Top Cannes luxury hotels for summer

If only the walls could talk!

The ornate façade of this vast Art Deco beauty rises over the Croisette like a grand old dame – one who still remembers the swinging jazz parties of the Belle Époque, the dark wartime days of the German occupation and the steady stream of movie stars, royalty and movers and shakers who have walked through its doors into the opulent lobby.

The Carlton Intercontinental hotel famously features in the iconic 1955 film To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant and (soon-to-be-princess) Grace Kelly. The film star legacy has carried through to today, where it is still considered the place to stay during the Cannes Film Festival.

The décor plays on this legacy of classic French glamour from days gone by, with French doors leading onto sea-view terraces as well as its 'piéce de resistance': a truly grandiose lobby of soaring pillars and white marble. All of this a mere stone’s throw from the Palais des Festivals and every flagship boutique store that you could possibly want.

Another iconic Art Deco hotel in the heart of the Croisette, Hotel Martinez is also a favourite of the stars when the film festival is on.

Opened in 1929, the hotel underwent an extensive €150 million renovation when it became part of the Hyatt chain in 2017/18. Its penthouse, costing around €34,000 per night, is one of the world's most expensive suites.

No wonder it's the perfect getaway for the rich and famous.

As the oldest hotel in Cannes, the Hotel Splendid is positively dripping in local history and is just one in the long procession of Art Deco hotels that grace Cannes’ waterfront.

Lined with balconies, contented guests can sit and eat croissants, look out to sea, marvel at the huge yachts and watch the crowds bustling along the boulevard far below. Quite wonderfully, guests have now been sitting on these balconies for almost 150 years – since long before Cannes was a summertime resort, since long before the Cannes Film Festival arrived with its red carpet and flashing bulbs and long before superyachts even existed – when only horses and carriages passed along the sandy Croisette.

Many things have changed in Cannes but the Hotel Splendid has remained. The rooms are quite lovely, unpretentious and with great views either over Le Suquet (the Old Town) or the sea.

The 'classic chic' style of Le Canberra Hotel offers you a boutique hotel experience in unrivalled refinement while staying close to the famous Croisette and the luxury shopping area of the rue d'Antibes.

Nestled in the heart of the city, you can enjoy the relaxing gardens with a heated outdoor pool and easily turn that city break into a rural retreat. Faithful to the hotel’s glamorous 1950s spirit, the bar has a unique atmosphere and serves champagne and wine by the glass.

In a building dating from 1870, the Château de la Tour hotel is unique amongst the luxury hotels in Cannes thanks to its period charm, elegance and character, and the fact that it's set in its own private grounds and has exquisite views over the Bay of Cannes.

The sumptuous décor reflects the glamour that we have come to expect of Cannes whilst the gardens, grounds and intimate setting give the feeling of being in your very own Provençal château.

The restaurant, La Table du Château, serves up gourmet cuisine in the tasteful dining room or out on the terrace. ​A real treat for foodies.

For more inspiration on where to stay this summer in Cannes, check out our other favourite luxury and boutique hotels.