French-born contemporary hospitality brand Experimental Group has acquired two hotels, The Regina and Le Garage, in the coastal town of Biarritz in France’s Basque region. The news comes as the group continues its expansion into Europe and the United States, after it announced a €350 million investment earlier this year.

The Regina Hotel & Spa, which opened in 1907, is a legendary property overlooking the Atlantic with views across to the Biarritz lighthouse. The Belle Époque-style building houses 72 rooms, a restaurant and bar and a spa, with an outdoor swimming pool. Next door lies Le Garage, a former classic automobile garage that became a boutique hotel in 2020. The 27-key development boasts impressive architecture throughout, welcoming guests through the vast arch door through to suites with private terraces and a swimming pool.

Within time, Experimental Group will refurbish both properties and relaunch them as part of the collection, channelling its “Made in France” approach on the design, food and beverage and atmosphere to create a new destination in the Basque coastal resort. Until then, both hotels will continue to operate business as usual.

“We are thrilled to have found not one, but two iconic properties in Biarritz to become part of our collection,” says Olivier Bon, co-founder of Experimental Group. “We have been looking to open in the area for years and were waiting for the right address, where we feel we can create our signature style of hospitality and welcome our regular guests, many of whom are frequent visitors to the town. The Regina and Le Garage are such incredible properties, we are excited to give them a new lease of life and bring Experimental to Biarritz.”