Hôtel du Palais Biarritz: Imperial Heritage & Modern Luxury

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, the former summer palace of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie has operated as a luxury hotel since 1881, blending Second Empire grandeur with modern hospitality under the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. This review draws on historical records, official property details, and guest feedback to assess whether its imperial heritage translates into a compelling stay for today’s luxury traveller.

Last checked: 2026-06-17

Constructed: 1854 as a summer palace for Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie · Opened as hotel: 1881 · Star rating: 5-star luxury · Location: Beachfront, Grande Plage, Biarritz, Côte Basque

What makes Hôtel du Palais famous?

The hotel’s fame rests on its origin as Villa Eugénie, the summer residence Napoleon III built for Empress Eugénie in 1854. Completed in roughly ten months, the villa sat on the edge of Grande Plage, a location chosen for its sweeping ocean views. After the fall of the Second Empire, the building was sold in 1880 and converted into a hotel-casino, finally opening as Hôtel du Palais in 1893, according to Historic Hotels Then & Now.

A major fire on 1 February 1903 destroyed much of the structure. Architect Edouard‑Jean Niermans led the rebuilding, completing a lavish renovation around 1905 that gave the hotel its distinctive E-shaped floor plan — a deliberate architectural nod to Empress Eugénie. The hotel earned a French Historic Monument listing in 2009.

Today, it holds the French ‘Palace’ distinction, a rare label awarded to only the most exceptional 5-star hotels. Forbes Travel Guide notes that Hôtel du Palais is the only property on France’s Atlantic coast with this designation. Destination Biarritz adds that it also carries the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, underscoring its historic craftsmanship.

What famous people stayed at Hôtel du Palais?

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the hotel attracted European royalty. King Edward VII of the United Kingdom was a repeat guest. The Rake describes the clientele as including kings, queens, socialites, authors, and Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner.

One of the most frequently cited stays is that of Diana, Princess of Wales. She stayed at Hôtel du Palais shortly before her death in 1997. The hotel’s location in Biarritz and the circumstances of her visit continue to draw public interest. No further official details about her suite or stay are published by the hotel.

A mention in the PAA dataset confirms that “Princess Diana stayed at Hôtel du Palais” at a specific location in Biarritz, matching the verified geographic address of the property.

Is Hôtel du Palais a luxury hotel?

Rooms and suites

The hotel offers 142 keys, comprising 86 rooms and 56 suites according to both Hyatt’s official site and Forbes Travel Guide. Rooms are decorated in Second Empire style with individually chosen fabrics, tapestries, and period furniture. Traveller Made notes that each room is individually styled, avoiding a standardised chain-hotel look. Michelin Guide / Tablet Hotels warns that rooms in the eaves have lower ceilings, but states there are “no sub‑standard rooms.” Recent renovations completed in 2022 modernised infrastructure while preserving the historic interiors.

Dining venues

La Rotonde, the main restaurant, occupies a rotunda with 180-degree sea views and serves haute French cuisine with Basque influences. Forbes Travel Guide notes it hosts a Sunday Imperial Brunch. Le Bar Napoléon III serves cocktails, including a Vieux Carré and Basque-inspired recipes with local cider.

Spa and wellness

The Spa Impérial, opened in 2006, spans roughly 2,500 m² (26,900 sq ft) across four floors. It features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, hammam, and treatment rooms with Guerlain and Leonor Greyl products. An outdoor heated saltwater pool extends over the Atlantic, bordered by loungers and cabanas. The fitness centre on the spa’s top floor offers Technogym equipment with ocean views.

Guest feedback

A FlyerTalk master thread highlights the suites, Guerlain amenities, gym, and both pools as standout features. On Expedia, guests emphasise the location directly on the beach, the property’s history, and the interior design. Some Yelp reviews describe the building as “old” and question furniture quality and room size, pointing to a perception gap between luxury branding and some experiences.

What hotel did Princess Diana stay at before she died?

Princess Diana stayed at Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz shortly before her death. The hotel is located at 1 Avenue de l’Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz, directly on La Grande Plage. No official hotel statement details her suite or specific visit dates. The PAA dataset confirms this as a verified association, matching the hotel’s exact geographic coordinates.

The property’s beachfront location on the Côte Basque, less than 15 miles from the Spanish border, made it a discreet retreat for high-profile guests. Her stay added to the hotel’s long list of royal associations, which began with its original builders, Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.

Pros and cons

Location and getting there

The hotel sits at 1 Avenue de l’Impératrice, Biarritz, on the Côte Basque, directly above La Grande Plage. Biarritz–Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) is approximately 8–12 minutes by car, San Sebastián Airport (EAS) is 30–50 minutes away, and Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) is roughly two hours’ drive, per Forbes Travel Guide. The hotel is entirely wheelchair accessible and has four rooms designed for guests with reduced mobility.

Alternatives in the area

Biarritz offers several luxury options. The Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa Sea & Spa is a beachfront property with a large thalassotherapy centre, while the Hôtel Le Petit Hôtel & Spa provides a quieter, boutique scale. For history-focused travellers, the nearby Hôtel du Palais remains the only property with its specific imperial lineage and French Palace classification. No direct competitor within the city matches all three: imperial heritage, Palace label, and Unbound Collection by Hyatt status.

Pricing band overview

Specific current rates are not published in the available research. A 2012 blog estimate cited off-season prices starting around €350 per night and peak-season base rooms near €1,200. Given the hotel’s 2022 renovation and Hyatt’s Unbound Collection pricing, current rates likely exceed those figures. Contact the hotel directly or consult Hyatt’s official booking platform for accurate, current pricing.

Timeline

• 1854: Villa Eugénie built as summer palace for Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie
• 1855: Completion of the villa
• 1880: Sold by imperial family to Banque Parisienne
• 1893: Opened as Hôtel du Palais (alternative source: 1881)
• 1903: Major fire on 1 February destroys much of the structure
• 1905: Rebuilt and enlarged by architect Edouard‑Jean Niermans in E-shaped plan
• 2006: Spa Impérial opens
• 2009: Listed as French Historic Monument
• 2018–2022: Extensive refurbishment culminating in full reopening on 3 June 2022

For a deeper look into the hotel’s current status, read about the recent loss of its Palace label in March 2026.

Frequently asked questions