Staying in Cannes
Everyone knows that Cannes is a major tourist town. Hotels are certainly in plentiful supply here, but there never seems to be enough of them when major media events like the International Film Festival (more commonly known as the Festival de Cannes) and the MIDEM(record and music production festival) and of course the MIPIM come to town. Try to arrange a stay that doesn’t coincide with some major exhibition or other; otherwise, be sure to reserve well in advance. It should also be noted that hotels in Cannes raise prices during peak periods, so be warned…
Aside from these few obstacles though, Cannes is a truly pleasant place to stay. After all, the first tourist to the area in 1834–Lord Brougham–was so taken by the hospitality at the Pinchinat inn (no longer in existence) and the region’s delicious climate that he decided not just to stay for a while, but to live here for good. His footsteps have since been followed many a time.
Visitors who long for the days of the belle époque will be utterly smitten by the opulent rooms at the Majestic, Carlton (Inter-Continental) and Martinez hotels, the latter of which also boasts one of Cannes’ best restaurants, La Palme d’or. These three majestic palaces, which resemble enormous ships facing the waterfront, overlook the sea and mountains from their privileged position on Boulevard de la Croisette. Film fans are well aware that their favorite actors will be staying here at festival time, so during the week long festivities, the hotels are continually besieged by autograph-seeking, photo-snapping admirers of the stars.
Another turn-of-the-century palace is the appropriately named Splendid which, with its three-star status (those cited above each have four stars), offers slightly lower rates.
But those with more modern tastes will immediately feel at home in the Hilton Cannes, another big name on La Croisette. The hotel’s blue glass design echoes the blue sea across the way, although you don’t have to cross the street to swim and sunbathe on the beach, because the Noga boasts a rooftop swimming pool. The Gray d’Albion, another ultramodern hotel, also enjoys an excellent reputation. Each of its 186 suites and rooms come with a private terrace and the hotel also features a private beach and its own nightclub, Jane’s, for your enjoyment.
If you wish to spend a few days in Cannes on a slightly less extravagant budget, a number of lower-priced hotels are available, many of them comfortable, friendly, and charming. These include the Florian which couldn’t be more centrally placed if it tried, and is both practical and reasonably priced. The Climat de France (Kyriad) is imposing, modern, irreproachably comfortable with a large swimming pool and the beach close by, and represents good value for money. The more centrally located Hôtel de Paris is one of the most elegant in its price category. Tastefully decorated, with an ornate façade accented by pediments, columns and capitals, it is blessed with an attractive pool and gardens, so rare in the heart of town. Hôtel de France on Rue d’Antibes is another good option in the center of town, with exquisite 1930s style décor, and the Albe Hôtel offers lower prices and a warm welcome.
Visitors wishing to stretch out their vacations in Cannes may prefer the unpretentious, low-priced, but entirely satisfactory Cimem Assomption, a unique establishment that falls outside the classic definition of hotel accommodation as it is run by a group of nuns and laywomen. It has a truly delightful park. Hotel National is, on the other hand, among the best one-star accommodation in Cannes.