Hotel Alcyon

First impressions at the Hotel Alcyon are good, though in a town filled with charming boutique options, it's not at the top of the list. Housed in an attractive 19th-century golden stone building, complete with wraparound balconies and floral window boxes, it offers a touch of the classic Biarritz Belle Epoque feel. The entrance is stylish, where a stairway lined with striped gray wallpaper and chic mirrors leads up to the lobby. The period details continue throughout the common spaces -- wood paneling in the breakfast room, plus a sturdy, sweeping wooden staircase -- although the rooms are simpler in design. Couples of all ages are drawn to the cozy rooms, central location, and more affordable rates than the hotels by the beachfront. 

Hotel Alcyon occupies a corner-triangle spot between two one-way streets, so on arrival the attractive 19th-century facade is visible in all of its glory. It sits in residential area close to this seaside town's lively center, with wedding dress shops and a realtor as neighbors. The city center is two streets away, where guests will find plenty of bistros and cafes, and it’s just a five-minute walk to Biarritz’s central beach, La Grande Plage. To travel further afield, there’s a taxi stand and bus station nearby. The hotel is easy to reach on arrival; a ten-minute drive from Biarritz’s airport and train station, so it’s entirely possible to vacation here without a car. The only downsides to the central location are that it can be difficult to find a convenient parking spot and it gets crowded in summer months.

The 15 rooms are simple but pleasant, done in a neutral color palette of gray, beige, and white, with dark wood accents and swirly patterned carpets. Traditional Basque artwork is hung on the walls, though otherwise there's little to suggest the hotel's historic quality. Additionally, some of the furniture is looking a bit tired, and we spotted sagging cushions in many of the rooms that we visited. Large windows let in plenty of light and look out over the street to attractive buildings, though there will be noise from traffic in streetside rooms. There isn’t a huge difference between the room categories. All are set up as doubles but can be turned into twins on request. Amenities like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and mini-fridges come standard. Wi-Fi is free, but it’s sketchy in some rooms. Rooms are clean, but some guests comment on faint cigarette smells. Each room also has a large wardrobe and desk. Bathrooms are light and bright, but on the small side. Superior Rooms are corner rooms; more spacious, with a wraparound balcony that’s just deep enough for a table and chairs. Toiletries -- natural shampoos and body lotions -- are included. Classic and Standard Rooms have walk-in showers. Comfort Rooms have a shower/tub combo. The dark marble bathrooms in Superior Rooms are also a step-up, with a walk-in shower. 

The hotel all has the facilities expected for its size; that is to say, not many. There’s a roomy Belle Epoque-style breakfast room with wooden floors, wall paneling, and large windows. Dark wood tables-for-two are spaced out around the room. In the corner, the cozy lounge area -- with an ornate fireplace, cream leather sofa, coffee table, and TV -- is a nice spot to read up on the local attractions or relax with the morning’s paper. Room service is also offered for breakfast. There’s a small computer corner in the lobby and free Wi-Fi wherever the signal allows. There’s no parking at the hotel -- street parking is available close by but operates under a less-than-convenient regular coin top-up system. Public parking is available at the Gare du Midi parking lot a few minutes’ walk away, at a fee.