Yndo

You might imagine you know what to expect from a 19th-century mansion hotel in Bordeaux, but Yndō Hotel’s unusual name might just be a clue that you’re in for a surprise. The exterior of this hotel particulier remains as traditional as ever, oriented as it is around a quiet central courtyard. Once you’ve ventured into the interior of the house, though, you’ll see what we mean — the architecture is still classic, but the interior design is totally contemporary, as is the hotel’s art collection.

Everything is carefully sourced by the hoteliers, who hand-picked the designers, the artisans, and of course the artists, and the result is a visual experience where every angle feels meticulously considered. That’s most of what matters in a design hotel, to be honest — the rest is taste, and that’s something Yndō’s proprietors have in spades. Witness the twelve rooms, all different, from the “cosy” rooms with their warm woods and neutral tones, to the “crazy” rooms with their saturated colors and postmodern flourishes, and the suites, which are eclectic, stylish, and luxurious.

There’s no formal restaurant, but in a hotel of this size, there doesn’t need to be. Instead the kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner — or, indeed, anything you’d like, 24 hours a day — in the hotel’s dining room, on the terrace, or in your room or suite. And this being Bordeaux, a glass of extraordinary wine is always at hand....