Originally Posted by JohnnyP

Review: FirstName Bordeaux – JdV by Hyatt (June 2025, 3-night stay)

Room Type: Two adjoining rooms (upgraded to Deluxe King)

Status: World of Hyatt Globalist

Rate: 15K/night per room on points

Travel Party: 2 adults, 3 kids (aka our three energetic boys)

Purpose: Family vacation base in Bordeaux

Check-in was smooth, friendly, and surprisingly human (you know, in the best way). We got there pretty early so our rooms weren’t ready yet (no problem), so they took our bags and gave us the hotel WhatsApp to keep in touch. They proactively assigned us two adjoining rooms, which we had requested, and recognized Globalist status without any awkward prompting. No suite upgrade available (as expected, it’s a small boutique property), but we did get bumped to a Deluxe King, which helped with space, adjoining a twin room. The room was ready by 1pm.

The team struck that sweet spot between casual and competent—welcoming, cheerful, and happy to help. Honestly, it was the kind of service you wish you got at big-name flagships but rarely do. Definitely more Andaz 5th Ave than Grand Hyatt anything.

Rooms & Comfort:

Rooms are cleverly designed—modern, playful, and surprisingly quiet (second floor, facing the street, and still minimal noise). Beds were plush and dreamy, with bedding quality somewhere between Park Hyatt Paris and “I should’ve asked where they got these pillows.”

Bathrooms are compact but well-appointed, and the Oleopin toiletries from Cap Ferret were a lovely surprise, locally made and far nicer than the standard-issue JdV sets.

My only gripe? The cardboard hangers. Yes, we get it… eco-conscious. But there’s a fine line between saving the planet and making guests feel like they’re at a high-end sleepaway camp.

Amenities & Extras:

The “Kitchenette” concept was a real standout. There’s a communal fridge stocked with local sparkling lemonade, cookies, and candy plus a microwave and chilled water. When you have three kids who act like they haven’t eaten in 48 hours between meals, this setup is gold.

Bonus points for the in-room French press and locally roasted coffee beans, a genuinely thoughtful touch that makes morning coffee feel less like survival and more like self-care. Only thing missing: a splash of milk or creamer to round it out.

Fitness Center:

There’s a fitness room… or maybe two? It’s spread across different floors and feels more like an architectural flex than a gym. The equipment is wood-based and looks like it was designed for a Scandinavian influencer’s Instagram reel. The “free weights” max out at 8kg and there’s no bench in sight. Let’s just say if you’re hoping to maintain your deadlift PR, this isn’t the place. Fine for a stretch and a maybe sweat, but mostly form over function.

Breakfast:

Breakfast was included for all five of us, no questions asked. The spread was solid—great coffee (again with local beans), nice pastries, eggs, meats, dairy, and yogurt. Exactly what you’d hope for at a well-run boutique city hotel.

That said, the fruit game was weak. Kiwis and nectarines that could be used as cricket balls, and no berries in sight. We felt bad wasting them, but eating them would’ve required dental insurance.

Location & Access:

Fantastic if you’re using public transport. The tram stop is literally across a single lane street with no steps, and the ~40-minute ride to the airport was painless, even with bags and kids in tow. The walk into the heart of Bordeaux is easy and scenic, with bakeries and restaurants popping up as soon as you hit the Garonne.

It’s not smack in the center like the InterContinental, but it feels more grounded, less touristy, and still super convenient. Shopping mall across the street with an Auchan. Two blocks from Alain Ducasse “Chocolat” with easily the best ice cream on earth, and an easy walk to shopping and food. (Strong recommendations for Luna Restaurant, Petit Mignon and Les Récoltants.)


Bottom Line:


FirstName Bordeaux is a stylish, well-run boutique hotel that punches above its JdV label. It’s not trying to be ultra-luxury, but it delivers where it counts: comfort, service, and thoughtful details. The design-forward quirks land more often than they miss, and the staff makes you feel like you’re more than just a room number.

Would we stay here again? Absolutely—though next time I’m bringing my own hangers and a ripe banana.

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