Hospitality giant Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the reopening of the spectacular palace-turned-hotel in the French Basque Country following a property-wide restoration.

Paying homage to the building’s architecture and history, the ambitious revamp of Hôtel du Palais Biarritz celebrates the hotel’s storied past while sensitively introducing modern elements.

Reviving a historic site in south-west France

First built in 1854 by statesman Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie de Montijo, Hôtel du Palais Biarritz is the only hotel boasting Palace de France recognition on the Atlantic coast. Now, having been meticulously restored and rejuvenated, it has joined Hôtel Martinez in Cannes and Hôtel du Louvre in Paris as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s portfolio in the country.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to the extraordinary Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz,” said Alessandro Cresta, general manager at Hôtel du Palais. “Whether they wish to cross the majestic threshold for a stay at the hotel, a drink at Bar Napoleon III or lunch with the family at our fine-dining restaurant La Rotonde, guests can enjoy a truly magical experience during their stay.

“During the renovation process it’s been of the utmost importance for us to preserve the rich heritage and DNA of the palace that makes it the perfect destination when visiting Biarritz and the Basque Country. We look forward to inviting guests and inspiring collectible moments through bespoke experiences that spark new narratives of their own.”

A reflection of its location

The hotel’s 86 guestrooms and 56 suites now blend tradition with modernity; ranging from 301 and 1,076 sq ft in size, they’ve been decorated in the Second Empire Style in a nod to the palace’s history. Moreover, the rooms on the top floor showcase a marine ambience thanks to the inclusion of nautical design elements.

Also reflecting its setting, the hotel’s restaurant La Rotonde focuses on the locally inspired culinary creations of new chef Aurélien Largeau. The F&B offering is strengthened further by the Napoleon III Bar, which offers a variety of carefully selected gins, whiskies and vintage champagnes.

On top of this, the hotel is home to the 32,291 sq ft, four-floor Imperial Spa, featuring an indoor freshwater pool, whirlpool, hammam and sauna. Its outdoor seawater pool and waterfront cabanas offer views over the ocean, plus direct beach access.

This is the eighth European hotel in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, joining the likes of The Wellem in Düsseldorf, Hotell Reisen in Stockholm and Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London.

Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz is open for reservations up until 1 November 2021. The property will then resume operations in summer 2022 after completing the final phase of renovation work.

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