Hotels frequently promote themselves with phrases like “five-star” or “boutique,” but in France, the “Palace” designation is the highest honor a hotel can receive. Since 2010, Atout France has granted this recognition to certain hotels that excel in service, cuisine, and overall splendor. Presently, only 31 hotels possess this title, rendering it more exclusive than a five-star classification.
The roster of Palace hotels is refreshed periodically, with the upcoming revision set for June 2, 2026. This update is noteworthy as it will mark the first occasion in history that hotels may lose their Palace designation. The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Mandarin Oriental Paris, and Hotel du Palais Biarritz are anticipated to forfeit their distinction. This situation may encourage these hotels to undertake renovations and enhancements to reclaim their status.
New establishments are expected to be included in the list, although their names are yet to be revealed. The Palace designation is greatly sought after, and alterations to the list can have a substantial effect on the reputation and operations of the hotels involved.