Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
"Why book? Opened in April 2023, Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a hip hotel with a boutique feel in a revitalized district of Bordeaux. The name says it all: “Marty,” combining the neighborhood, Mériadeck, “M,” and the vibe, “arty.” Entering the lobby is like stepping inside a vibrant art gallery: throughout the hotel, you’ll find paintings and pieces (many of which are available for purchase) from contemporary French artists, curated by Nell Caritey-Hergué (founder of the Breton gallery L'Artillerie). Even the stairwell is adorned with a rotating exhibition of street art, aka le graffiti. Set the scene Bordeaux’s Mériadeck district is more lively during office hours but in the evening, newer hospitality arrivals are transforming this commercial area into a destination. Point in case: Marty’s cocktail bar, a sleek marble bar under Belle Epoque chandeliers with a thoughtful list of signature drinks, classic cocktails, and French-leaning wines. Here, you’ll find guests—largely English-speaking, often business trippers—gathering for an apéro and tucking into a well-curated spread of charcuterie and fromage. The lobby bar doubles as a cool, light-filled coworking space during the daytime. Private meeting rooms with glass walls make for modern, airy event or workshop spaces. The backstory Occupying a building that formerly housed a two-star hotel, the property underwent a complete renovation, breathing new life into the walls and bringing it up to a four-star standard. Le Marty is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection—independent, upscale hotels with the Hilton caliber of quality and attention—and managed by Younight Hospitality, a French hospitality company with a modern, Instagram-friendly sensibility and a portfolio of stylish hotels around the country. The rooms Rooms range from Queen to King Deluxe with a Twin Deluxe option as well. Travelers looking for extra legroom may want to spring for the King Deluxe with a private terrace. For the interior design, burnt orange or army green wood-paneled walls and midcentury furniture (think Rattan chairs and globe light lamps) add a vintage flair. Plush beds are accented by Gervasoni upholstered headboards. While it’s not for sale, contemporary art with a millennial aesthetic adorns the walls, as do large-screen televisions. Bathrooms are fairly spacious, with rainfall showers and toiletries from Soin de Soi, a natural, artisanal Bordelaise cosmetic and beauty company. Food and drink With its modern aesthetic, Le Marty’s cocktail bar wouldn’t be out of place in Paris or any cosmopolitan city. But the thoughtful wine list—featuring bottles from the nearby villages of Margaux, Saint-Emilion, and more—reminds you that you’re in France’s most celebrated wine region. The cocktail menu includes signature drinks (like the “Marty,” with Citadelle Gin, Lillet Blanc, and Timur Bay cordial), classics, and rotating seasonal creations. On a recent November evening, a mezcal cocktail with smoky salt and housemade pumpkin syrup was surprisingly balanced (not pumpkin-spice-latte-sweet) and cozy as an autumn sweater. For pairing, there’s a succinct menu of tasty shareable plates, including street food bites like vegetarian bao with soy-marinated eggplant and duck confit spring rolls. Order a planche (cheese board) and expect a spread that exceeds your average charcuterie platter—brie sprinkled in fiery espelette pepper, ribbons of cured ham, and fragrant blue cheese topped with delicate pea shoots. The neighborhood/area You’ll find Le Marty in the heart of Mériadeck, a Unesco World Heritage Site and a revitalized commercial district that’s just a 10-minute walk from the city center (popular destinations include the Saint-André Cathedral and Rue Sainte Catherine, a pedestrian shopping street). Other transportation options include the Bordeaux tram, a two-minute walk from Le Marty, and, bien sûr, Uber. While the streets of Mériadeck tend to be quiet, the recent arrival of several hip hotels and restaurants indicates a neighborhood on the rise. Nearby, you’ll also find a skating rink, the Mériadeck shopping mall, and the Chartreuse Cemetary, a requisite stroll for Bordelaise history and culture lovers. The service At Le Marty, the staff is young, local, and highly personable, ready with recommendations for anything from current art exhibitions to under-the-radar cellars with great natural wine. The vibe is casual but the attention is intimate. For families For families, four King-sized rooms can be adjoined with neighboring Queen-sized rooms—the rooms have their own doors (which can be left open, depending on your desired level of privacy) and a tiny connecting hallway. Parents traveling with infants or toddlers can request a baby bed. Eco effort Rooms come with glass water carafes that the lobby bartender will happily refill. Towels and linens are changed only on demand. For the delicious breakfast buffet, Le Marty sources the ingredients from local farmers and producers, from the honey to the yogurt to the farm-fresh eggs. Accessibility Le Marty offers one handicapped-accessible room on the first floor of the newer annex. Anything left to mention? This isn’t the hotel for travelers looking to be in the hustle and bustle of downtown Bordeaux, where streets are lined with shops and terraces brim with patrons. It’s better suited to travelers seeking quiet accommodations, a good night’s sleep, and a big-city boutique hotel sensibility in a small city like Bordeaux. It’s a perfect place to recharge after days filled with exploring and sipping your way through regional vineyards." - Caitlin Gunther
