Did you know that in Bordeaux there is a luxury hotel that was once a university? Renovated with style, taste and an inspiration that is somewhat ethnic, animal and inspiring. We tested the restaurant of this hotel and got a full tour of the place. An amazing, spellbinding experience that we share with you today.
A place steeped in history
Designing a luxury hotel in such a place is already a pretty surprising idea, but seeing the result is simply mind-blowing.
The Institut de Zoologie was built at the very beginning of the 20th century by the renowned architect Ernest Lacombe. It is a testament to the university architecture of that time, combining brick, stone and metal structures… giving the place a bold, modern style with large openings and exceptional light.
This place was the Institut de Zoologie, an annex of the faculty of sciences and later of naval medicine.
From concept to renovation
Bringing back the glory of such a building was no easy task. The full renovation of the building revealed the XXL size of this incredible edifice. Everything was done to preserve and highlight the superb remains of the original building.
With current safety standards and the implicit desire to offer each guest a unique experience, this delicate marriage often was a giant puzzle. The main building, to which two new wings have been added (wings that nod to the Natural Sciences), invites us to (re)discover a historic place with typically Bordeaux architecture, all opening onto an 'Amazonian' inner garden that promises a discovery at every step, right in central Bordeaux.
This elegant and bold renovation is a real success. It preserved this place and transcended its beauty.
The hotel
Location
Close to Saint-Jean station, a stone's throw from Les Capucins, this hotel likely starts a new era for a neighbourhood too often overlooked by tourists and by Bordelais themselves.
Close to the quays and the tram, it is the promise of quick access to the city centre and intense discoveries before heading back to the cocoon of the "La Zoologie" hotel.
The decor
This building is a blend of textures, shapes and colours… The original building has been partly preserved and found its place among these modern materials.
This marriage between the modern and the old was done with remarkable mastery, and you find yourself sensing a certain fluidity and a natural harmony, as if it had always been this way.
The furniture, the interior decoration, the singularity of each room… Everything is thought out and weighed with taste and originality. Materials mingle with textures, colours blur with furniture choices, and the whole creates an atmosphere unique to each room.
"Botanical", "Geological" or "Zoology" moods, you have to choose! Whatever your taste, you will surely notice the light and that sense of space that come from every room. With around 40 rooms on offer, the "La Zoologie" hotel knows how to tempt you and make you stay.
The dining room and bar do not escape these crafted and inspired moods. You find these ethnic inspirations there while adding a finely balanced and refined modernity.
There reigns in this hotel an animal, natural and positive atmosphere that we loved.
Let us end with the spellbinding and incredible outdoor decor. A 'mini' Amazonian forest opens up before you. This tropical garden acts as backdrop to the restaurant terrace and as an excuse for contemplation.
The Restaurant
Let us start at the beginning… Here we have a restaurant with an open kitchen-workshop, meaning you can watch the teams busy at work preparing the dishes you will eat, either in the room or on this magnificent terrace in the middle of a mini-jungle.
The products are fresh and prepared on site. The cuisine is inspired: both simple with a modern touch and rooted in traditional Bordelais cooking. The "La Zoologie" hotel restaurant knows how to surprise you and wake up your taste buds.
The staff is smiling, friendly and considerate. You cannot ask for better. They are full of attention and accompany you throughout your meal.
Prices are reasonable and, in this setting, we really spent a delicious moment.
The hotel's services
The hotel also offers other services:
- A SPA (a large jacuzzi, a spacious hammock, a sauna and several massage rooms. The best part is the relaxation area right in the middle of the tropical jungle).
- A BAR (where I was told the bartender was way better than Tom Cruise…)
- & An absolutely brilliant Rooftop
As for prices, they did not seem excessive to us given the 4-star rating of this hotel. Prices are well positioned. Whether the restaurant, the brunch or the other services, prices are reasonable and quality is always there.
As you understood, this hotel is simply exceptional. Its atmosphere is unique, it is a journey with every room, every step. Thanks to Stanislas de Sparre for guiding us and touring this jewel with us. We will happily come back.
HÔTEL LA ZOOLOGIE
Website: https://www.hotelzoologie.com/
Address: Hôtel La Zoologie, 151 cours de la Marne, 33800 Bordeaux
Phone: 05 33 06 99 17
