Where to stay in Cannes with friends

The belle époque triumph that is the Carlton InterContinental hotel, offers group-stay bookings for between 10 and 343 rooms (yes, you read that right), and their grand meeting room/ballroom can host up to 1000 people. They have 11 separate meeting spaces, and state of the art audiovisual equipment for corporate events. This deeply glamorous hotel has been hosting large-scale events for the well-heeled for over 100 years, from grand balls to sensational weddings and fancy product launches. Whatever your group occasion or size, the 5 star Carlton InterContinental hotel will deliver a very swish and memorable experience.

There are many hotels in Cannes that make much of their trade from business visitors and as such offer good deals for group bookings. Hotel le Canberra is one such hotel and offers clean and contemporary French decor and all the facilities you’d expect from a high-quality business and leisure hotel. For those wishing to travel along the Riviera, the location near the train and bus prove very convenient, while the hotel’s facilities include a swimming pool, bar, business centre and disabled access. This hotel offers group discounts, so bargain when booking.

This may raise a few eyebrows, but the strange truth of it is that chartering one of the smaller luxury yachts that can sleep up to 12 people is often actually more cost-effective than booking adjoining suites at a luxury hotel. Better still, your hotel moves to a beautiful place each day and comes equipped with a personal crew (and private chef.) Take that, Carlton. However, do be aware that you will pay for food, fuel and berthing fees as extras to the charter price, so keep that in mind when budgeting. You can of course anchor off if you don’t want to pay berthing fees, and you can even stay in one place for the whole week and treat the yacht like a luxury hotel.

Cannes has plenty of holiday apartments and houses competing to fill their bookings, so you can often get a really good deal as long as you don’t want to visit in May, July or August. These properties are self-catered, while many come with a welcome goody pack and some great local information. Be aware that there will often be a cleaning fee added to the advertised rental price. This is probably the most cost-effective option for group accommodation in Cannes, and you can choose a property that suits your budget, needs and style. Scroll through our listings to see what you fancy.

Resort-style self-catered apartments: Pierre & Vacances operate a string of resorts along the Riviera, and there are four to be found in the immediate surrounds of Cannes. Accommodating up to 7 people in each apartment, you can easily book a few adjoining apartments and then enjoy the resort-style facilities (think landscaped gardens, palm trees and pools.)

One thing the French Riviera isn’t short on is rental villas- particularly as you journey a short distance either along the coast or into the cool, pine-scented hills. There are some absolutely stunning villas on offer in all sorts of styles, ranging from all-white seafront villas to old Provencal villas surrounded by tall palms. A Cannes villa is the perfect way to unwind and spend some time together by the pool- while being within a short distance of Cannes’ glamorous nightlife, restaurants and boutiques.

Don't forget to check out our Events Calendar to see what's on while you are in Cannes and to make the most of all the beach clubs, bars and restaurants that this beautiful town has to offer.