. The bathroom was clean, and although it wasn’t luxurious, it had all the essentials like a shower, a toilet, and toiletries.

The room also had a small desk area, which I used to plan my next day’s activities and write in my travel journal. I appreciated the large windows that allowed natural light to flood the room, creating a pleasant and airy atmosphere.

Overall, I found my room to be clean, comfortable, and functional. It was everything I needed at a very affordable price.

My Rating and Experience

I would rate the Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck a solid 8/10. The room was comfortable, the location was unbeatable, and the price was very reasonable. The only downside for me was that the hotel didn’t have a full restaurant for dinner options, but with so many great places to eat just a short walk away, this wasn’t a major concern. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Bordeaux who wants a budget-friendly yet comfortable base for exploring the city.

Other Affordable Hotels in Bordeaux

While I had a fantastic experience at Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck, Bordeaux has many other budget-friendly hotels that offer great value for money. Here are a few other options worth considering:

Hotel Premiere Classe Bordeaux Sud – Pessac

This hotel is located just a few kilometers south of the city center, in the suburb of Pessac, making it a great option for travelers looking for affordable accommodation a little further from the hustle and bustle. The hotel is well-connected to the city by public transport, and a tram ride into the center of Bordeaux takes around 20 minutes.

The rooms here are simple and functional, with comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms. While the hotel doesn’t have many frills, it provides excellent value for money, especially if you don’t mind being a bit further from the main attractions. Rates start around €45-50 per night, making it one of the cheapest options in the Bordeaux area.

Hotel Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Mériadeck

For those who like the Ibis brand but are looking for an even more budget-friendly option, the Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Mériadeck offers rooms starting at just €45 per night. This budget hotel is located right near the city center, making it easy to access Bordeaux’s top attractions, including the Place de la Bourse and the Bordeaux Water Mirror.

The rooms here are compact but efficient, and they offer basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. While you won’t find luxuries like a minibar or room service, this hotel is perfect for those who just need a clean, affordable place to sleep after a day of sightseeing.

Hôtel de la Presse

Located in the heart of Bordeaux, Hôtel de la Presse is a family-run hotel with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with wooden floors, plush bedding, and en-suite bathrooms. What sets this hotel apart is its fantastic location—it’s just a short walk to Bordeaux’s most famous attractions, including the Garonne River and the historic center.

The hotel offers a buffet breakfast and has a small bar area where you can relax after a day of exploring. Rates start at around €60-65 per night, which is quite affordable for the location and quality.

Bordeaux is a city that has something to offer for every type of traveler, regardless of budget. Whether you’re looking for a budget hotel with a prime location or a simple but comfortable place to rest after a busy day of sightseeing, Bordeaux has plenty of options. My stay at Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck was a delightful experience, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Bordeaux on a budget. Additionally, the other affordable hotels I’ve highlighted in this post offer great alternatives depending on your preferences and travel style.