Chateau Le Petit Verdus — Hotel in Bordeaux

I recently stayed at Château Le Petit Verdus with a group of 10 for a week, and my experience was not quite what I had anticipated. I first heard about the property from a family member who had stayed multiple times, and also through a school auction where it was described as “heavenly.” With such glowing recommendations, I arrived with high expectations...but unfortunately, those expectations were not met.

To start, the pre-arrival concierge experience was underwhelming. While communication was adequate, I found myself doing much of the legwork. For example, the Château works with outside chefs for on-site dinners, but guests are expected to coordinate directly with them and plan menus themselves. Given the cost of these experiences, I would have expected a higher-touch service that felt more seamless and personalized. Overall, the concierge experience leading up to our stay was about a 6/10.

Upon arrival, the first impression was promising; the history and bones of the property are truly remarkable, with undeniable old-world charm. Unfortunately, the upkeep does not live up to the potential. Peeling wallpaper, moldy shower curtains, worn linens, sparse décor, and landscaping that clearly needed more attention all took away from what could be a spectacular experience. It feels as though a mild refresh - fresh paint, updated bedding and towels, more thoughtful décor, and better landscaping - would dramatically elevate the property and allow it to live up to the luxury image portrayed in photos.

That said, there were highlights. Chef Antoine was truly wonderful, his cooking and personality brought warmth and delight to our group and helped offset many of the shortcomings of the property. Anna, the property manager, was also very responsive and attentive during our stay.

Overall, I would describe Le Petit Verdus as a 3-star experience with the potential to be a 5-star one if more care and attention were invested in both the property and the guest experience. The château itself is beautiful at its core, but it deserves better upkeep and a higher standard of service to match...

A group of 12 of us stayed at Chateau Le Petit Verdus for my 40th birthday earlier this month. It was magical! The rooms and bathrooms are restored with impeccable detail. Being August, it was very hot, and the pool was PERFECTLY cold and refreshing. They could stand to have a few more chaise longes and umbrellas :) We enjoyed using their recommended private driver for day trips to Bordeaux, St. Emilion, and Arcachon to see the Dune du Pilat. We also took advantage of on site massage (it was ok), private chef dinners (exquisite!) where we dined outdoors at the long table. We had bikes delivered by Cycles Sud-Oest and LOVED biking the local Roger Lapebie bike path to cute train station-turned cafes, picking blackberries, and enjoying the countryside. Took several trips to Creon where there is a great food hall. Anna, the on-site host, was fantastic! We ordered breakfast daily which was a fantastic way to start the day - everyone slept in, woke up to a delightful spread, and then went on with our days - no responsibilities! This was an incredible experience. WARNING: There is no air conditioning - the upper floors get very warm, even with fans! The warmth did make for wonderful evenings on the terrace enjoying wine and chatting. We took advantage of pre-stocking services which was wonderful - we arrived in the evening jetlagged and tired - so nice to have everything we needed to make dinner and relax. Went across the road to Grand Verdus for an evening picnic our last night - highly recommend the Friday night summer live...

Staying at Le Petit Verdus in Bordeaux was an unforgettable experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the sheer beauty of the property. The grounds were immaculately maintained with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyard. Inside, the chateau was just as stunning—each room was tastefully decorated with a perfect blend of French charm and modern comforts, making it feel luxurious yet welcoming.

Two of the highlights of our stay was the private cooking class and chef's dinner that was arranged for us. Both were immersive and memorable experiences. Not only did we learn how to prepare a gourmet meal, but the chef came back to make a private birthday dinner which we got to enjoy in the stunning dining room of the chateau. Chef Slim was incredibly skilled, personable and accommodating to our food preferences.

A special mention must be made of Anna, the concierge, who was simply outstanding. From the very start of our vacation, she went above and beyond to ensure that every detail of our stay was perfect. Whether it was arranging transportation to ordering the private wine from the chateau, Anna’s dedication and warmth made everything seamless and stress-free. Her responsiveness and willingness to accommodate our every request truly made us feel cared for throughout our entire stay.

We couldn’t have asked for a more magical or relaxing vacation. It’s the perfect escape for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty, culture, and cuisine...