The Best Hotels in Cannes for Every Traveller

With panoramic views over the Mediterranean from one of the city’s best rooftop terraces, interiors designed by acclaimed designer Ramy Fischer and a relaxing swimming pool that flows from indoor to outdoor, the hotel is set to be the new key feature in Cannes. This opening marks Hilton’s entry into the city and is the latest addition to the growing portfolio of Canopy by Hilton properties across Europe.

The hotel features 129 guest rooms and suites, along with a further 12 apartments, most of which offer impressive views over the old harbour, La Croisette and the Lérins Islands. In collaboration with a prestigious jury of art experts and private collectors across the world, the hotel has invited twelve talented young artists to create unique artwork for each room. Contemporary artwork is complemented by Canopy by Hilton’s sophisticated comfort, including the brand’s signature canopy bed frame, exclusive bedding created just for Canopy by Hilton and thoughtful amenities like Canopy socks and Nespresso machines.

If you’re looking to really live the lifestyle associated with Cannes, this is the best place to start.

Dripping in old-world glamour – this is the French Riviera, after all – the Five Seas specialises in unabashed luxury. Sure, the sprawling Presidential and Terrace Suites don’t need stainless steel jacuzzis on the terrace, but it’s nice to have them anyway. The three on-site eateries follow a more Balearic aesthetic with white-washed walls, rattan lampshades and plants plonked in every corner. The Roof, which serves cocktails alongside posh street food and DJ sets, is especially loyal to this theme; scatter cushions are plentiful, and a plunge pool is slap bang in the middle, à la every trendy hotel that attracts a largely young clientele.

The towering Hôtel de Provence, with its charming eggshell blue balconies and garden walls, feels distinctly like an urban abode. The air-conditioned rooms, featuring cupboard beds and partition walls, are compact and cleverly laid out. While there’s enough to keep you comfortable – full French breakfasts and an on-site shop – the real selling point is the hotel’s location. The Croisette promenade, yacht-lined marina and the many beaches and boardwalks of the Côte d’Azur are all nearby. Sure, you can push the bed back into the cupboard and order a tipple from the 24-hour bar – but with the beach right outside, you’ll easily find more scenic places to enjoy a glass of Provence rosé.

Glitz, glamour and an inordinate amount of marble come together to create this Pierre-Yves Rochon-decorated super hotel. Leaning heavily on its art deco roots – the Hôtel Martinez opened in the late 1920s and came to prominence alongside the launch of the jet-set lifestyle – this serene seaside hotel is the height of French Riviera style. Designed to evoke a “Mediterranean dream”, the undeniably luxe hotel is awash with aqua blue and white lacquer furnishings. The Bay of Cannes and La Croisette sit at the sandy feet of the Martinez – but for the best view, you’ll have to spring for the panoramic Penthouse Suite.

You can’t call a hotel “Majestic” and not be prepared to pull out all the stops; fortunately, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic doesn’t fall short on its promise. Silver service, a sumptuous spa specialising in Biologique Recherche beauty care, a private beach club and the Champagne Cinema Club come with the starry territory. A wood-decked infinity pool overlooks the glistening bay below, where sun-kissed Alain Delon types jet ski across the glassy water. The influence of the Cannes Film Festival can be deeply felt and given that the Palais des Festivals – the hub of the festival – faces this art deco manse, it’s to be expected and also the reason celebrities keep coming back.

This pristine B&B, translating to”white villa”, resembles something between a Swiss ski lodge and a Provençal cottage. It serves up quaint countryside vibes by the bucketload: expect cutesy ornaments, watering cans stuffed with flowers and plenty of gingham. Outside, you’ll find Carnot Boulevard, which runs right down to the ritzy port and sun-bleached Croisette Beach. Meanwhile, the reliable and reasonable public transport – bus and train – provides easy links to Monte Carlo, Antibes and Nice, and all are worth a day trip should the pageantry of the yacht-strewn marina and buzzy Croisette prove too much.

There’s a Floridian air to Hotel Verlaine that extends past the colourful balcony shutters, tropical decor, and yuccas and palm trees which run contrary to the Belle Époque main building and art deco façade. Going against the grain of traditional Riviera style, this vibrant hotel bursts with exotic flair – and this is especially true in the glassy conservatory that overlooks sprouting desert plants. Fill up at the generous – and gluten-free – buffet before heading to the private C beach of the hotel’s sister site.

Looking for something a little more lavish? Book a stay at one of Cannes’ most luxurious hotels. If you’re interested in the history of hotels in the area, read our brief history of the world-famous Carlton Intercontinental Hotel.