Our stay at Le Saint James Bordeaux for my big birthday

France Hotels

We’ve been to Le Saint James in Bordeaux a few times before so knew we would have a lovely setting for a special family celebration.

There are of course many other options for staying in Bordeaux but here is why we went to le Saint James.

Le Saint James Bordeaux helped us celebrate three birthdays in one day!

We were gathering to wish happy birthday to me, to mademoiselle and a happy anniversary to my parents. They were all milestones so a nice family meal was in order.

We book a Saturday lunch for all of us. We particularly enjoyed our lovely aperitif on the sunny terrace and the beautifully presented food.

Mr Big, Mademoiselle and I stayed at the hotel. My sister stayed at Mama Shelter (read my review). My brother and parents had their usual arrangements.

It was our fourth time at Le Saint James. We first came 12 years ago as part of a Bordeaux region road trip with Mr Big. And then a couple more times for a nice escape.

Le Saint James Bordeaux review: what we truly thought

Each time we really admire the architecture and the position. The buildings have been created by famous French architect Jean Nouvel and The brown colouring of metal goes particularly well with the reddening leaves of the vineyards in autumn.

What we liked

What could be improved

  • Position and the view at night: Bordeaux city lights and a fantastic sunset as it faces west
  • Beautiful long Heated pool (which stops on Oct 1st)
  • Very comfortable elevated beds to admire the view
  • Beautiful terrace under palm and oak trees
  • Nice blend of design and some older parts (the bar in particular)
  • Very friendly and professional staff
  • Eggs cooked in order and in front of you at breakfast, a great selection of cheese and the ham sliced when you ask
  • Room service was a nice selection of cold plates and they were also accommodating and added fries cooked to order when we asked.
  • Bathrooms are a bit small
  • Breakfast used to be quite an affair with some special deserts or surprising pots of something prepared by the chef. This is now a good 4 Star hotel buffet (especially if you like cakes, there are a lot of home made ones) but nothing very different.
  • The modern architecture can make the rooms a bit cold in atmosphere.
  • Café de l Espérance which is also managed by them and is 2min walk in the village needs to find its mojo again. The simple French cafe food they serve was unfortunately not as good quality as the previous times we ate there. But it’s convenient for families.

So as you can see, we still think it’s a good and different place to stay in Bordeaux. In the summer the pool setting is really a treat. I just wish they had a tad bit of refinement to the rooms and the breakfast.

Le Saint James, Bordeaux

Rooms

  • 18 rooms
  • one suite with a jacuzzi

Rates

  • Rooms from £149

For families

  • Cot & highchair available
  • Extra bed in room at a cost. In our case, it was complementary as we were doing a big lunch so do ask for the same!

Facilities

  • Heated outdoor pool (until Oct 1st)
  • Sauna
  • Cooking lessons

Website

Location

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One Comment

  1. Je n’ai pas encore eu l’occasion d’y aller, mais c’est une adresse très connue qui a bonne réputation. Merci pour ton avis sur cet établissement ! J’y ai de bons souvenirs avec Nicolas Magie qui est si gentil et humble …

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