Hotel du Palais
Old-world grand hotel opulence with Second Empire décor — heavy drapes, cartographic tapestries, period furniture maintained by on-site craft ateliers — but with a surprisingly laid-back Basque surf town just outside the wrought-iron gates. The contrast is real and delightful.
Spend the extra money on an ocean-facing room — city and courtyard views are nice but miss the whole point of being here
Why It Matters
One of France's 31 officially classified 'Palace' hotels. Former imperial residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. La Rotonde restaurant holds a Michelin star. The building's façades and roofs are listed as French historical monuments. The 26,900 sq ft Guerlain spa is among the largest in France. Very few hotels in Europe combine this level of historic pedigree with a live beachfront setting.
The Hôtel du Palais is France's grande dame on the Atlantic coast — a brick-red Louis XIII palace built in 1854 for Napoleon III as a private summer villa for Empress Eugénie. Now part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and holder of the French government's 'Palace' distinction, it sits directly on Biarritz's Grande Plage with the Atlantic crashing below its terraces. The building's E-shaped footprint is a nod to the Empress herself. Past guests include Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Coco Chanel, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill — the guest list alone tells you what kind of place this is.
Where You'll Stay
14 room types available
2-Bedroom Family Suite
Two bedrooms plus a living room, city views, around 70 sqm. One king and one queen bed — ideal for families or groups traveling together. Interconnecting options available on request.
King + Queen · 69 sqm
Ambassador Suite
Generous 65 sqm of sophisticated living space with a separate lounge. Queen or king bed. Deep soaking tub and rainfall shower in the bathroom, plus a spacious walk-in wardrobe. World of Hyatt standard suite.
King or Queen · 65 sqm
Cruise Liner King Room
The most distinctive standard rooms in the house. Located on the 5th floor with marine-inspired furnishings and distinctive porthole windows — genuinely feels like a first-class cabin on an ocean liner. 35 sqm with captivating views of Biarritz or the ocean. A 3D virtual tour is available on the Hyatt website.
King · 35 sqm
Deluxe King Room
A step up at 32 sqm with brighter, more refined ambience. City or Grand Courtyard views. Ceiling heights vary by floor. Good balance of space and price for a city-facing stay.
King · 32 sqmImpérial Suite
79 sqm adorned with exquisite cartographic wall tapestries that are among the most photographed details in the hotel. Panoramic ocean views, king bedroom, separate living room, deep soaking tub and rainfall shower, walk-in wardrobe. World of Hyatt premium suite.
King · 79 sqmJunior Suite Cruise Liner
The 5th-floor suite version of the nautical experience. 45 sqm with a separate lounge space, rounded porthole windows, and city or ocean views. The Ateliers Follin custom wall coverings are particularly striking here. Premium pillow menu available on request.
King · 45 sqmJunior Suite Ocean View
Grand Empire-era décor across 50 sqm with direct Atlantic Ocean views. King or twin bed configurations available. The sweet spot for guests wanting authentic imperial luxury with a sea view. Chromecast TV, Nespresso, electric kettle, gourmet minibar.
King or Twin · 50 sqmKing Room
The entry point at the Palais and, honestly, not huge — 27 sqm with city or Grand Courtyard views. Décor is classic Second Empire: rich fabrics, period furnishings, plush carpet. Ceiling heights vary by floor, which adds character. All standard amenities including Nespresso, minibar, and 24-hour room service.
King · 27 sqmKing Room Beach View
Second Empire styling with direct beach views. At 34–35 sqm this is where the location really starts to pay off. Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Basque coast. One of the most popular room categories.
King or Queen · 34 sqmOcean View Deluxe Room
Fresh light tones and direct Atlantic Ocean views at 34–35 sqm. Serene coastal ambiance. Worth the premium over city-facing categories — this is what Biarritz is about.
King · 34 sqmPalais Suite
The entry-level suite category, at 59 sqm with a separate bedroom and living area. City or courtyard views rather than ocean — worth noting. Classic Palais décor. World of Hyatt standard suite for upgrade eligibility.
King or Twin · 59 sqmRooftop Suite
The top-floor gem — 70 sqm with porthole windows, a private terrace with outdoor furniture, and ocean views. Deep soaking tub and rainfall shower. One of the most unique rooms in the house, combining the Cruise Liner collection aesthetic with a genuine private outdoor terrace.
King · 70 sqmRoyal Suite
The grandest category at ~100 sqm. Expansive living rooms, rich Imperial-style décor, private terrace with ocean views. Interconnecting suites available on request. Contact the hotel directly for exclusive rate details. This is the room for the full imperial fantasy.
King · 99 sqmTwin Room
Same footprint as the King Room at 27 sqm, with soft pastel tones and twin beds. City or Grand Courtyard views. Good option for traveling friends or families needing separate beds.
2 Twin · 27 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Concierge-organized excursions to the French Basque Country (Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Arcangues, Espelette) and Spain (San Sebastián 30 min, Bilbao/Guggenheim 1h15).
Step directly from the hotel's solarium and gardens onto the Grande Plage. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and towels available.
On the top floor of the Spa Impérial with ocean views and the latest Technogym equipment. Fitness instructors on hand.
Various instructor-led classes including yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonic, boxing, and QiGong offered through the fitness center.
Biarritz-Le-Phare golf course is a 10-minute drive. Virtuoso notes 16 golf courses in the wider area.
Club Impérial kids program open during French school holidays, supervised by qualified animators. Children's playground also on site year-round.
A spectacular outdoor pool with seawater drawn directly from the Atlantic and heated to approximately 28°C. Surrounded by private cabanas (surcharge) and family lounges. The sun-drenched solarium has direct beach access. This is the social heart of the hotel in summer.
Seven prestigious private salons fully equipped and customizable, some with private terraces and ocean views. Available for corporate events, weddings, or private dining.
Biarritz's world-class surf breaks are steps away. The concierge and fitness instructors can arrange water activities. The Côte des Basques break is a short walk.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-site valet parking approximately €45/day.
On-site self-parking at €30/day. No reservation needed.
Large outdoor pool using Atlantic seawater, heated. Private cabanas (for hire) and family lounges surround the pool deck.
Indoor pool within the Spa Impérial with counter-current swimming, year-round access.
Gift vouchers available for spa treatments, massages, and purchases in the spa boutique and hair salon.
Dogs and cats welcome in guestrooms and in Le Salon, Bar Napoléon III, and La Terrasse. Not permitted in La Rotonde, Spa Impérial, or Club Impérial.
Multilingual concierge team; handles restaurant reservations, transport arrangements, excursion booking.
Paid shuttle service to Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Airport and the train station.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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