La Guitoune
Retro-chic, free-spirited, playful. Think bold Bambi Sloan patterns, mosaic bar tops, lobster motifs in the carpet, and vintage chairs in the dining room — it is vivid and deliberately eccentric without feeling try-hard. The vibe is beach-house-meets-Parisian-design-atelier.
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Why It Matters
One of the most storied addresses on the Atlantic coast — operating since 1932 — transformed into a boldly designed boutique hotel by interior designer Bambi Sloan (also known for Harry's Social Club in London). Backed by the Pariente family (Relais & Châteaux), it sits at the gateway to Europe's tallest sand dune and is listed on Tablet Hotels.
La Guitoune is a 4-star boutique hotel that has been a fixture on the Pyla-sur-Mer seafront since 1932. After years of abandonment, it was revived in 2017 with a head-turning renovation by designer Bambi Sloan, who kept the neo-Basque façade and filled the interiors with bold prints, vintage furniture, and a riot of color. In 2021 the Pariente family — who also run La Bastide de Saint-Tropez — acquired it and brought it into their INFLUENCE Hôtels group, keeping the free-spirited, retro-chic character intact. With just 24 rooms, a Mediterranean restaurant open to the public, and a bar that runs music until 2am, it sits two minutes on foot from the beach and 15 minutes by car from the Dune du Pilat.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Classic Room
The entry-level room at La Guitoune — small but far from anonymous. At 19m², it fits two comfortably with a double bed, vintage Bambi Sloan furnishings, and a walk-in rain shower. Every room gets a terrace or balcony, air conditioning, minibar, safe and individual temperature control.
Double · 19 sqm
Connecting Rooms
Two adjoining rooms that open into each other, sleeping up to 6 guests (up to 4 adults). Ideal for large families or two couples who want proximity with some privacy. Each room is 24m².
Multiple · 24 sqmFamily Room
The largest standard room at 32m², designed for families of up to four. Double bed plus bunk beds, plenty of floor space, and the same retro-chic Sloan signature throughout.
Double + Bunk Beds · 32 sqmGuitoune
The hotel's signature room type — 25m² with a king-size bed, private balcony, and what the hotel calls 'the purest expression of the Guitoune spirit.' Used for the 100% Guitoune package. Think private entrance, terrace, beach-cabin energy.
King · 25 sqmSuperior Room
More space (24m²) and a private balcony — the go-to choice for a couple wanting to stretch out. Soft tones mixed with bold Sloan patterns. Also the room category used in the Love Story package.
Double · 24 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The beach is a 2-minute walk from the hotel. Multiple beaches nearby including Plage du Moulleau (1.3km) and Atlantic ocean beaches.
Rent a bike at reception and explore scenic trails along the coast or through the pine forest to oyster villages like Gujan-Mestras and La Teste-de-Buch.
Europe's largest sand dune, about 15 minutes by car or a 45-minute scenic walk from the hotel. A landmark of the Atlantic coast.
The Pyla sailing club is just steps from the hotel and welcomes children throughout the summer season.
Atlantic surf spots are a short drive away, with a partner surf school nearby for beginners and experienced riders.
The hotel has a private meeting room with capacity for 30 people, available for seminars, corporate events, and private dinners. Full or partial privatisation of the hotel is also possible.
Hotel partner La Pylataise operates traditional wooden 'pinasse' boat tours across Arcachon Bay — visiting Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux), the iconic stilt huts (cabanes tchanquées), and the Banc d'Arguin sandbank.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Private meeting room with capacity for up to 30 people, described as 'atypical' — in keeping with the hotel's character. Available for corporate events and seminars.
Free WiFi throughout the property and in all rooms.
Baby cot available on request at no extra charge.
Front desk team assists with local tips, excursion bookings, taxi arrangements and restaurant recommendations.
Pets accepted on request. An extra charge of €30 per pet per night applies.
A selection of drinks and seasonal dishes available in-room.
Large shaded terrace with multicoloured umbrellas, used for both restaurant dining and relaxing.
All 24 rooms are air-conditioned with individual temperature control.
Small on-site boutique selling beach essentials, accessories, home décor and souvenirs curated in the Guitoune style.
Hotel team can arrange taxi transfers to train station, airport, or Dune du Pilat on request.
Private, secure, free parking under the pine trees on-site. No reservation required.
BUILD YOUR LA GUITOUNE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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