Hôtel du Palais Biarritz - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Biarritz, France
La Grande Plage
Vibe
Grand Second Empire opulence meets Atlantic surf, where imperial staircases patterned with bee motifs lead down to oceanfront terraces.
“Imperial Atlantic beacon”
Built in 1854 for Empress Eugénie, this seaside palace remains the historic landmark of the Basque coast.
Two-Key palace service delivers dedicated cabana attendants, bespoke concierge attention, and champagne-paired dining overlooking the Bay of Biscay.
Multi-level Guerlain spa featuring an indoor counter-current pool, hammam, sauna, and heated outdoor seawater swimming with oceanfront cabanas.
Overlooking La Grande Plage and the Atlantic bay, a short walk from the Biarritz lighthouse.
“Biarritz’s grande dame is the Hotel du Palais, the summer residence of Napoleon and Eugenie, an ostentatious brick-red and beige palace…”
Rooms
Restored period tapestries and antique furnishings frame ocean views, while top-floor Cruise Liner suites feature yacht-inspired porthole windows.
“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…”
Wellness
The multi-level spa offers Guerlain rituals, hammam, and sauna, alongside a skylit freshwater pool and heated outdoor seawater swimming.
“The ocean panoramas are framed through enormous windows in La Rotonde, the restaurant that celebrity chef Alain Ducasse once called “the world’s most beautiful dining room.””
Backstory
Napoleon III built the seaside estate in 1854 for Empress Eugénie, transforming Biarritz from a quiet village into an aristocratic resort.
Eat & drink
La Rotonde pairs panoramic Atlantic views with Basque-inflected haute cuisine, complemented by vintage champagne beneath Bar Napoléon III's massive chandelier.
The neighborhood
Set directly above La Grande Plage, the palace is a ten-minute coastal walk from central Biarritz and the Phare lighthouse.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.