Cannes is one of the most renowned hotel destinations in the Mediterranean. The city, known internationally for its Film Festival, which takes place every May, is home to an unusually high concentration of prestigious institutions on the French Riviera. Waterfront luxury hotels, boutique hotels perched on the hillsides, rooftop pools: the selection of 5-star accommodations is as varied as the city itself. We’ve selected four 5-star hotels in Cannes that stand out for their location, amenities, and character.
Whether you’re looking for a private beach on the Croisette, a rooftop pool, or a venue tied to the city’s glamorous history, this article will provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
5-Star Hotels in Cannes: What You Need to Know Before Booking
Cannes offers a range of high-end hotels, concentrated mainly along the Promenade de la Croisette, which runs along the sea for about 3 km from the Palais des Festivals to Port Canto. This is where most of the grand luxury hotels are located, some of which are right on the waterfront. Other 5-star hotels are located just a few blocks from the Croisette, in quieter neighborhoods, and offer a different experience—less exposed to the hustle and bustle of the waterfront, but with comparable amenities.
Please note that Cannes is a very popular destination, especially during the Film Festival in May, in the summer, and during major events at the Palais des Festivals. We recommend that you book as early as possible, as rates increase significantly as the dates get closer. Aside from these peak periods, fall and winter offer more favorable prices, while still enjoying what is often plenty of sunshine on the French Riviera.
1. Five Seas Hotel (5-star, 100 meters from the Croisette)
Why stay at the Five Seas Hotel?
Located just one street away from the Croisette, the Five Seas Hotel stands out first and foremost for its rooftop terrace, whose pool overlooks the city and offers a panoramic view of the rooftops of Cannes. It is one of the few places in the city to offer this kind of high-altitude experience, far from the hustle and bustle of the waterfront. We were particularly impressed by the floor-to-ceiling window that frames the terrace: it lets you enjoy the view in any weather. The hotel also features a restaurant with panoramic views and a spa, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business trips. The Croisette, nearby shops, and restaurants are just a few minutes’ walk away.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: 100m from the Croisette.
- Price range: 5 stars.
- Restaurant: yes (panoramic).
- Family rooms: yes.
- Amenities: rooftop pool, spa area, gym.
- Parking: yes.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
2. Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic (5-star, La Croisette)
Why stay at the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic?
The Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is centrally located on the Croisette, just 100 meters from the Palais des Festivals. It is one of the most well-equipped resorts in Cannes: it features a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, several restaurants—including two right on the private beach—and even a casino. We had the opportunity to have lunch at one of the hotel’s beachfront restaurants—the experience, with our feet in the sand overlooking the bay, is worth the trip on its own. In addition, the hotel is ideally located for exploring the city: the Croisette, the shops, and the Palais des Festivals are all within walking distance of the hotel’s entrance. In the evening, the bustling atmosphere along the waterfront is immediately noticeable, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on your preferences.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: seafront on the Croisette.
- Price range: 5 stars.
- Restaurants: Yes, there are several (including 2 on the private beach).
- Family rooms: yes.
- Amenities: swimming pool, spa area, private beach.
- Parking: yes.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
3. Hotel Martinez (5-star, La Croisette)
Why stay at the Hotel Martinez?
The Hôtel Martinez is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Cannes. Located right on the waterfront along the Croisette, it features its own private beach, a restaurant right on the sand, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness center. Its history is closely tied to the Film Festival: for decades, the hotel has been hosting the delegations, juries, and official guests who have made Cannes famous on the international stage. We highly recommend La Plage du Martinez Restaurant for a meal overlooking the bay—it’s worth making a reservation, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. The entire property combines first-class amenities with a location on the Croisette that is hard to beat.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: seafront on the Croisette.
- Price range: 5 stars.
- Restaurants: Yes, there are several (including one on the private beach).
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: swimming pool, private beach, gym, spa area.
- Parking: yes.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
4. The Carlton Hotel, a Regent Hotel (5-star, La Croisette)
Why stay at the Carlton Hotel?
The Carlton is undoubtedly the most recognizable hotel in Cannes. Its Belle Époque facade, located on the Croisette waterfront, has become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The hotel, now managed by the Regent Hotels chain, offers rooms and suites whose decor combines the style of the era in which it was built—the early 20th century—with contemporary amenities. We appreciated the consistency between the architectural design and the level of service. The hotel features several restaurants, a private beach and pier, a spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. Like the Hôtel Martinez, the Carlton has long been associated with the Film Festival and Cannes’ social scene. For travelers who want to immerse themselves in this unique side of the city, this is a must-visit spot.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: seafront on the Croisette.
- Price range: 5 stars.
- Restaurants: Yes, there are several (including one on the private beach).
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: private beach and jetty, spa area, swimming pool, gym.
- Parking: yes.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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