Seeko'o Hôtel ★★★★

Until I was cruelly informed that I “lacked originality” by an unsympathetic teacher in high school, and told I might do better as an interior decorator, I wanted nothing more than to be an architect. While I might have curiously ended up writing for a living, my interest in architecture and design has never waned, and I get a little frisson of excitement every time I am told I have to review an innovative design hotel.

Fortunately, this time, the Seeko’o Hotel did not disappoint. With a smooth exterior of Corian®, completely unmarred by stylistic attributes, the hotel’s exterior stands out among the rows of eighteenth century buildings of Bordeaux’s northern quarter. That isn’t to say the contemporary hotel lacks character; the hotel’s curvilinear design and erratic window arrangement gives the building a dynamism matched by the lively, youthful atmosphere inside.

With just forty-five rooms, the Seeko’o is small enough to boast a friendly, personal service and retain an exclusive ambiance. But, the rooms are light-filled and spacious, a modern luxury. We were pleased to discover free WiFi, cable channels on the LCD TV, and air conditioning; and while I considered the en-suite separated from the bedroom by just a curtain to be an error in design judgement, at least the bathroom was luxuriously well equipped, with a hair dryer, slippers and fluffy white robe. The monochrome interior is immaculately maintained, with white walls and a dark reflective ceiling making the room seem vast and flooded with light. We also benefitted from our roof-top terrace, where we soaked up the evening sun while drinking in the panoramic view of Bordeaux from our elevated vantage point.

The interior design may be cool and contemporary, but the Seeko’o Hotel benefits from polite and professional staff that give the hotel a warm, friendly ambiance. We were well taken care of from the minute we walked in the door, checked in without difficulty and served by charming, amiable barmen and waiters in the bar. The bar itself is a lively hotspot for guests and locals alike, remaining open until fairly late before re-opening as the breakfast bar in the morning. Here, we enjoyed eggs cooked to order, as well as a range of options from a continental breakfast, before venturing out to explore the city.

Having neither of us been to Bordeaux before, we were keen to explore the city on foot: we enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the waterfront into the uniformly pretty limestone streets of the old town. We took advantage of the unseasonal warm weather and enjoyed a café au lait in a bright, sunny square, before we wandered through the botanical gardens. To rest our tired legs, we returned to the hotel to unwind in the hammam and sauna, before we dressed and returned to town for dinner. Though the hotel has no restaurant of its own, the concierge offered several excellent recommendations. After a delightful meal in the city centre, we returned to the stunning Seeko’o after some time gazing at the equally stunning miroir d’eau reflecting pool in front of the Place de la Bourse.

I might lack originality in design, but the Seeko’o Hotel certainly does not. Architecturally, it stands out among the more conventional hotels in this ancient city, but it manages a traditionally classic level of service. For an unforgettable experience, why not stay in a hotel that plays an integral part in the revitalisation of beautiful Bordeaux.