These three French palaces have just lost their prestigious title for the first time since 2010.

For the first time since 2010, Atout France’s Palace Commission has withdrawn this prestigious distinction from three French establishments. The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, the Mandarin Oriental Paris and the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz are no longer on the list of the country’s most exclusive hotels. This decision marks a turning point in the French luxury hotel industry.

Three establishments to lose Palace status in 2026

This is a major first for the French luxury hotel industry. According to information from Le Figaro, Atout France’s Palace Commission has withdrawn the title from three hotels that were previously members of this very closed list. These establishments are still rated five stars, but are no longer part of the collection that once included 31 addresses.

This announcement confirms rumours that had been circulating for several weeks. The Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz has indeed lost its coveted status. According to France Bleu, the spa, the breakfast room and the bathrooms in the north wing have all worked to the hotel’s disadvantage.

These spaces had not been included in the renovation project due to be completed in 2021. In addition, the lack of renewal of the offer weighed heavily in the commission’s final decision.

“This is a first for the French luxury hotel industry.

The case of the two Parisian palaces

Two other Paris hotels have been stripped of their title. The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme was penalized by a lack of restoration and renewal of its offer. This situation is reminiscent of that of the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz.

The context is very different for the Mandarin Oriental Paris. It will be closed for over a year to carry out major renovations. As a result, the establishment is losing its distinction for the time being. The Mandarin Oriental brand retains its other address on the Left Bank, the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia.

• Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz loses its status due to unrenovated spaces
• Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme penalized by lack of renewal
• Mandarin Oriental Paris closes for more than a year of renovations
• All three hotels retain their five-star rating
• The list previously included 31 Palace

The “Palace 2026 Collection” due on June 2

The commission will reveal the “Palace 2026 Collection” on June 2. The announcement will be made under the aegis of Serge Papin, Minister for Tourism. The commission was renewed two years ago and is meeting for the first time since the Covid crisis.

This pause was intended to give hotels time to recover from the consequences of the pandemic. From now on, the commission will resume its evaluations according to strict criteria. It relies on independent professionals to analyze each application.

On the other hand, some addresses could join this exclusive list. According to rumors, Cheval Blanc, Fouquet’s and the Bvlgari Hotel, all located in Paris, are being considered for this distinction.

Criteria for Palace rank

To be eligible, a hotel must meet a number of specific conditions. Rooms must have a surface area of at least 26 m². The establishment must have opened or reopened 24 and 12 months ago respectively.

It must also meet all the criteria for a five-star rating. These include a spa, valet parking and a minimum number of suites. These requirements form the basis for any application.

Excellence at the heart of evaluation

The Atout France commission then analyzes the exceptional character of each establishment. Service excellence is one of the key dimensions. The history and heritage of the building are also taken into account.

High-level gastronomy is a decisive criterion. A solid CSR policy and the promotion of the French art of living also weigh in the balance. Economic performance and cutting-edge technologies complete the assessment grid.

These criteria guarantee a level of excellence that is unique in the global hotel industry. They enable France to maintain its reputation in luxury tourism. Each establishment must demonstrate its commitment to excellence.

This landmark decision is a reminder that the Palace title is never definitively acquired. Hotels must constantly renew themselves to retain this distinction. The announcement on June 2, 2026 will reveal the new composition of this prestigious collection.

• Palace