Petit Hôtel Labottière

Next to the public gardens, this exceptional 18^th century mansion has been lovingly restored and reburished with authentic antiques and furnishings of the period. Run by the charming Daniel Korber, if you are an art and history buff, this is a must stay domicile. His parents, Liliane and Michel Korber devoted over twenty years to making sure this beautiful example of architectural history was preserved as a «monument historique» on the national records. The furnishings, light fixtures, books, draperies, and art are all priceless, museum quality. La Galerie, where breakfast is served is an addition to the monument, seamlessly designed to match the 18^th century hotel. WiFI is available in this room only. There are only three rooms to be rented, all with private bathrooms. Our room was on the top floor, an attic suite, with a dining room, comfortable bed, and shower. The fireplace in the room is now only for show as a fire could be destructive. There was a refrigerator and coffee maker in the room and it was really nice to have the extra space with the dining room. Daniel is a wealth of historical knowledge about France and his beloved city of Bordeaux. He gives a complimentary tour of the monument and all the rooms with such enthusiasm and details, that you must make sure to schedule an hour plus to enjoy this added attraction. The biggest and most delicious breakfast you’ll ever eat is offered every morning at the time you desire. A basket of croissants, pastries, bread, scones accompany omelets, sausage, bacon, salmon, yogurt, fruit, cakes, and his grandmother’s secret recipe flan. With Daniel’s love of Bordeaux, great wines, and food, he has created a handy list of all of his favorite places to go to eat and drink that are not tourist traps. And his suggestions were right on the money including the Wine Bar of CIB, Le Noailles French Brasserie, Chocolat Saunion, and many more that we did not have time to frequent. One tip for visiting Bordeaux, in front of the tourist office you can get on the double decker bus that gives a 2 hour tour of the city for about E 15 a person. It’s worth it to get a feel for where you are and where you want to go. After that, you can ride the tram, or walk everywhere. If you are going to Bordeaux, contact Danielle and reserve a room, you will not be disappointed. PS He does not open the big blue door so entry is on the other street at 14 Rue Francis Martin. Merci, Daniel!

J’ai un faible pour les hôtels particuliers, un vice avoué depuis mes études en Histoire de l’Art. J’avais d’ailleurs rédigé un mémoiré sur le sujet: des centaines de pages consacrées à la décoration intérieure et à la réhabilitation patrimoniale, tout un programme.
Je ma ballade donc dans Bordeaux en quête de découvertes, toujours prête à admirer les belles façades de ces habitations bourgeoises. A côté du Jardin Public, le petit hôtel Labottière fait partie de mes dernières trouvailles.
L’organisation de la bâtisse témoigne des aménagements et des habitudes de vie au XVIIIème siècle: cour d’honneur, logis principal et communs, salon de réception et bibliothèque, jardin dans le prolongement.

Je viens de passer devant ce petit lieu !
Cet petit hôtel classé monument historique, est une invitation à un voyage vers le siècle des Lumières. Ses propriétaires monsieur et madame Korber ont passé plusieurs années à rénover cet établissement pour y accueillir toutes sortes de réceptions ainsi que des visiteurs curieux de découvrir le site. Les visites sont alors organisées de manière très chic avec pause déjeuner, cocktail ou goûter pour les groupes afin de réguler les temps de découvertes!
Ça donne envie de s’y offrir une nuit… Il faut compter cependant 190 € pour y dormir. Je patienterai mais ma curiosité est éveillée!