The imperial palace of Napoléon III facing the Grande Plage, the one that invented mondain Biarritz in 1854.
Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
From
1,945.18 €
“Two pools including one heated with seawater, facing the ocean, open all year.”
L'Hôtel du Palais has occupied the villa Eugénie since 1854, summer residence of Napoléon III and the empress. We sleep in a restored Second Empire setting: gilded mouldings, crystal chandeliers, herringbone parquet, white marble bathrooms. Ocean-side rooms overlook the Grande Plage and the Rocher de la Vierge, city-side ones the rooftops of Biarritz. The palace has kept its monumental staircase and its glass rotunda, listed historic monuments. Two pools (one indoor heated with seawater, one outdoor open in summer), Guerlain spa of 1 200 m², Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant Villa Eugénie. From 1 945 € a night, it is the Basque palace rate, justified by the address and the history. We recommend a sea-view room, the price difference pays for itself at the first sunrise ✨
Who is it for?
Who we recommend it to
We recommend the Hôtel du Palais to travellers seeking a historic palace facing the ocean, not a design boutique hotel. It is an address for couples in their fifties and older, anniversary weekends, second-generation honeymoons, wellness retreats with spa. Families are welcome (family rooms available), but the atmosphere remains hushed, discreet international clientele, many regulars who return each summer for decades.
The building
Architecture and interiors
The current building dates from 1905, rebuilt after the fire of the original imperial villa of 1854. Belle Époque architecture in white stone, monumental 150-metre façade facing the Atlantic, central glass rotunda under a glazed roof. Second Empire interiors restored in 2011: painted woodwork, gilded stucco, Aubusson carpets, Napoléon III period furniture. Rooms between 30 and 180 m², ceiling height 3.50 m, solid parquet, Carrara marble bathrooms.
At the table
Restaurants, bar, service
Three tables: the Michelin-starred Villa Eugénie (chef Jean-Marie Gautier, gastronomic Basque cuisine, blue lobster, Bresse pigeon), La Rotonde for buffet breakfasts and sea-view lunches, the Bar Impérial for cocktails and tapas on the terrace. Continental breakfast is included in certain room categories, otherwise 45 € per person. 24-hour room service, simplified menu after midnight.
Highlights
- Imperial villa of 1854, summer residence of Napoléon III and Eugénie, listed historic monument
- Two pools: one indoor heated with seawater, one outdoor facing the ocean
- Michelin-starred restaurant Villa Eugénie, contemporary Basque cuisine by Jean-Marie Gautier
- Guerlain spa of 1 200 m² with sea-view treatment rooms and hammam
- Direct access to the Grande Plage, private beach with sun loungers and parasols included
Location & access
Where the hotel sits in Biarritz
The hotel holds the seafront of Biarritz, avenue de l'Impératrice, between the Grande Plage and the lighthouse. Rocher de la Vierge five minutes on foot, town centre and Halles ten minutes. Biarritz-Pays basque airport 15 minutes by car, SNCF station 3 km. The neighbourhood is residential chic, Belle Époque villas, few immediate shops but absolute calm. Starred Basque restaurants (L'Auberge Basque, Ilura) 10-15 minutes by car.
Good to know
Before you book
- Pets
- Accepted, 50 € per animal and per night, basket and bowls provided.
- Parking
- Private parking on site, 45 € per night, valet included.
- Outdoor pool
- Open May to September, heated, sun loungers and towels included.
- Spa
- Open 10h-20h, Guerlain treatments by reservation, access to indoor pool included for residents.
- Private beach
- Direct access to the Grande Plage, sun loungers and parasols included from June to September.
- Dress code
- Jacket recommended in the evening at Villa Eugénie, casual attire accepted at La Rotonde.
Facilities
2 pools
Non-smoking rooms
Fitness centre
Facilities for disabled guests
Room service
Restaurant
Spa and wellness centre
Wi-Fi available everywhere
Private parking
Parking on site
Free Wi-Fi connection
Family rooms
Beachfront
Pets allowed
Location
Where Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is located
Exact address
Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Address
1, Avenue de l'Impératrice
In the same city
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