Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz began as a summer villa for Empress Eugénie in 1854 and today stands as a five-star palace hotel on the Atlantic coast, with a restaurant that local listings describe as holding a Michelin star. This guide traces its imperial lineage, verifies the famous guests who have stayed, and provides current pricing data to help you understand whether this legendary address fits your research.

Last checked: 2026-08-06

Hotel name: Hôtel du Palais Biarritz · Location: Biarritz, Basque Country, France – directly on the Atlantic beachfront · Star rating: 5 stars · Original construction: 1854 (as imperial residence) / 1893 (as hotel) · Current chain: The Unbound Collection by Hyatt · Number of rooms: 142 (including 56 suites)

Hôtel du Palais at a glance

1 Imperial origins

• Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III for Empress Eugénie as a summer residence, built 1854–1855 (Napoleon.org).

2 Address & layout

• Located at 1 Avenue de l’Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz, directly on the Grande Plage (Historic Hotels Then & Now). The E‑shaped floorplan was designed as a tribute to Empress Eugénie’s initial (Ville Impériale).

3 Fire & reconstruction

• A major fire destroyed much of the building on 1 February 1903; reconstruction under architect Édouard‑Jean Niermans completed around 1905 (Ville Impériale; Traveller Made).

4 Notable guests

• Queen Victoria, Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, and Jayne Mansfield are among the famous figures reported to have stayed here (AnOther Magazine).

Key facts

Attribute	Detail
Hotel name	Hôtel du Palais Biarritz
Location	Biarritz, Basque Country, France – directly on the Atlantic beachfront
Star rating	5 stars
Original construction	1854 (as imperial residence) / 1893 (as hotel)
Current chain	The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Number of rooms	142 (including 56 suites)
Michelin-starred dining	Yes – one Michelin star restaurant (per local listings)
Notable past guests	Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie, Queen Victoria, Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway

What Makes Hotel du Palais Famous?

The hotel’s fame rests on its imperial provenance: it was built as Villa Eugénie for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, in 1854–1855. The imperial couple spent nearly every summer here until 1870, transforming Biarritz from a fishing village into a fashionable resort (Famoushotels.org). The E‑shaped floorplan, preserved after the 1903 fire, was a deliberate tribute to the Empress’s initial (Ville Impériale).

The Imperial Origins

Napoleon III commissioned the villa to give his Spanish-born wife a summer retreat by the sea. The architect designed a palace in the Second Empire style, with a central corps and two wings forming an E shape. The villa quickly became the epicentre of European high society during the summer months.

A Palace by the Sea

After the fall of the Second Empire, the building was sold and converted into a casino-hotel, then renamed Hôtel du Palais in 1893. It is frequently described as the only “palace”-classified hotel on the French Atlantic coast (Mapstr).

Modern Recognition

Today it is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, a portfolio of independent luxury hotels. Its historic designation and beachfront location continue to attract travellers seeking a combination of heritage and modern comfort.

The bottom line: The hotel’s imperial origins and unique architecture are the foundation of its global reputation, distinguishing it from other luxury seaside properties.

What Famous People Stayed at Hotel du Palais?

Editorial accounts name several European monarchs, artists, and celebrities as guests. Queen Victoria, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (“Sissi”), and members of the Habsburg family are among the royals reported to have stayed (AnOther Magazine).

Royalty and Aristocracy

The hotel’s guest list includes not only the original imperial family but also later European royalty who were drawn to Biarritz during its Belle Époque heyday. The Imperial Suite named after Empress Elisabeth is a direct nod to this legacy.

Artists and Writers

Ernest Hemingway and Jean Cocteau are cited as literary visitors. Fashion designer Coco Chanel was a regular, and actress Jayne Mansfield also stayed (AnOther Magazine).

Modern Celebrities

While no recent verified guest list is available, the hotel’s status as a five-star palace ensures it continues to attract high-profile travellers. The hotel’s own marketing materials emphasize its historic glamour.

Why this matters: The documented presence of royalty and cultural icons reinforces the hotel’s positioning as a living museum of European aristocracy and artistic heritage.

Does Hôtel du Palais Have a Michelin Star Restaurant?

Local and travel listings describe the hotel’s restaurant, Villa Eugénie, as a Michelin-starred dining room (Mapstr). The restaurant focuses on seasonal Basque and French cuisine, with dishes cooked over a barbecue.

The Michelin-Starred Dining Room

According to the same sources, the restaurant holds one Michelin star. It is open to external guests, subject to availability. The dining room overlooks the Atlantic, and the menu emphasizes local produce.

Cuisine and Chef

The culinary team sources ingredients from the Basque Country and the Pyrenees. The kitchen’s signature style blends traditional French techniques with regional flavours. A smart casual dress code is recommended.

Reservation Tips

Advance booking is strongly advised, especially during summer. The hotel’s concierge can assist with reservations for non-guests.

The pattern: While the Michelin claim comes from secondary listings rather than the official Michelin Guide, the consistency of multiple local sources suggests a credible fine-dining reputation.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Hotel du Palais?

Room rates vary significantly by season and category. Standard rooms start around EUR 900–1,100 per night, while suites can exceed EUR 1,750 per night (approx. USD 1,900 at current exchange).

Room Categories and Rate Examples

The hotel offers 142 rooms, including 56 suites. The average nightly rate across all categories is approximately EUR 1,750, according to industry data. Deluxe suites and the Imperial Suite command higher prices.

Seasonal Variations

Peak summer months (July–August) see the highest rates, often doubling off-season prices. Winter rates can drop to around EUR 700–900 for standard rooms. The hotel’s location on the Atlantic coast means it is busy during the summer surf season as well.

What’s Included

Complimentary Wi-Fi, access to the spa (hammam, hot tub, massage treatments), and use of the pool are typically included. Breakfast is often an extra charge.

What to watch: Rates are dynamic; booking directly through Hyatt’s website may offer the best cancellation terms. Off-peak travel can reduce the cost significantly.