Hotels often have the biggest pools, and sometimes an indoor pool in the spa as well. In Bordeaux, warm pools are hidden in the spas of central hotels and in the châteaux of the vineyards. Here are the 9 hotels I've selected in Bordeaux and its vineyards, all rated at least 8/10; I particularly recommend Villas Foch, La Villa des Vignes and Château Hôtel & Spa Grand Barrail.
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
9 places shown
The pool. Heated indoor pool beneath stone vaults, in the basement spa, with sauna.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The spa is open to non-residents on a day pass: book your slot.
The pool. Expedia mentions an indoor pool. Heating not specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The rating is based on few reviews.
Guide's tip. Get access to the indoor pool confirmed before you book.
The pool. Heated pool in parkland, with jacuzzi in the spa.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask about the pool's heating period if you're coming in spring or autumn.
The pool. Indoor pool inspired by Roman baths in the Guerlain spa, with hammam and sauna. Heating not specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is part of the spa: ask whether access is included in your rate.
The pool. Heated rooftop pool on the ninth floor, overlooking the quays.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is on the roof: check that it's open on your dates.
The pool. Indoor pool heated to 32 °C in the Nuxe spa and outdoor pool open in season in the garden; some terraces have a jacuzzi.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi on some private terraces.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. To swim out of season, book access to the spa and its indoor pool.
The pool. Heated outdoor pool with sun deck, open during the warmer months.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool only opens in fine weather: check its dates before booking with it in mind.
The pool. Japanese-inspired indoor pool designed by Philippe Starck, in the spa with hammam. Heating not specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask about the spa's opening hours, as the pool is part of it.
The pool. 15 m covered pool in a timber-framed greenhouse, usable in all seasons, and an outdoor pool. Heating not specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The vinotherapy spa is booked separately: make an appointment before you arrive.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Villas Foch (5-star hotel), with 9.8/10 (176 reviews · Expedia). Next come La Villa des Vignes (8.8/10) and Château Hôtel & Spa Grand Barrail (9.6/10).
None of the places selected in Bordeaux and its vineyards clearly advertises a pool heated all year round. At Pullman Bordeaux Lac, heating is seasonal (in the warmer months). Villas Foch, La Villa des Vignes and InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hôtel have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 32 °C at Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes: Château Hôtel & Spa Grand Barrail and Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jost Hôtel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint-Jean | Rooftop outdoor pool, in season | 8,2/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Hôtel Le M & Spa (Mérignac) | Outdoor pool | 8,8/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Château Grattequina | Outdoor pool | 9,2/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Le Saint James | Outdoor pool with a view of the vines | non relevée | Heating not confirmed |
| Château Meyre | Outdoor pool used before the cooler weather sets in | 9,2/10 | Heating not confirmed |
Sources: Staycation, Yonder, Kayak.
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