The Best Cheap Hotels in Cannes, France

This hotel brings a dash of fun to one of the most glamorous cities in France – think Asterix cartoon characters printed onto bedroom walls; juicy pops of orange, red and lime on throw cushions; and a lush garden terrace for cheers-ing your friends and family with glasses of bubbly. Staying here, you’re a hop north of central Cannes, but that gives you the opportunity to explore a more local side to the city, as well as to escape on day trips to surrounding Provençal villages. Win-win.

Need to be in the heart of the action? This hotel is steps from the old port in Cannes – a photogenic jumble of boats – as well as the Palais des Festivals, home to the renowned annual film festival. The property itself is a real looker, all sculpted Belle Époque architecture with sweet little Juliet balconies; inside, rooms ooze classic elegance with peachy tones and wood-trimmed furniture. Don’t miss the buffet spread, a calorific wonderland of pastries, bread, meats and cheeses that will fuel you for the morning – possibly the whole day – without you having to spend a cent more.

A wallet-friendly hotel in Cannes – with a spa? You bet. This contemporary property on the city’s central-artery road doesn’t only deliver comfortable rooms, furnished in pops of golden yellow and grey, but it also has a proper wellness area, complete with a hammam, frothing hot tub and an array of treatments. After your sugar body rub or lomilomi massage, snag a table in the tranquil garden, and treat yourself to a soothing cup of tea.

Some of the best shopping in Cannes is on your doorstep here – so, with so much to splurge on, it’s a good thing that Hôtel Renoir is reasonably priced. Not that you’d guess from the elegant rooms: dressed in floaty white fabrics, cushy sand-coloured carpets and, in the case of the suites, spacious seating areas for stretching out. Curl up under one of the fluffy throws, and plan your day. Will it be the beach or a long, lazy lunch at one of the seafood-stuffed bistros?

The picture-perfect pinky exterior looks like something out of a fairytale – you can’t help but Instagram it. Step in, and you’ll find Villa Claudia is just as enticing, with stylish but homely interiors: think glam black-and-white photos and furry throw pillows. There’s an apartment with a modern kitchen if you’d like to self-cater, as well as plenty of other perks, such as a quiet garden and 24/7 private parking (something of a rarity in central Cannes). Tuck into the morning buffet breakfast – a feast starring pastries baked nearby.

The name says it all; when you book in here, you’re only steps from La Croisette, the seaside boulevard in Cannes, where fashionable residents pop into designer shops and grab ice creams to nibble on the beach. The prime location means you can spend your days out exploring, taking in the neighbouring islands or markets before heading back to the comfy rooms that are prettied up with crisp whites and steely greys. They number just two dozen, but there’s still plenty of choices, with triples for families. You’ll like the intimate vibe, something often absent in larger hotels.

In the east of Cannes, this pad looks classically French from the outside – green shuttered windows, umbrella-shaded terrace – but step through the doors, and be prepared for a blast of modernity. Aperol spritzes gleam orange in the swish bar, and contemporary rooms catch the eye with bright colours and funky wallpaper. Drop your bags, and head for the hotel’s private stretch of sand, C-Beach, for a lunch of seafood linguine in between cooling dips in the inviting blue Mediterranean.

Just because a hotel’s easy on the wallet doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. The rooms at this brilliantly located central property lay on fluffy bathrobes, creamy-white decor and – best of all – outdoor space, which includes private balconies overlooking palm trees, and garden terraces with stretch-out loungers for long, lazy Provençal afternoons. A family room sleeping four is handy if you’re visiting with little ones in tow, while apartments are available if you want to save more cash by self-catering. Yes, even in Cannes, you can.