Le Saint James

The staff was great and the grounds are spectacular, with an amazing view of Bordeaux, but the hotel was disappointing- I booked this hotel because of their restaurant just to discover, with no prior information, that it closes Sunday and Monday, the 2 days we were there. They said they send me a notice, but I never received it, maybe because I booked through another party. The hotel is tired and old, and the rooms are not very clean, I have pictures of dirty bathroom doors, stained floors, etc... It was hard for me to climb onto the bed, it was so high, granted I’m only 5’2” feet. Hard mattresses, the room has an uncomfortable layout, with nowhere to sit near the bed and dark sitting area. I suppose it was a ground-breaking architectural project in its day, by Jean Nouvel, but quite frankly, it is uncomfortable, and the rusted iron outside is an eyesore, in contrast to the beautiful old farm house. I guess it was my fault for booking it, but I didn’t realize that it was so far from anything. There is absolutely nothing to do near the hotel, except some walks on some beautiful trails if you like exercise. They have a restaurant affiliated to the hotel a couple of minute’s walk, with bad service and even worse food, for the price. We did find a little gem of a restaurant a couple kms walk from the hotel, if you don’t mind the hike, with much better food at half the price in Latresne…you know where the French eat. Won't go back.