Guide · updated October 2026
France's 33 Palace hotels (and the Ritz), ranked by water
As of October 2026, France has 33 hotels with the official Palace distinction, 13 of them in Paris. We checked whether each gives guests free bottled water: 26 do, with no complaints in the last 24 months; guests report paying for or being rationed on water at 4; 3 need more evidence. We added the Ritz Paris, which isn't a Palace but is priced like one: guests report paying for water there too.
Key facts
- France's 2026 Palace list has 33 hotels (Atout France, updated 2 June 2026): 13 in Paris, 7 in the Alps, 9 on the Côte d'Azur and in the South-East, 2 in the South-West, 1 in Champagne and 1 in Saint-Barthélemy.
- Six hotels became Palaces in 2026: Cheval Blanc Paris, Bvlgari Hotel Paris, Fouquet's Paris, Four Seasons Resort Megève, Hôtel Martinez and Royal Champagne.
- Bottled water in the room is free, with no guest complaints in the last 24 months, at 26 of the 33 Palaces (October 2026).
- In the last 24 months, guests reported paying for or being rationed on water at 4 Palaces: Shangri-La Paris, Le Bristol Paris, The Peninsula Paris and Hôtel Martinez.
- The Palace with the most water complaints, weighted by the price of a night, is Shangri-La Paris (2 guest reports).
- The Ritz Paris is not a Palace. Its guests report one bottle per person AM, two small bottles PM, with extra bottles at €18 each (Sep 2026).
- The most generous Palaces include far more than water. At Airelles Saint-Tropez, a standard room includes gourmet breakfast, minibar, laundry on a selection of items, soft drinks by the pools and more (hotel's own site, Oct 2026).
- 3 Palaces don't have enough evidence yet: Le K2 Palace, Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez and Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
Map: where France's Palace hotels are
Every Palace on Atout France's 2026 list, plus the Ritz Paris, numbered as in the ranking below. Paris, the Côte d'Azur and Courchevel have their own zoom panels because their hotels sit a few streets apart.
Which Palace hotels have water complaints?
Guests reported paying for or being rationed on water at 4 of the 33 Palaces in the last 24 months, and at the Ritz Paris, which we added because it's priced like a Palace. They're ranked by the number of guests reporting, weighted by how much a typical night costs, so an expensive hotel with several complaints comes first. Each line is a single guest's dated report, not a hotel policy.
Ritz Paris
4 guest reports of paying for or being rationed on water in the last 24 months.
Not on the Palace list, but priced like one.
strict policy of one bottle per person each morning and two small bottles each evening, with anything additional costing €18/bottle
Guest report (forum) · Sep 2026 · sourcethe prestigious Ritz does not offer a glass of water during a heatwave
Guest report · Jun 2026 · sourcethey CHARGED ME FOR WATER next to the bed!!
Guest report · Jun 2026 · source
Le Bristol Paris
1 guest report of paying for or being rationed on water in the last 24 months.
tried to charge me 12 euros per bottle. But they give you the 0.5L “BE WTR” brand bottles for free.
Guest report · Jul 2026 · source
The Peninsula Paris
1 guest report of paying for or being rationed on water in the last 24 months.
The bottled water in the room was not replenished simply because the previous bottle was left half full.
Guest report · Jan 2026 · source
Which Palaces give the most for free?
The other end of the scale. We looked for the extras that the most generous hotels in the world include, the way Capella and Oberoi hotels do: a free minibar, laundry, snacks and drinks, transfers and things to do. These 5 Palaces include the most in a standard room, checked on each hotel's own site (Oct 2026) and in recent guest reviews. Suite-only extras don't count.
Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière
Free water, and a standard room includes 7 more extras:
- Gourmet breakfast
- Minibar
- Laundry on a selection of items
- Soft drinks by the pools
- Mini-Moke rides to the beach and town
- Sun loungers at the private beach
- Electric bikes
Gourmet breakfast · In-room minibar · Complimentary standard laundry service on a selection of items · Selection of non-alcoholic refreshments by our pools · Transfers to Jardin Tropezina beach or to Salon Messardière in the town center by Mini-Moke
The hotel's own site (Superior Room) · Oct 2026 · sourceThe complimentary Rolls-Royce transportation was a unique and luxurious touch
Tripadvisor review · Aug 2025 · source
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide
Free water, and a standard room includes 7 more extras:
- Gourmet breakfast
- Minibar
- Spa access
- Soft drinks by the pool
- Laundry on a selection of items
- Hot drinks
- A Citroën 2CV and electric bikes to borrow
Gourmet breakfast, minibar, access to the Airelles Spa, poolside refreshments (non-alcoholic), laundry service for a selection of items, garage and valet service, hot drinks, packing and unpacking service, access to a Citroën 2CV, and electric bicycles
The hotel's own site (Deluxe Valley room) · Oct 2026 · sourcecomplimentary mini-bar, water and soft drinks at the pool
Google review · Sep 2026 · source
Cheval Blanc St-Barth
Free water, and a standard room includes 3 more extras:
- Soft drinks and snacks in the minibar
- Evening tea and rum punch brought to the room nightly
- Hats at the pool
complimentary hats, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in the minibar
Tripadvisor review · Jun 2025 · sourceAll the special amenities that were brought to the room upon arrival and nightly, the evening tea, rum punch, water bottles
Google review · Jan 2026 · sourceA private bar with complimentary soft drinks
The hotel's own site (Villa de France) · Oct 2026 · source
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
Free water, and a standard room includes 3 more extras:
- Non-alcoholic minibar, refreshed daily
- Snacks, refreshed daily
- Bikes
Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa
Free water, and a standard room includes 3 more extras:
- Soft drinks from the minibar
- Breakfast
- A welcome glass of champagne
What do guests say about the other Palaces?
The other 21 Palaces all put free water in the room, with no complaints in the last 24 months, so here's a quick read of what guests praise and criticise instead, from the reviews we've saved. Each point comes up in at least two reviews. Most expensive typical night first.
Bvlgari Hotel Paris
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Thoughtful attention to detail 2 reviews
From 8 saved reviews, newest Mar 2026.
Four Seasons Hotel George V
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Warm, attentive staff 10 reviews
- Elegant rooms, comfortable beds 5 reviews
- Excellent restaurants and bar food 5 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Sept 2026.
La Réserve Paris - Hotel and Spa
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Warm, attentive, personal service 12 reviews
- Spacious, beautiful rooms and suites 7 reviews
- Excellent restaurant food 5 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Jul 2025.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection Paris
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Warm, attentive staff 10 reviews
- Generous, excellent breakfast 6 reviews
- Great central location 5 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Aug 2026.
Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection Paris
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Warm, attentive staff 11 reviews
- Superb central location 8 reviews
- Beautiful, comfortable rooms and beds 7 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Feb 2026.
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Warm, attentive staff 18 reviews
- Great Left Bank shopping location 8 reviews
- Luxurious rooms and bathrooms 9 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Apr 2026.
La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Warm, attentive, helpful staff 13 reviews
- Stunning sea views 12 reviews
- Spacious, stylish rooms with terraces 8 reviews
From 18 saved reviews, newest Jul 2021.
Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Warm, attentive staff 14 reviews
- Superb beds, linens and towels 11 reviews
- Excellent breakfast and dining 7 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Apr 2026.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Stunning panoramic views 8 reviews
- Warm, welcoming staff 10 reviews
- Excellent restaurant food 8 reviews
From 28 saved reviews, newest Jun 2026.
Hôtel Royal
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Attentive, caring staff 11 reviews
- Excellent spa facilities 9 reviews
- Stunning lake views 11 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Aug 2026.
Les Prés d'Eugénie
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Outstanding Michel Guérard cuisine 14 reviews
- Beautiful park and gardens 10 reviews
- Attentive, kind staff 6 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Jul 2026.
Fouquet's Paris
Free water in the room. What guests say:
- Warm, attentive staff 10 reviews
- Elegant, comfortable, spacious rooms 6 reviews
- Prime Champs-Élysées location 4 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Aug 2026.
Which Palaces don't we know about yet?
We don't have enough recent evidence for 3 Palaces. If you've stayed at one, please tell us what you found.
Le K2 Palace
Not enough evidence on water yet. Stayed here recently? Tell us what you found.
- Exceptional, attentive service 11 reviews
- Spacious, beautiful, comfortable rooms 6 reviews
- Great ski-in/out and ski service 6 reviews
From 30 saved reviews, newest Mar 2026.
Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez
Not enough evidence on water yet. Stayed here recently? Tell us what you found.
- Warm, attentive staff 14 reviews
- Outstanding Vague d'Or dining 10 reviews
- Private beach, waterfront setting 9 reviews
From 25 saved reviews, newest Jul 2023.
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Not enough evidence on water yet. Stayed here recently? Tell us what you found.
From 30 saved reviews, newest Jun 2026.
All 33 Palace hotels (and the Ritz) at a glance
| # | Palace | Town | Region | Water | Guest complaints (24 months) | Typical night | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ritz Paris (not a Palace) | Paris | Paris | Complaints | 4 | $$$$ | Sep 2026 |
| 2 | Shangri-La Paris | Paris | Paris | Complaints | 2 | $$$$ | Aug 2025 |
| 3 | Le Bristol Paris | Paris | Paris | Complaints | 1 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 4 | The Peninsula Paris | Paris | Paris | Complaints | 1 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 5 | Hôtel Martinez (new 2026) | Cannes | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Complaints | 3 | $$$ | Jul 2025 |
| 6 | Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière | Saint-Tropez | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Free + extras | 0 | – | Oct 2026 |
| 7 | Airelles Gordes, La Bastide | Gordes | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Free + extras | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 8 | Cheval Blanc St-Barth | Saint-Barthélemy | Caribbean | Free + extras | 0 | $$$$ | Jan 2026 |
| 9 | Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel | Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Free + extras | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 10 | Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa (new 2026) | Champillon | Champagne | Free + extras | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 11 | Cheval Blanc Courchevel | Courchevel | Alps | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 12 | L'Apogée Courchevel | Courchevel | Alps | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 13 | Cheval Blanc Paris (new 2026) | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 14 | Four Seasons Resort Megève (new 2026) | Megève | Alps | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Sep 2026 |
| 15 | Bvlgari Hotel Paris (new 2026) | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 16 | Four Seasons Hotel George V | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 17 | La Réserve Paris - Hotel and Spa | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 18 | Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 19 | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection Paris | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 20 | Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection Paris | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 21 | Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 22 | La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas | Ramatuelle St Tropez | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 23 | Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 24 | Villa La Coste | Le Puy Ste Réparade | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Free | 0 | $$$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 25 | Château Saint-Martin & Spa | Vence | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Free | 0 | $$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 26 | Hôtel Royal | Évian-les-Bains | Alps | Free | 0 | $$$ | Sep 2025 |
| 27 | Les Sources de Caudalie | Bordeaux-Martillac | South-West | Free | 0 | $$$ | Oct 2026 |
| 28 | Les Prés d'Eugénie | Eugénie-les-Bains | South-West | Free | 0 | $$ | Sep 2020 |
| 29 | Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles | Courchevel | Alps | Free | 0 | – | Dec 2025 |
| 30 | Fouquet's Courchevel | Courchevel | Alps | Free | 0 | – | Oct 2026 |
| 31 | Fouquet's Paris (new 2026) | Paris | Paris | Free | 0 | – | Jul 2023 |
| 32 | Le K2 Palace | Courchevel | Alps | Not enough evidence | 0 | $$$$ | – |
| 33 | Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez | Saint-Tropez | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Not enough evidence | 0 | $$$$ | – |
| 34 | Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc | Antibes | Côte d'Azur & South-East | Not enough evidence | 0 | – | – |
Typical night: $ under $250 · $$ $250–499 · $$$ $500–999 · $$$$ $1,000+. How we band prices
What is a Palace hotel?
A Palace is an official French distinction for the very best five-star hotels. The French tourism minister created it in November 2010. Atout France, the national tourism agency, first checks objective criteria, such as a spa, a fitness area, a multilingual team and a concierge service. A panel of experts then judges the location, the building and its history, the hotel's character, the staff, its gourmet restaurants and its environmental policy (france.fr).
How many Palace hotels are there in France?
There are 33 in 2026, according to Atout France's list updated on 2 June 2026. Paris has 13. Six were new in 2026, and Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme and Mandarin Oriental Paris were among the hotels not renewed (La Revue des Hôtels, 2 June 2026).
Is the Ritz Paris a Palace?
No. The Ritz Paris isn't on Atout France's 2026 Palace list. We include it here because it's priced like one, and because it's the best-known water case in Paris: guests report one bottle per person AM, two small bottles PM, with extra bottles at €18 each (last checked Sep 2026).
Is the pool water free at the Palaces?
We have pool reports for 5 Palaces: Shangri-La Paris: Free (1 guest report, May 2025); Hôtel Martinez: Rationed (1 guest report, Jul 2025); Airelles Gordes: Free (1 guest report, Sep 2026); Four Seasons Resort Megève: Free (1 guest report, Mar 2023); Les Sources de Caudalie: Free (1 guest report, Sep 2024).
How we checked
For these 33 hotels we read 669 guest reviews that mention water, from Google and Tripadvisor (in English and French) and Reddit, plus the hotels' own sites, Mr & Mrs Smith hotel notes and booking-site amenity lists: 264 relevant mentions in all. A complaint counts if a guest describes paying for or being rationed on water in the last 24 months; restaurant water doesn't count. One guest is one report, however many times they post it. Typical-night bands come from Kayak's 12-month average nightly rate, or from "from" rates scaled to a typical night.
Updated 2026-10-08. Every answer links to its source. How we check · Request a correction · Report what you paid
Photos: Wikimedia Commons and Flickr contributors under Creative Commons licences, and the hotels' own websites. Photo credits and licences
The Bottle Board: what luxury hotels charge for water · Is bottled water free in hotel rooms? · Brands compared