I stayed at Chateau Grattequina for 3 nights, choosing it for its location just outside the busy city of Bordeaux and the location on the banks of the river Garonne.
My stay was quite wonderful! I had originally booked 2 nights with a plan to rent a car and drive through the Dordogne valley, staying one night outside of Rocamador on the river Dordogne. That all changed when my purse was stolen in Paris leaving me without a driver's license and no possibility to rent a car. My boyfriend also cancelled the second half of our trip, returning to the U.S. before I departed Paris. The staff at Chateau Grattequina were very helpful, and booked me for an additional night.
I stayed in a River View Suite for two nights, and a Garrone room for one night (due to a wedding). The River View Suite (Room #3) was the most romantic room I've ever stayed in. Huge by European standards, with wooden floors, a decorative fire place in the sitting room, a very large bath with separate rain shower and large soaking tub, and a separate WC. The most incredible feature was the terrace with floor to ceiling new glass - insulated for sound and 3 doors that opened out on to the terrace. The terrace is nothing short of magnificent. Stone pillars rise, views straight on to the river, and room for a cocktail party of 20. A dining table and two chairs make it the perfect place for evening cocktails and breakfast.
The staff, especially Stephan, Virginia, and Michael, went out of their way to help me -- as a solo traveler who does not speak much French and no rental car, I was essentially stuck. They arranged for Mr. Rush, a wonderful gentleman who operates a taxi, to be my taxi for a trip to St. Emilion (just wonderful), two vineyard tours in Margaux and Paullac, and to dinner in Bordeaux city Centre. It was certainly expensive to hire a taxi for all of my activities, but it meant I was never lost, and he pointed out wonderful sights, pulled over for photos and escorted me in to get money changed at the Bordeaux airport.
The only drawback of the chateau is that it has no restaurant. They do provide a very nice breakfast for an additional 18Euros in the downstairs salon, and they also provide room service with a limited menu (but wonderful wines!).
The property is set far back from the road, right on the banks of the river. There are gardens - filled with hydrangeas and roses during my stay, and a swimming pool. The main terrace wraps around the entire hotel and allows guests who aren't staying in Room #3 the same option to have their breakfast or cocktails out on the terrace, watching the river and listening to the weeping willows.
I would highly recommend Chateau Grattequina! I intend to return (with a rental car)! The Bordeaux City Centre is only about 15 minutes away and offers all of the great food and people watching of Paris, plus beautiful architecture, fountains and parks. Just less noise and the people are much more relaxed. The vineyards are all right there for you to enjoy. It is a marvelous excursion out of Paris, just 3 hours on the TGV.
Thank you again to the wonderful staff! A highight of my trip to France!