Maison Pavlov — Restaurant in Bordeaux

There’s a saying about “lemons” to “lemonade” When our long-anticipated cruise turned into a different kind of time spent in Bordeaux, we were thrilled to have “found” a relatively newly opened GEM of an awesome hotel. ||||The Maison Pavlov is NOT a chain hotel! It has only 8 rooms, and my goodness but they are not at all your standard room! The photos I’m posting don’t do the hotel justice - but my breath was truly taken away - from the round, lighted bathroom mirror, to the motorized open Pavilion ceiling to the private courtyard: all I could say was, “WOW!”||||The on-site restaurant is lively, charming, and yet personal. Delicious, healthy meals are served (yes, there are sauces - but in appropriate quantity to complement the meal). Breakfast is perfect: omelets, scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, French bread, and COFFEE with heavenly croissants, through lunch, and dinner. Their wine selection is just right - with local Bordeaux wines featured - and a bottle/night (OK, a bottle PLUS) - is a lovely way to end the day.||||The Maison Pavlov does offer a Spa experience (although we didn’t try this benefit).||||Our luggage had been lost (but now is found), and there is not only a Pharmacy nearby (NOTE: always take your meds in your carry-on!), but we also happened upon a Monoprix (which sells all kinds of sundries) to tide us over until our luggage arrived. (Yes - we avoided the local McDonald’s - but others may not have the same restraint.) The “old town” (near the River), is a somewhat far walk, however there is a lovely park (Park Bordelais) not far from the hotel. And for those more adventurous, the silent - electric - “trolley” runs right past the hotel. Also in the area are other small grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes.||||From the owner’s warm and personal welcome (THANK you, Mary!), to the help we have received from every member of the staff reminds me of how life should be. A memory I will never forget - and a hotel I hope...

There’s a saying about “lemons” to “lemonade” When our long-anticipated cruise turned into a different kind of time spent in Bordeaux, we were thrilled to have “found” a relatively newly opened GEM of an awesome hotel. ||||The Maison Pavlov is NOT a chain hotel! It has only 8 rooms, and my goodness but they are not at all your standard room! The photos I’m posting don’t do the hotel justice - but my breath was truly taken away - from the round, lighted bathroom mirror, to the motorized open Pavilion ceiling to the private courtyard: all I could say was, “WOW!”||||The on-site restaurant is lively, charming, and yet personal. Delicious, healthy meals are served (yes, there are sauces - but in appropriate quantity to complement the meal). Breakfast is perfect: omelets, scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, French bread, and COFFEE with heavenly croissants, through lunch, and dinner. Their wine selection is just right - with local Bordeaux wines featured - and a bottle/night (OK, a bottle PLUS) - is a lovely way to end the day.||||The Maison Pavlov does offer a Spa experience (although we didn’t try this benefit).||||Our luggage had been lost (but now is found), and there is not only a Pharmacy nearby (NOTE: always take your meds in your carry-on!), but we also happened upon a Monoprix (which sells all kinds of sundries) to tide us over until our luggage arrived. (Yes - we avoided the local McDonald’s - but others may not have the same restraint.) The “old town” (near the River), is a somewhat far walk, however there is a lovely park (Park Bordelais) not far from the hotel. And for those more adventurous, the silent - electric - “trolley” runs right past the hotel. Also in the area are other small grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes.||||From the owner’s warm and personal welcome (THANK you, Mary!), to the help we have received from every member of the staff reminds me of how life should be. A memory I will never forget - and a hotel I hope...

Hotel Maison Pavlov, Bordeaux - Disappointing Stay

I had high hopes for Hotel Maison Pavlov after reading positive reviews and viewing the appealing photos online, but unfortunately, my stay was quite disappointing, especially considering the price.

I booked a room with two beds, but one of the “beds” was merely a sofa turned into a makeshift sleeping space – very uncomfortable for a good night’s rest. The bathroom was equally underwhelming. It had a small shower and a toilet, with a ventilator that only activates when you shower. If you close the door, the bathroom develops an unpleasant smell. There’s no practical place to store toiletries like shaving foam, except on the floor, which made it even more inconvenient. Worse still, the sink was located in the room itself with no proper space for toiletries either.

One positive note: after two nights, we decided to cut our stay short, and the staff were very understanding and didn’t charge us for the third night. The staff were friendly and accommodating in that regard.

Be aware that the hotel is in an old building without an elevator, so you have to navigate a steep staircase. Unfortunately, the first impression wasn’t great either as the hotel uses the space under the staircase for storing garbage, which was the first thing we noticed upon arrival. This charming building has potential, but it desperately needs a complete renovation. The plastic windows and doors should also be replaced to preserve its authenticity.

In summary, despite the friendly staff, the overall experience was far below expectations. For the price, I expected far better comfort and amenities. I wouldn’t recommend this hotel until it undergoes a...