With its glittering beaches, opulent architecture, and reputation as a longtime haunt for European royalty and celebrities, the resort town of Biarritz oozes an exclusive French Riviera vibe. But discerning travelers know this sparkling gem along the Basque coast offers far more than just lofty pampering reserved for the ultra-wealthy.
From charming family-run seaside inns to luxurious modern resorts overlooking the Atlantic’s crashing waves, Biarritz delivers remarkable lodging values for a range of budgets and tastes. With some insider tips, you too can savor the decadent indulgences of this coastal playground without emptying your pockets.
Basque Country Belle Époque Grandeur
Biarritz’s golden age as an aristocratic playground in the late 19th century created an enduring legacy of elegant hotels and villas still lining its boardwalks and beaches. While a few remain eye-poppingly expensive, many of these historic manors offer delightful old-world ambiance at refreshingly affordable rates when booked directly.
A prime example is the iconic Hôtel du Palais, originally built as a lavish palace for Napoléon III’s wife. This gilded belle époque beauty now operates as a 5-star hotel but has rooms available from around €300-400 per night if you bypass third-party sites. Enjoy the sumptuous interiors, seaside pool, Michelin-starred restaurant, and private beach access.
Another local legend is Hotel Le Regina, a former imperial residence dating to 1907. This regal hotel overflowing with period details has prime views over La Grande Plage starting at €190 nightly. Redo your hair in the original vaulted wood and mirrored salons before indulging in afternoon tea or the popular Sunday brunch.
For slightly smaller budgets, elegant hotels like Le Grand Hôtel, Hotel Villa Marbella, and Best Western Hotel Biarritz deliver prime beach locations with classic French hospitality starting around €100-130 nightly. Many feature lush gardens, outdoor pools, and easy access to nearby seaside pathways.
Modern Beach Club Luxury
While Biarritz’s Old World charms are undeniable, the city has also embraced 21st century sophistication with a crop of modern, upscale beach resorts. These stylish oceanfront properties offer lavish amenities, world-class spas, and scenery to match their contemporary luxury pedigree.
Perched above the Miramar Beach surf breaks, the sleek Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa Sea & Spa lives up to its name with stunning seaside locations, lavish Thalassotherapy spa, pools, and beautifully appointed sea view rooms from around €270 per night in summer.
A newer addition is the posh Memoholidaybest Hotel Biarritz Anglet ideally situated above the dunes of the Chambre d’Amour beach. Public areas dazzle with glittering modern art installations while rooms pamper with upscale touches starting around €190 nightly.
The hip Holiday Inn Biarritz puts you right on the Côte des Basques surf beach with a casual surfer chic vibe permeating its sun lounges, outdoor fire pits, and indoor/outdoor bars. Yet room rates start from around €120 to €180 in summer.
Basque Residential Seaside Havens
One of the region’s best bargains lies in renting a private seaside villa or home directly from local owners and property managers. These charming cottages and homes provide privacy, residential settings, and incredible value for groups or families compared to hotel rates.
Many of these independently owned houses feature architectural Basque Country charms like exposed beams, rough stone walls, and delightful gardens, not to mention private pools and beachfront access just minutes from town.
Companies like Haven in Paris and French Vacation Houses typically offer one-bedroom coastal bungalows for around €100 to €150 per night, while spacious homes with multiple bedrooms go for €300 to €600 per week depending on your party size.
For a seamless yet private stay, higher-end villa rental firms like Biarritz Rental provide turnkey service with private chefs, housekeeping, concierge and more. Their luxury properties range from spectacular Basque farmhouse conversions to contemporary beach mansions from €2,500 to €30,000 per week.
Family Fun on the Cote Basque
Families seeking an idyllic yet affordable beach escape flock to casual seaside towns along the nearby Basque Coast. Wonderful family-focused resorts with pools, kids activities, and endless diversions line the shores of Anglet, Biarritz, and St-Jean-de-Luz.
In the surfing capital of Anglet just north of Biarritz, the Holiday Inn Resort le Touco offers a great beachfront location with pools, kids club, and casual rooms around €120 to €170 per night. The sprawling Le Biarritz – Centre resort Thalasso has a separate kids and family village compound for under €200 nightly.
Over on the protected beaches of nearby St-Jean-de-Luz, the traditional Helian Vintage Hotel is a charming value situated above La Pergola surf beach for around €130 nightly. Or enjoy a peaceful pool and ocean views from the affordable Palmers Sporting Holiday Resort starting from €80 per night.
Whether you dream of sipping cafe au laits from a private balcony overlooking dramatic seaside bluffs or making priceless family memories splashing in the waves of a glistening oceanside swimming pool, Biarritz is filled with resorts delivering French Riviera flair at far more accessible prices than you imagined. With a little flexibility and local expertise, you too can discover world-class seaside luxury at truly budget-friendly rates.