What it's like to stay at the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes

Despite a three-day migraine, this five-star gem still made me fall in love with Bordeaux.

Many hotels feel like they’re simply placed into a city. Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes, however, is a natural part of it. Seamlessly blending in with Bordeaux’s historic charm, thanks to the sensitive restoration and transformation by renowned architect Philippe Starck of a 19th-century wine cellar, it pays homage to the wine city with top-tier service, sumptuous interiors and excellent dining.

Despite having a migraine during the entirety of my stay, I can comfortably say this hotel is one of my favourites. Here’s why…

Location

the exterior of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes — The 19th-century wine cellar, now a five-star hotel, is situated outside the city centre. (Image: Gaëlle Le Boulicaut)

The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes elegantly resides in the city’s historic Chartrons district.  This ancient 14th-century neighbourhood is named after the Chartreux monks who settled in the area during this time. During the 17th to 19th centuries, it was a wine trade hub where many British, Irish, German and Dutch merchants resided. Today, this charming area is lined with neoclassical facades and brimming with antique stores, world-class restaurants and art galleries.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, dropping into the Quai des Chartrons market is a must. There are dozens of stalls selling local produce, artisanal goods, street food, wine and crafts to explore.

Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes is approximately half an hour’s walk to the city centre or a 10-minute drive, and a 20-minute drive from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean station and Bordeaux Airport.

Style and character

the interior of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes — The historic yet stylish hotel is awash with warm tones and a mix of modern and antique furnishings. (Image: Gaëlle Le Boulicaut)

Warm and welcoming yet elevated and chic, The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes has been designed to French perfection by JeanFrançois Le Gal (firm Advento) and Phillip Starck. The sense of arrival is palpable, with guests greeted by a neo-Gothic building with a light-coloured Bordeaux stone facade and an expansive arched glass door.

Inside, Starck has married Bordeaux charm with Japanese design elements. The accommodation is swathed in comforting warm tones, with soft, diffused lighting from candelabra-inspired lamps, lanterns, and pagoda-style fixtures. A materials palette of leather, wood, stone and concrete is softened by plush carpets and rugs and boiled wool curtains, while an eclectic mix of modern furnishings is balanced with antique pieces. The result is a harmonious dialogue between old and new that feels sympathetic to Bordeaux.

Facilities

the indoor heated swimming pool at Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes — Find your zen in the heated indoor pool and spa. (Image: Gaëlle Le Boulicaut)

Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes has a luxurious indoor heated swimming pool, spa, hammam, sauna and fitness room, as well as an onsite restaurant and bar.

The hotel’s sister property and winery, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, dates back to the early 19th century and is a 20-minute drive away or a 45-minute tram ride. In 2016, Phillip Starck and Luc Arsène-Henry designed new winery facilities on the property, and visitors are encouraged to take a tour and try their delicious red blends.

Rooms

a look inside one of the suites at Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes — The accommodation also offers suites generously sized for families. (Image: Gaëlle Le Boulicaut)

The 97 rooms and suites are spacious and romantic, ranging from the cosy Superior room to the expansive Mondrian Terrace Suite. I stayed in a street-facing Premier King, which was quiet, luxurious and at 30 square metres, offered plenty of room.

a king-size bed at the Mondrian Terrace Suite — The Mondrian Terrace Suite features a king-size bed and a private terrace. (Image: Gaëlle Le Boulicaut)

Rooms feel considered, and upon arriving, I was delighted to find a plate of cannelés (a Bordeaux classic), cookies, small cakes and a bowl of fresh fruit waiting for me. A floor lamp featured a clever built-in bookshelf stocked with French and English titles.

Each room is stocked with MALIN + GOETZ bath products and a minibar that, much like the rest of the hotel experience, feels tailored for special moments – think elevated snacks and drinks such as Ruinart Champagne.

Food & Drink

Japanese lanterns lit up inside Morimoto Bordeaux — Morimoto Bordeaux blends Japanese culinary artistry with Western flavours.

Bordeaux is celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, so having a renowned chef lead the hotel kitchen feels essential. But rather than leaning into the local cuisine, Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes brought on celebrated Japanese chef Masaharu Morimoto, who has created a menu that  blends Japanese culinary artistry with Western flavours.

The menu spans sashimi, nigiri, sushi rolls and mains such as duck fried rice and tonkatsu. I recommend trying the fish tacos, crab croquettes and the vegetable bao buns if they’re on the menu. For dessert, strawberry confit and sorbet with white sesame grenache and caramelised puff pastry won’t disappoint.

outdoor dining with cocktails at Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes — Settle in for sunset cocktails. (Image: Gaëlle Le Boulicaut)

The extensive bar menu covers the usual suspects, but it’s worth turning your attention to the traditional Japanese alcohols and the Japanese-inspired cocktails such as the ‘Jasmin Frost’ with Pentire Adrift, green tea, and jasmine infusion, honey chamomile syrup and orange blossom.

A buffet breakfast is served each morning.

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Does Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes have access for guests with disabilities?

There are adapted rooms on each floor of the hotel to meet the needs of guests with disabilities.

Is Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes family-friendly?

Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes doesn’t market itself as a family-centric hotel, and its design-led nature exudes a more adults-only retreat vibe. However, there are family suites and adjoining rooms available.

Details

Best for: Design-savvy travellers and couples.

Address: 81 Cours du Médoc 3300 Bordeaux, France

Rate: From 300 euros

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Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

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This luxury landmark is the only place to stay in Bordeaux