To find the best hotels in Biarritz, you often just need to focus on the Phare neighborhood. Overlooking the ocean, the duo consisting ofthe Regina Experimental—an iconic Belle Époque 5-star hotel—and Le Garage—a charming 4-star boutique hotel with a modern design—offers two complementary experiences that cover the essentials of what visitors come to Biarritz for: ocean views, architecture, fine dining, a spa, a pool, and direct access to the golf course and beaches.
Biarritz: Why Choose the Phare Neighborhood for Its Hotel?
Biarritz is a compact city, but each neighborhood has its own character. Staying at the top of Avenue de l’Impératrice, between the lighthouse and the Golf du Phare, offers several advantages: views of Cap Saint-Martin and the bay, proximity to the city center within walking distance, a peaceful setting away from the summer bustle, and quick access to surf spots and beaches. This is precisely where the Regina Experimental and the Hôtel Le Garage are located, sharing the same oceanic horizon and the same spirit of contemporary hospitality.
Regina Experimental Biarritz A Belle Époque Icon with a Spa and Frenchie
Built in the early 20th century, the Regina Experimental has dominated the Basque coast for over a century with its Belle Époque silhouette, its monumental 15-meter-high atrium, and its Eiffel-style glass roof that bathes the heart of the hotel in natural light. This heritage has been entirely reinterpreted by designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who blends neo-Basque inspirations, Art Deco details, maritime nods, and Japanese touches: curved wood paneling, ropes, woven straw, frescoes, and rugs with aquatic motifs create a truly unique atmosphere without ever veering into ostentation.
The rooms and suites, overlooking the ocean or the golf course, are designed as bright, airy retreats in shades of white, blue, and mint green. Natural materials, rounded shapes, and lacquered headboards evoke both seaside living and the spirit of a luxury liner, all within a resolutely contemporary setting. It’s the obvious choice for a first visit to Biarritz or to celebrate a special occasion, thanks to its spectacular spaces and the “grand hotel” atmosphere you experience the moment you walk in.
Another major highlight of the Regina Experimental is its spa, which combines two leading natural skincare brands—one inspired by the Alps, the other by the ocean—to offer a holistic approach to wellness. With a hammam, a heated outdoor pool, personalized rituals, and weekend yoga sessions, the hotel provides a true retreat for rejuvenation, summer and winter alike.
When it comes to dining,Frenchie Biarritz offers a creative brasserie rooted in Basque traditions. On the large panoramic terrace overlooking the ocean, the chef prepares Banka trout, line-caught hake, Gascon black pork, suckling lamb, and local cheeses in a generous, contemporary style. As the sun sets, the cocktail bar beneath the atrium extends the experience with a menu that blends classics and original creations, all paired with local wines and spirits.
Le Garage Biarritz Hotel: a stylish, intimate hotel, right across the street
Across the street from the Regina, you’ll find L’Hôtel Le Garage Biarritz, a 4-star boutique hotel housed in a former Belle Époque garage that has been transformed into a contemporary mansion. Its white façade, arches, and pool surrounded by lawns make it a very photogenic spot, which also overlooks the coastline and the lighthouse.
With its 27 rooms and suites, Hôtel Le Garage offers a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for a stay as a couple or with friends. The design pays homage to the venue’s history by blending industrial elements, a neo-retro vibe, and raw materials softened by fabrics and furnishings. Many rooms open onto terraces, enhancing the feeling of living outdoors, bathed in Atlantic light.
The large pool lined with lounge chairs, the terrace, and the lounges invite guests to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, much like staying in a beautifully maintained vacation home. It’s an ideal choice for regulars at the Regina who want to discover another side of the Experimental style, or for travelers looking for a stylish boutique hotel by the sea without compromising on comfort or location.
An urban “resort”: two hotels, two swimming pools, and a golf course just a short walk away
By combining the Regina Experimental and L’Hôtel Le Garage, the Experimental group has created a true hotel complex in Biarritz centered around golf and the ocean. The two hotels face each other, each with its own pool, and offer immediate access to the Golf du Phare, one of the historic courses on the Basque coast. Whether for a long weekend or a longer stay, this duo offers a variety of atmospheres while remaining within the same area: a spa and grand Belle Époque architecture at the Regina Experimental, and a more laid-back, vacation-home atmosphere at L’Hôtel Le Garage.
For private or professional events, the spaces at both locations can be combined to offer ocean views, terraces, and proximity to the golf course—further enhancing the appeal of the Phare neighborhood when searching for “the best hotels in Biarritz” for an intimate wedding, a seminar, or a family celebration.
Regina Experimental or Hôtel Le Garage: How to Choose the Best Hotel for Your Stay in Biarritz?
Whether it’s your first visit, a birthday celebration, a marriage proposal, or a getaway where you want to be captivated by the setting itself, the Regina Experimental is the obvious choice: stunning architecture, a full-service spa, the Frenchie restaurant, a glass-roofed bar, panoramic views of Cap Saint-Martin, and downtown within easy walking distance.
Le Garage is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a more intimate hotel with a large pool, terraces, a laid-back “beach house” vibe, and a stylish yet relaxed design. It’s also an excellent option for returning to Biarritz and experiencing a different atmosphere, while still enjoying the same setting—between the lighthouse, the golf course, and the ocean.
Please note: The Regina is currently undergoing renovations and will reopen in the summer of 2026, while Le Garage is already welcoming guests and rounds out the group’s local offerings. Depending on your travel dates, one or the other will be your best starting point for exploring Biarritz on foot, from the Phare plateau to the beaches and the historic center.
Key Information
- Two top-rated hotels in Biarritz: the Regina Experimental (5-star, spa, Frenchie restaurant) and Le Garage (4-star, design, pool).
- Ideally located at the top of Avenue de l’Impératrice, between the Biarritz Lighthouse, the Golf du Phare, and the ocean.
- Regina Experimental: Belle Époque architecture, a 15-meter atrium, views of the sea or the golf course, a holistic spa, and a creative brasserie rooted in Basque traditions.
- Le Garage: a former Belle Époque-era garage converted into a boutique hotel with 27 rooms and suites, terraces, and a large swimming pool.
- Together with the golf course, the two hotels form a unique destination for leisure stays, wellness getaways, golf trips, and events.
- The Regina will reopen in the summer of 2026 following extensive renovations; during this time, Le Garage will serve customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hotel in Biarritz for a first-time visit?
For a first-time visit, the Regina Experimental is often the top choice thanks to its spectacular Belle Époque architecture, its view of the bay, its spa, and its Frenchie restaurant. It offers a truly comprehensive experience—both urban and seaside—just a stone’s throw from downtown.
Where to stay in Biarritz to be close to the golf course?
Both hotels, Regina Experimental and Le Garage, are located just a few minutes’ walk from the Golf du Phare. The Regina is particularly well-suited for golf enthusiasts who want to enjoy the atmosphere of a grand historic hotel after their round, while Le Garage offers a more intimate and relaxed setting.
Which hotel should you choose for a wellness weekend in Biarritz?
The Regina Experimental is the best choice if the spa is the focus of your stay, with its personalized treatments, hammam, and heated outdoor pool. The Garage remains a good alternative if you prefer the pool, terraces, and a more vacation-home-like atmosphere, while still having easy access to the Regina’s spa once it reopens.
Is Le Garage family-friendly?
Yes, Le Garage warmly welcomes families, offering spacious rooms, suites, and a large outdoor pool. Its manageable size and friendly atmosphere make it a reassuring choice for a stay with children, while remaining very close to Biarritz’s beaches and attractions.
Can you explore Biarritz on foot from these hotels?
Perched high above the ocean, the Regina Experimental and Le Garage are within walking distance of the lighthouse, downtown, several beaches, and the main attractions. It’s an ideal location if you want to minimize car use and fully enjoy the city by strolling around.
