Regina Experimental Biarritz

From the cool-kid hospitality brand behind Paris' Grand Pigalle Hotel and New York's Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, the Regina Experimental presents a fresh, contemporary take on a Biarritz beach getaway, within a historic Neo-Basque hotel dating back to 1907. Perfectly playful interiors, a restaurant by chef Gregory Marchand and vibrant lobby and pool scenes make this the ideal spot for travelers seeking equal parts nostalgia and energy.

• The design by Dorothée Meilichzon, which maximizes light and sea views and creates a vibrant and cheerful (and sometimes cheeky) atmosphere, with eye-popping prints, custom-built pieces (like the geometric headboards and oversized mirrors) and a balanced blend of Belle Époque, retro-maritime and even Japanese aesthetics
• The buzzy common spaces, starting with the heart of the property—the soaring, glass-ceilinged atrium, upon which all the guest rooms face, and which contains the lounge, restaurant and bar—as well as the Frenchie restaurant and outdoor pool terrace
• The location just slightly off the beaten path—the hotel is a 10-minute walk north of La Grande Plage and a 20-minute walk north of the city center; away from the thickest crowds, guests can enjoy more space to spread out and stroll—and every room has a beautiful view over the sea and the lighthouse, or the neighboring golf course

Unveiled in July 2023, the hotel Regina Experimental is another contemporary game-changer for the Basque region. It's one of the latest creations from the cool-kid Experimental Group, which was founded by three childhood friends and has launched successful cocktail and wine bars, restaurants and hotels in Paris, New York, London, Ibiza, Menorca, Venice and Verbier (you may know them from Paris' Le Grand Pigalle or Indagare staff favorite, La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels in Soho). The Regina Experimental presents a fresh take on a Biarritz beach getaway, within an imposing, Neo-Basque structure dating back to 1907. Originally built as a hotel, the building survived both world wars—during the first, it served as a hospital; during the second, it was captured by the Germans and badly burned. It was rebuilt as a hotel and passed through various hands before being acquired by the Experimental Group, who invested in an eight-month restoration. Today, the soaring atrium, with its Eiffel glass roof and Art-Deco accents, revives the original Belle Époque glamour.

Central to the property's appeal—in stark contrast to Biarritz' resident grand-dame, Hotel du Palais—are the perfectly playful interiors by Dorothée Meilichzon, who employs brightly patterned prints, custom-built pieces (like geometric headboards and oversized mirrors) and a balanced blend of retro-maritime and contemporary objets to create a feast for the eyes (particularly memorable are the clamshell lamps and the red-striped sailor chairs). The 72 rooms and suites are vibrant and cheerful, maximizing the light and sea or golf course views.

All of the rooms open into the atrium—where ample seating spaces welcome lounging and socializing. They are anchored by a piano and high-top bar serving Roaring Twenties-inspired creations. An elevated restaurant by the group's favorite chef, Gregory Marchand, flows from the lobby into a red-striped space that is just beachy enough, and it spills out onto the pool club terrace. The overall result is a communal atmosphere that's ideal for travelers seeking equal parts nostalgia and energy, without sacrificing sophistication. There is also a small on-property spa and hammam, using Susanne Kaufmann and Alaena products, and the boutique is a must-visit for on-point Biarritz looks and gifts.

Guests should note that all rooms open out directly into the central atrium and public areas; for a greater feeling of privacy/separation, request a room on an upper floor.

Groups of friends, families, couples and solo travelers who like a design-minded hotel with personality, common spaces to hang out and a bit of a scene—without sacrificing a sense of place and history. While the experience abounds with thoughtful details and quality amenities (like the Frenchie restaurant, the pool terrace and the spa), the overall vibe here is more youthful and relaxed.

Travelers who prefer a traditional, grande-dame-style hotel will be happier at the Hotel du Palais Biarritz.