Hôtel Arenui is a no-frills base for travellers who care more about price and convenience than a seafront address. It stands at 9 rue du Pont de l'Aveugle, in the Jorlis business zone of Anglet, on the inland side of the coast close to the edge of Bayonne. That location will not appeal to anyone looking for a view of the Atlantic, but it brings real advantages: free self-parking, lower prices than the beach districts and quick access by road to the airport, which is about a fourteen-minute drive, and to the centres of Bayonne and Biarritz. The Bayonne Arena is around a fourteen-minute walk, the Bayonne cathedral and city hall are a short drive, and the Chiberta forest, with its trails, is about four minutes away by car. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast for an extra charge, bike rental and complimentary newspapers. It is classed in the lower category, and that is a fair description: this is a simple, practical hotel.
Location and getting around
A car or a bike is the easiest way to use this hotel. From the Jorlis zone you can reach the beaches of Anglet in a short drive, Biarritz in around a quarter of an hour in normal traffic and Saint-Jean-de-Luz in under half an hour. The nearest railway stop is a few minutes away by car, and there are local buses, but the timetable is lighter than in the centre, so check before relying on public transport.
The free parking is a genuine saving compared with Biarritz, where finding a space in summer is a challenge. Bike rental on site opens up the traffic-free coastal cycle routes between Anglet and Biarritz.
The rooms and what to know
The room choice is basic, with double rooms and triple rooms, each with a desk, a flat-screen television, ceiling fan and free toiletries. Rooms are compact, so expect functional comfort rather than luxury. Cots are available free of charge and extra beds can be added for a fee, which helps small families on a budget.
Small pets are accepted for a nightly charge. Breakfast is served as a continental spread and carries a separate cost, and the on-site restaurant and bar mean you can eat without going out after a long drive. Check the room types and any air conditioning arrangements when you book, particularly if you are travelling in a hot summer spell.
Who it suits
Drivers touring the Basque Coast on a budget, football and rugby fans heading to matches at Bayonne, surfers and cyclists who plan to be out all day, and anyone passing through on a late arrival or early departure at the airport. It is also a practical option in peak season, when beachfront rooms are scarce and expensive.
If you want atmosphere, a sea view or to walk to restaurants in the evening, choose a hotel in Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz or old Bayonne instead. For a clean, simple room with a free parking space and a quick run to the coast, the Arenui is a sensible and honest choice.
Why stay here
- ✓Free on-site parking
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Continental breakfast available
- ✓Bike rental
- ✓Free cots
- ✓Double and triple rooms
- ✓Quick drive to the airport
Good questions
Where is Hôtel Arenui?+
It is at 9 rue du Pont de l'Aveugle in the Jorlis zone of Anglet, near Bayonne. Biarritz airport is about a fourteen-minute drive.
Is parking free?+
Yes, self-parking is free. Check the current terms when you book.
Is the hotel on the beach?+
No. It is inland, so you will need a car, bike or bus to reach the beaches of Anglet and Biarritz.
