Had only a one-night stay here. We arrived after midnight. There was an express check-in (24-hour reception), but with barely a glance our way - not exactly the kind of welcome we want to remember.

Our double room (no. 48) on the fourth floor, to the back of the hotel, was an oasis of calm and the double bed was comfortable. However, this was the smallest double room I've ever been in. The ceiling was sloped, which had the effect of making it feel even smaller and more claustrophobic. The window was small too, so wouldn't let in much natural light. We had to negotiate a good number of stair-steps to reach the room and the multicoloured "dizzy" design carpet on the steps only hindered matters more. Lift was available from first floor to third floor. The shower had a couple of tiles which looked as if there was some rust-coloured stains on them -- not the most inviting!

Free internet was provided in the lounge on the first floor. We did not put it to the test. Neither did we try breakfast, preferring to eat locally. Our luggage was taken care of until 4pm, after we had checked out of Hotel Gambetta the following morning. Bear in mind though, that it was placed in the lounge area and was not locked away.

On the plus side, we loved the pedestrian location, right in the centre of everything, just a few steps away from Place Gambetta, where we alighted from Airport bus no. 1. Fare was just €1.40 and the driver was very helpful to each and every passenger on the coach.

Conclusion
We did not feel that €72 for our particular room represented great value for money and had we stayed for more that one night might have requested another room for a better experience. The modern apartments, which we had booked for the following 3 nights, proved overall, to be a much better choice. Bordeaux is well worh a visit, if only for the great architecture and wonderful wine!