Historic hotels and mansion stays in Bordeaux

Yndo Hôtel occupies a 19th-century private mansion in the historic heart of Bordeaux, which makes the old town easy to explore on foot. Its fragrant garden and shaded terrace offer a calm place to sit in summer. Rooms are individually decorated with designer furniture, air-conditioned, and come with a balcony and a seating area, useful extra space for a family. It is an intimate five-star rather than a large resort, and more than 500 reviews give it an outstanding 9.3.

The apartments at the Hôtel Majestic are the reason families should look at it: more space than a standard room, in the historic district of Bordeaux, steps from the Grand Théâtre and the Esplanade des Quinconces. Rooms and apartments are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, and breakfast can be served in the room, easy with young children. The front desk is staffed 24 hours and pets are accepted. There is no restaurant, but nearby dining options are plentiful.

Babysitting on request is the detail that makes the InterContinental Bordeaux work for parents: it frees an evening for one of the hotel's gourmet restaurants or a drink on the rooftop, with its views over the city. The 1,000 m² spa is a draw in its own right, and breakfast can be a buffet or served in the room. The location, opposite the Grand Théâtre, puts the historic centre on the doorstep. Pets are welcome too.

Hôtel de Tourny is a boutique hotel in an 18th-century mansion in Bordeaux's historic district, and I would book it for families with older children who enjoy a stylish city break on foot. Rooms are air-conditioned, with a design decor, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The patio gives everyone a calm spot after sightseeing, and the concierge service can help plan days out. Families needing a pool or play area should look elsewhere.

Marty Hotel Bordeaux sits between the business district and the historic centre, with a tram stop two minutes away. Families can reach the main pedestrian shopping street, restaurants and theatres within about five minutes on foot, which makes short walks with children easy. Rooms are fully equipped with private bathrooms and free WiFi, and a buffet breakfast is served each morning in a dedicated room. Parking is available and pets are accepted. More than 1,800 reviews give it 8.6.

I would pick Le Boutique Hotel & Spa for families who want a quiet, five-star base in historic Bordeaux. The 18th-century townhouse has a lush courtyard, a 140 m² terrace under a century-old chestnut tree and a rooftop. Guests have a half-indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a hammam, and the rooms and apartments are air-conditioned. The apartments give a family more room than a standard double.

On the right bank of the Garonne, this ibis budget puts families next to the Botanical Garden of La Bastide, a good first outing with children, and close to the Pont de Pierre, which leads into the historic centre in about 15 minutes on foot. Rooms are simple, with private bathrooms and free WiFi, and the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet sorts out mornings. I would pick it for a short, budget-minded city break. Pets are accepted.