Southwest France Hotels|Biarritz, France

Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz

Name: Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz
Telephone: 33-5-59-41-12-34

Seaside splendor in French Basque Country

RESPONSIBLE HOSPITALITY VERIFIED

VERIFIED LUXURY

Learn How We Inspect

Designed in 1854 as a summer villa by Napoleon III for his wife, Eugénie, Hôtel du Palais Biarritz’s imperial past is still very much part of the grande dame’s present. Once the host of lavish balls attended by the royal and social elite, the villa was transformed into a casino before it was rebuilt in the shape of an “E” as an ode to the empress in the early 1900s. More recently, Hôtel du Palais Biarritz — the only on the Atlantic coast to earn the distinguished French palace title — was meticulously modernized and restored when it joined The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand.

Each of the 86 rooms and 56 suites shows off city views of Biarritz or sweeping shots of the Atlantic, which are framed by nautical-style porthole windows in the fifth floor Cruise Liner suites, where décor embraces nautical, yacht-inspired touches. The rest of the hotel pays homage to the original residents with sumptuous, Second Empire-style furniture, tapestries and trompe l’œil columns — all restored or re-created by the hotel’s own team of artisans for a look that’s grand but not in the least bit stuffy.

Our Inspector's Highlights

The heated outdoor saltwater pool extends like a balcony over the Atlantic with loungers overlooking the ocean and cabanas available for rent. You’ll have direct access to the beach from the solarium — which is also one of the best spots in Biarritz to soak up sunset views.
La Rotonde’s elegant dining room capitalizes on its 180-degree ocean views and highlights haute French classics with a Basque spin through dishes like pigeon paired with foie gras and “Suzy” crêpes flambéed tableside.
Chandelier-crowned Le Bar Napoléon III serves modernized takes on classics like the Vieux Carré, plus Basque-inspired cocktails celebrating local cider.
The four-floor, 26,900-square-foot Spa Impérial is as regal as the name suggests and features an indoor pool and whirlpool, sauna and hammam, plus exclusively designed Guerlain treatments and tailor-made hair-care services from luxe Parisian beauty brand Leonor Greyl.
You can’t get a better location in Biarritz, since the luxury hotel is right on the beach and just a 10-minute walk from the center of town.

Things to Know

The fitness center sits on the top floor of the Spa Impérial, and Technogym equipment is primely placed so you can soak up ocean views while working out. Instructors are also available if you want to take part in water activities like surfing.
The Kid’s Club is open daily in July and August and offers activities for ages from four to 12 for a fee.
Larger pets (up to 66 pounds) are welcome at an additional nightly fee. They can join you at Le Salon, the bar and La Terrasse.
The hotel really comes to life in the summer, when it hosts special events and serves ice cream from local parlor Maison Dézamy on La Grande Plage. You’ll still receive royal treatment other times of the year with lavish happenings like champagne-filled Sunday Imperial Brunch at La Rotonde.
The entire hotel is wheelchair-accessible, and four rooms are designed to cater to guests with reduced mobility.

Amenities