The Best Luxury Cannes Hotels, France

The Hotel Le Cavendish oozes sophisticated glamour. It’s set back from the main hustle of the town in a grand Napoleonic building that frames the splendour of each room. The breakfasts are remarkable, the staircase is lit up with candles at dusk, the rooms are decorated in style (some with terraces) and you get a welcome drink and a smile on arrival. Sheer, understated bliss.

Run by the owners of the wonderful Cavendish Hotel, the Villa Garbo is small and perfectly formed and only a short walk to La Croisette and the seaside in Cannes. It consists of 12 luxurious suites, so it’s more a group of apartments than an actual hotel, but each one is lavishly furnished so you feel like you’re on a film set. The building dates back to 1884, the architectural period referred to as La Belle Époque, and has an amazing terrace where you can have your free welcome apero upon arrival. Villa Garbo also has a spa (which consists of a hamman and gym) where you can arrange to have daily massages. Pure decadence.

The Canberra Hotel is so central that there’s no excuse not to explore the town, even though you might not want to leave. Sit around the pool sipping cocktails or slink around your 1950s-styled room (there are 35 of them to choose from), marvelling at the luxurious furnishings. You really feel hidden in this small hotel, but the location couldn’t be better — particularly for shopaholics as the main entrance is on the major shopping street of Rue D’Antibes. There’s not much parking, but you won’t really need it; your chauffeur can ferry you around town. A hidden gem.

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.

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.

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.

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.