The hotels in Cannes reflect the sophistication and glamour of the city. Some of them are big with global reputations that span centuries, others are small and bijou, with intimate poolside settings. Whether you’re seeking out a private retreat or a place to stage your grand entrance into all the major events around town, here’s our pick of the best.
The Tiara Yaktsa is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Cannes in Théoule-sur-Mer, so you may just never find your way into town. The hotel is everything you would expect of the Riviera – views, views and more views, surrounded by James Bond-style opulence.
It’s tucked away off the main highway, has 21 rooms and, while it welcomes children, it’s probably better suited to couples. The rooms are Moroccan-style in décor and you can while away the hours on the Balinese sunbeds, overlooking the bay. Pure indulgence.
The Villa St Barth is a little haven, tucked away just off the Boulevard Carnot, heading north out of Cannes. People love this place – it has four suites with private terraces and access to the gardens, all with free WiFi.
It’s not far from the centre of Cannes, but you’ll be hard pushed to go anywhere after you’ve had breakfast in your pyjamas and lazed around the pool. But if you do manage to spend a long day sightseeing in Cannes, you can head back to have a little cocktail and change before your chic dinner engagements. Paradise.
Along with the Carlton Intercontinental, the Barrière Le Majestic is one of Cannes’ most iconic. It is situated on the seafront, on La Croisette, and has 349 rooms. Hotel Barrière Le Majestic is an institution, where people come to stay to use the casino and private beach, but with style and panache – this is no cheesy resort hotel. It stages lots of great events, has three restaurants, including the new BFire, and three bars, including one by the pool.
This hotel has always been a firm favourite with Cannes regulars since it opened in the early 20th century. People come back year after year, the hotel never bats an eyelid over demands that might seem over the top – Faye Dunaway reportedly bathed in goat’s milk when she stayed.
It has different bars and restaurants to choose from, a private beach made famous by Alfred Hitchcock in his 1955 movie To Catch A Thief and Elton John filmed a music video in the lobby. This is a historic hotel, which has over 300 rooms while providing that individual touch to every guest.