TIME LINE

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes

Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes is nestled in the heart of Bordeaux, France, within the historic Chartrons district. The hotel occupies a former 19th-century wine cellar, meticulously restored and transformed into a stylish and contemporary lodging. Its prime location places it within easy walking distance of Bordeaux's captivating attractions, including the Bordeaux Wine Museum, the Place de la Bourse, and the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux.

The visionary design of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes bears the mark of Philippe Starck, a world-renowned French designer celebrated for his eclectic and innovative creations. Starck's portfolio boasts an impressive collection of hotels around the globe, including the Mondrian London, the Mondrian New York, and the Mondrian Doha. His vision for Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes seamlessly blends the hotel's historic charm with a modern aesthetic, creating a captivating space that exudes sophistication and elegance.

AccorHotels, the French hospitality group that owns the Mondrian brand, made a significant investment of over €100 million in the development of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes. This substantial investment reflects the group's confidence in the hotel's potential and its commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience. The hotel's doors opened in 2018, and it has since garnered widespread acclaim for its design, location, and amenities.

The story of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes dates back to the 19th century when it served as the wine cellar for Maison Calvet, a prominent wine merchant. For over a century, these cellars played a vital role in storing and aging fine wines. As the years passed, the wine cellars fell into disuse and disrepair, their once vibrant past fading into a distant memory. In 2014, AccorHotels acquired the property, embarking on a meticulous restoration project to revive its former glory. The hotel's grand opening in 2018 marked a new chapter, transforming the once-abandoned wine cellars into a vibrant hub of hospitality.

Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes offers a range of luxurious amenities that cater to the discerning traveler. Its 92 elegantly appointed guest rooms provide a haven of comfort and style, each tastefully decorated to reflect the hotel's contemporary design aesthetic. Guests can indulge in culinary delights at the hotel's signature restaurant, savor handcrafted cocktails at the stylish bar, or unwind in the tranquil ambiance of the spa. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel's outdoor swimming pool offers a refreshing escape.

The architectural design of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes masterfully blends the historic charm of the 19th-century wine cellar with a modern aesthetic. The original structure's exposed brick walls and vaulted ceilings serve as a reminder of the building's rich heritage, while contemporary elements like sleek glass panels and minimalist furniture add a touch of sophistication.

Philippe Starck, the renowned French architect and designer, drew inspiration from the city's maritime heritage to create a design that is both elegant and functional. The hotel's façade features a stunning glass-enclosed courtyard, reminiscent of the traditional Bordeaux wine-making warehouses known as "chais." This central courtyard serves as a focal point, providing ample natural light and enhancing the sense of openness and airiness throughout the hotel.

Philippe Starck continued his vision of blending heritage and modernity in the hotel's interior design. The use of natural materials like wood and stone creates a sense of warmth and authenticity, while pops of color and contemporary furnishings add a touch of vibrancy. The hotel's lobby, with its soaring ceilings and dramatic lighting, sets the tone for a luxurious and sophisticated experience.

Starck's signature style is evident in the design of the guest rooms, which are both stylish and functional. The rooms feature a minimalist aesthetic, with sleek lines and uncluttered spaces. The use of neutral tones like white and beige provides a sense of calm and tranquility, while pops of color and textured fabrics add visual interest. The bathrooms, with their spacious showers and freestanding bathtubs, offer a haven of relaxation.

The design of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes is deeply rooted in the history of the building and the city of Bordeaux. Philippe Starck sought to honor the building's past as a wine cellar while creating a modern and stylish hotel that would appeal to discerning travelers.

The exposed brick walls and vaulted ceilings, remnants of the original wine cellar, serve as a constant reminder of the building's heritage. The use of natural materials like wood and stone further reinforces the connection to the past. At the same time, Starck's modern aesthetic is evident in the sleek lines, minimalist furniture, and pops of color.

The hotel's design also pays homage to Bordeaux's maritime heritage. The glass-enclosed courtyard, reminiscent of traditional Bordeaux wine-making warehouses, serves as a central gathering space and floods the hotel with natural light. The use of nautical-inspired details, such as ropes and pulleys, further reinforces the connection to the city's maritime past.

The design story of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes is one of transformation, seamlessly blending the charm of the past with the sophistication of the present. The hotel's design is a testament to Philippe Starck's ability to create spaces that are both stylish and functional, while also honoring the rich history and heritage of the building and the city.








No comments: