InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel

Location Deluxe room: Small & outdated Wall view Breakfast

Stayed at the hotel for three nights. The restaurant was superb, other than having a table full of Chinese next to us who had two interpreters running around the table explaining/translating. Still an enjoyable meal non-the-less, and chef Pascal Nibaudeau came and spoke with us which was nice - although only because he had to come and 'shmooze' the Chinese clients who I assume were carrying big bank books! Location is great, right next to the shopping area, opposite the opera house and two mins from the tourist centre and tour buses. Reception and concierge were very helpful. The room was well finished and luxurious, however it consisted of a very narrow hallway with the mini-bar, safe etc being right at the entry, and the bedroom at the other end - the oddest shaped hotel room I've stayed in. Virtually no room to place an open suitcase let alone two, which for the price we payed was not good enough. Unfortunately the hotel's gym and spa were still being constructed, which we were not advised when booking. The staff at the bar were not attentive at all, and on two occassions I had to get up and order drinks - not great when they are standing around chatting instead of servicing the customer. The couple beside us didn't hold back on their criticism! Not good enough for a 5 star hotel.

The staff, especially the concierge managers, were helpful, pleasant, and went out of their way to assist, without asking. Very well trained and gracious. We enjoyed being on the main Place of the Grand Theatre; sitting outside on the terrace was delightful. Comp. bottles of gazeuse and plat water each day in the room was a nice touch. We were on the top floor, converted from attic rooms, so the ceiling was low and the windows were much smaller than those of the floors underneath. The lighting in the room did not compensate for this and it was impossible to read either a book or a newspaper. The drapes were luscious, but covered the small windows. Would have liked a coffee/tea tray in the room.