Hotel Le Café de Paris stands at 5 place Bellevue, on the square that sits between the Grande Plage and the shopping streets of central Biarritz. It is a small, characterful address rather than a large resort, and its position is hard to beat for a first visit: the beach, the casino and the Bellevue conference centre are each about two minutes away on foot, the Gare du Midi is around five minutes and the aquarium and the Rocher de la Vierge are a short, pleasant walk along the seafront. The hotel is classed in the four category and has a loyal following among guests, who consistently rate it highly. Its rooms are the main attraction. Many have an ocean view, and the range includes double rooms, a duplex, junior suites and larger suites, with terraces on some and a private hammam in the suite categories. Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a bar, a lift and a twenty-four hour front desk come as standard, and a cooked-to-order breakfast is available for an extra charge.
Location and getting around
The square is in the middle of the old resort, so you can leave the car (or the train ticket) behind and walk everywhere. The Grande Plage is two minutes away, the Côte des Basques surf beach is a pleasant stroll along the cliffs, and the market at Les Halles, the old fishing port and the lighthouse are all within a walk.
The hotel is about a quarter of an hour by car from Biarritz airport, so a taxi or transfer is the easiest way to arrive. Biarritz station sits further out of town, so check the transport options when you book. Parking in the centre is limited and often paid, so ask the hotel what it recommends if you are driving.
The rooms and what to know
Because the hotel is small, the number of rooms is limited, and the ocean-view categories are the first to go in summer and over long weekends, so reserve early. Standard doubles are comfortable and sensibly sized, the terrace rooms add outdoor space for a drink at sunset, and the suites with a hammam suit couples who want a treat after a day in the surf or on the cliff path.
The suites can sleep up to four with a sofa bed, which helps families, though the style is more romantic than child-focused. The hotel has a restaurant, Café Basque, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can eat Basque dishes without leaving the building. Pets are not accepted, and the building is smoke-free, so plan accordingly.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants an ocean view and a central position without the scale of a grand hotel. It is also a good choice for foodies, since the restaurant and the surrounding streets offer pintxos, seafood and Basque specialities. If you prefer a large pool or a full spa, the bigger hotels along the coast are better suited, but for atmosphere, a view and the shortest walk to the sand, Le Café de Paris is one of the best-located places to stay in town.
Check breakfast and cancellation terms when you book, and aim for a shoulder-season visit for the best balance of weather and price.
Why stay here
- ✓Two minutes from the Grande Plage
- ✓Ocean-view rooms
- ✓Terrace rooms and suites
- ✓Suites with hammam
- ✓Café Basque restaurant
- ✓Bar
- ✓Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
- ✓Lift and 24-hour front desk
Good questions
Where is Hotel Le Café de Paris?+
It is at 5 place Bellevue in central Biarritz. The Grande Plage and the casino are about two minutes away on foot.
Do the rooms have ocean views?+
Many do, including standard doubles, terrace rooms, junior suites and suites. Ask for the category you want when you book, as the view rooms go first.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?+
Yes, Café Basque serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for an extra charge.
