How to Find Hotels In Bordeaux, France

Located in the southwestern region of France, Bordeaux is a thriving port city with an estimated one million residents. Although known as the world's wine capital, Bordeaux offers visitors much more than miles of vineyards.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Hotel reservation confirmation number once booked

Know Your Destination

1. Understand the weather patterns. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic ocean, Bordeaux remains an enjoyable destination year-round. Winters can be cool (50 degrees) and summers can be warm (80 degrees).

2. Pick up some easy French phrases. French is the official language of France and Bordeaux. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though. Most international hotels will have English-speaking staff.

Choose Transportation

3. Catch a plane to Bordeaux from a major European city. You'll arrive at Aéroport de Bordeaux Mérignac, which is located 30 minutes from the city center.

4. Get to the city center quickly by taxi. It's pricey, though, at over $30 for the 30-minute trip. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus for $14 round-trip or hop on the city bus for $1.65 one way.

5. Arrive in Paris and take the high-speed TGV train if you don't want to fly to Bordeaux. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at the SNCF Web site.

6. Take advantage of public transportation. As with most cities in France, buses are clean, economical and a great way to take in some of the historical sites in the city.

Select Hotels

7. To book accommodations, contact Office de Tourisme de Bordeaux at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

8. Find a bargain by considering bed and breakfast accommodations. Prices can be as low as $50 per night, including breakfast.

9. Mid-range hotels are abundant in the city center. Prices for accommodations in this category vary greatly, depending on the time of year, but generally run about $125 to $180 per night.

10. Luxury hotels usually incorporate wine-tasting or trips to local vineyards. Package prices for deluxe accommodations and tours range between $190 and $300 per night.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you confirm your hotel reservations prior to arrival, especially in summer. It is not unusual for hotels to give away unconfirmed rooms.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.