Regina Experimental Biarritz
Biarritz, France
Vibe
Evenings unfold under the soaring 15-meter glass roof, where guests sip house cocktails amid conversation and cushioned lounges facing the arches.
“Postmodern coastal roost”
Dorothée Meilichzon pairs Eileen Gray nods with marine stripes, ceramic accents, and curvaceous footbridge-inspired seating.
A 1907 Belle Époque landmark on the cliffs, retaining its original cupolas and monumental Eiffel-style glazed atrium.
Evenings center on live piano performances at the ocean-liner bar, spilling onto an ocean-facing brasserie terrace.
On a clifftop near the Biarritz Lighthouse, looking out over the Atlantic and Le Phare golf course.
“Its gleaming white façade remains familiar, as does its towering central atrium; but in its new incarnation as the Regina Experimental Biarritz, its interior spaces have been reborn.”
Rooms
Rooms evoke 1920s ocean liners with marine stripes, Japanese straw accents, rope-framed mirrors, and views of the Atlantic or Le Phare golf course.
Wellness
A heated outdoor pool overlooks the Atlantic, paired with a traditional hammam, sauna, and botanical rituals by Susanne Kaufmann and Alaena.
Backstory
Built in 1907 as Le Petit Palais, this Neo-Basque landmark preserves its original white cupolas and soaring metalwork above the cliffs.
Eat & drink
Frenchie Biarritz pairs regional Basque terroir with ocean views, serving local Banka trout and Gascon pork across a breezy clifftop terrace.
The neighborhood
Perched on the northern cliffs, the hotel sits steps from the historic lighthouse, Miramar Beach, and famed Atlantic surf breaks.
More like this
Brindos, Lac & Château
“Basque lakeside folly”
Secluded
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.