You know that feeling when a hotel tries too hard to be "cool" and ends up feeling like a plastic museum? Yeah, me too. But walking into Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes, you get the sense that someone actually had a sense of humor—and a lot of taste.
It’s a weird, beautiful mix. You’ve got a 19th-century wine cellar on the outside and a Philippe Starck fever dream on the inside. Most people think Bordeaux is all about dusty chateaux and stiff collars. This place basically flips the script. It’s located in the Chartrons district, which used to be the gritty heart of the wine trade. Now? It's where the locals go to avoid the tourist traps.
Honestly, the building itself is a survivor. It was the Hanappier and Calvet winery back in 1871. A massive fire gutted the cellars in 1966, but the neo-Gothic stone façade—complete with those little turrets—stayed standing. Today, it’s a 5-star spot that manages to feel intimate despite having 97 rooms.
The Starck Effect: More Than Just "Design"
Philippe Starck designed the first-ever Mondrian in LA back in the 90s, so this is kinda his homecoming. He didn’t just slap some modern furniture in a room. He played with the "oxymoron" of the space.
Think soft, earthy tones. Rough concrete. Leather and wood.
Then, boom—a massive arched glass door and Japanese-inspired minimalism.
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The rooms aren't just boxes for sleeping. They’re "dream spaces." Some have these incredible terraces overlooking the city’s terracotta roofs. If you’re staying here, aim for a terrace room. Drinking a glass of local red while looking at the Garonne river breeze is a vibe you can't fake.
Is Morimoto Bordeaux Actually Good?
Hotel restaurants are usually a gamble. But Masaharu Morimoto (yes, the Iron Chef) chose this spot for his first European venture. It’s a theater. Literally.
The restaurant is massive—180 seats—punctuated by red brick columns that remind you where you are. The menu blends Japanese precision with French ingredients.
- The Sashimi: Ridiculously fresh.
- The Fusion: You’ll find stuff like crab croquettes and vegetable bao buns that actually make sense.
- The Drinks: They have a sake list that would make a connoisseur weep, plus signature cocktails like "The Zoo Kimono" which uses Sichuan pepper syrup. It’s zesty. It’s weird. It works.
There’s also a private table for eight hidden behind Japanese panels if you’re doing the "secret business" thing. Very old-school Bordeaux, but modernized.
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The Spa is the Real Reason to Visit
Look, Bordeaux involves a lot of walking. And wine. Your body will need a reset. The Spa at Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes is 200 square meters of "leave me alone" energy.
They have a 45-square-meter heated indoor pool that looks like a piece of art. There’s a hammam, a sauna, and four treatment cabins. They use Codage and Kos products, which are high-end French brands that don't mess around. If you’ve spent all day at the Cité du Vin, a "Renata method" massage here is basically a medical necessity.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
People complain it’s not in the "center center" of Bordeaux. They're wrong.
It’s in Chartrons.
Being in Chartrons means you’re a 10-minute tram ride or a 30-minute walk from the Quinconces, but you’re also 500 meters from the Wine and Trade Museum. You’re near the quays. You’re in a neighborhood that actually breathes.
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The hotel is owned by Groupe Pichet (the same family behind Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion). Because of that connection, the wine list is insane. You aren't just getting "hotel wine." You're getting curated selections from one of the city's only urban wineries.
Sustainability Isn't Just a Buzzword Here
They actually have the Green Key certification. They work with a company called Bicycompost that collects organic waste via—you guessed it—bicycles. They’ve ditched single-use plastics where they can, using refillable glass bottles from Castalie. It’s a 5-star hotel that doesn't feel like it's trashing the planet for the sake of luxury.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Book the Terrace: If your budget allows, the "Mondrian Terrace Suite" is the peak experience. The view over the Chartrons district is the best way to wake up.
- The Breakfast Move: It’s served in the Morimoto space. Don't skip the Japanese-influenced options if they're available—it's a nice break from the standard continental pastry wall.
- Visit the "Sister" Winery: Since the owners also own Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, ask the concierge to arrange a tour there. It’s the only winery actually located within the city limits and features a stunning vat house designed by Starck.
- Use the Tram: The "Journu Auber" bus stop is right there, and the tram lines are incredibly efficient for getting to the Place de la Bourse without paying €40 for a taxi.
- Check the "Dis-loyalty" Program: The hotel is part of the Ennismore/Accor group. They often have "Inspire Discovery" deals that give you 10% off or free tickets to the Cité du Vin.
Getting There
- From the Airport: It’s a 35-minute drive.
- From the Train Station (Saint-Jean): About 20 minutes by car or a straight shot on the tram.
- Parking: They have private on-site parking for about €40 a day, but you need to reserve it in advance.
If you want a stay that feels like "Old Bordeaux" met a "Modern Tokyo" and decided to start a life together, this is it. It's sophisticated, a little bit moody, and easily the most interesting place to sleep in the city right now.