As a seasoned French Riviera explorer, nothing quite compares to the glitz and glamour of Cannes for me. From elite hotels on La Croisette to cozy boutique stays in The Old Town, finding the perfect place to stay suits every taste and budget but takes insider knowledge. I’ve made the ultimate 2024 guide to Cannes so you can easily discover your dream accommodation.
Want beachside luxury or an affordable hotel steps from wine bars and landmarks? Prefer relaxing with celebrities at 5-star spa or awakening to colorful markets outside your flat? With must-visit insights and best options for each travel style, you’ll feel right at home. Follow my advice to enjoy the Cannes visit you’ve always imagined!
Oup pick of the best hotels in Cannes 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Hôtel Belle Plage & Villa Spa
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: Five Seas Hotel Cannes
- ✨ 5-Star: Mondrian Cannes
- 🏨 4-Star: Hotel Le Suquet Cannes
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Hôtel L'Estérel Cannes
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Hotel Les Tourrades
Quick Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Cannes 📋
- 👀 For the First Time: Le Suquet
- 🏖 For Beaches: La Croisette
- 🌄 For Quiet Stay: La Bocca
1. Le Suquet (Old Town) – Best Place to Stay in Cannes for the First Time 🔥
Rising above the coast, the area surrounding Le Suquet hill forms the historic heart of Cannes centered around a medieval quarter and Gothic Église Notre-Dame church. Wandering there let me discover local history and culture.
🏰 Ancient tower: Walking the cobblestone streets of the Cannes city center leads to iconic medieval watchtower from the 15th century when residents guarded against invaders. If you’re looking for a place to transport you back in time, this is it.
🗺️ Naval museum: Inside a 17th century mansion, Musée des explorations du monde is a great location that shows intricate antique maps and artifacts from old French expeditions.
⚓️ Yacht harbor: Just downhill, the elegant Port de Cannes luxury yacht harbor gives awesome front-row views of exclusive vessels, easiest to access arriving by sea.
🛒 Lively market: Further inland, the open-air Marché Forville overflowed with flowers, fresh catch, and spices – a staple since medieval times!
Well-connected, the region gives budget travelers, history explorers, and culture seekers memorable insight into life in authentic local life.
Where to Stay in Le Suquet 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Exclusive Hotel Belle Plage – beachfront 5-star hotel situated directly on the Croisette near the Palais des Festivals, featuring ultra-modern rooms with private balconies, a Michelin-starred grill restaurant and luxury spa with Mediterranean views.
- Canopy by Hilton Cannes – brand-new upscale hotel opened in 2022 in the center of Cannes located steps from La Croisette, blending contemporary design with French Riviera flair including a vibrant bar, garden-view rooms and dining showcasing local, seasonal cuisine.
- Hotel Le Suquet Cannes – historic 4-star boutique hotel located in the heart of the old town quarter, offering charming Provençal-style rooms and suites with views of the port and direct access to the medieval village.
Medium price range:
- Nemea Appart Hotel Cannes – apartment-style hotel near the Palais providing self-catering suites with kitchens, furnished balconies and comfortable living spaces in the heart of the action.
- Hotel Le Canberra – 4-star landmark hotel set in a tropical garden near the Convention Center featuring stately architecture with a laid-back vibe, outdoor pool and complimentary bikes.
Budget Hotels:
- Golden Tulip Cannes Hotel – modern 4-star hotel conveniently located, known for chic, plush rooms with private terraces at an affordable price.
- Coralynes Residence – beachfront vacation rental property on peaceful Ile Sainte-Marguerite island, comprised of apartments and villas surrounded by lush nature with a shared pool and water access.
2. La Bocca – Where to Stay in Cannes for Families 🏡
Near Cannes, I found this area gave a more lowkey seaside retreat for visitors seeking a peaceful escape, yet it remained convenient to reach top destinations. With family-friendly attractions, affordable stays and dining, it suites travelers wanting to relax in Cannes’ beauty without high prices and crowds.
✈️ Convenient airport: Cannes Mandelieu Airport provides easy air access to the area.
🏖️ Sandy beach: Along the coast, Plage de la Bocca beach has areas to swim, sunbathe, and beach cafes. The Grand Bleu center by the beach offers indoor/outdoor pools, waterslides, and play areas for kids. Super fun place to relax!
🏨 Sea view hotel: Also overlooking the beach, the Hollywood Hotel provides affordable rooms and dining with Mediterranean views.
🛒 Lively market: Inland attractions include the Market Cannes offering fresh produce and goods, Fun City amusement park with rides, games, and family entertainment, Camping Parc Bellevue campgrounds immersed in nature, and Bowling de Cannes for bowling and activities.
🏘 Residential area: The area gives a quieter alternative for families/couples than central Cannes while remaining convenient by bus or car. Safety is a priority.
3. La Croisette – For Close Proximity to the Beaches 🏖️
Lined with lavish hotels, upscale boutiques, and private beaches, La Croisette creates Cannes’ splendid seaside promenade where famous faces walk during the famous Film Festival occurring each May. As an expert luxury travel guide, I can say a visit to Cannes requires a stroll down this glamorous point!
🎥 Exciting red carpet events: Time your trip to see movie stars attending premieres on the red carpet at the famous Cannes Film Festival!
🛍️ Luxury shopping: La Croisette has Avenue Montaigne and streets filled designer stores displaying runway fashions plus jewelry shows of diamond pieces.
🏖️ Sandy beach: Relaxing at an exclusive beach club on sandy La Croisette Beach lets visitors soak in the elite atmosphere. For luxury trips, it doesn’t get more fabulous than La Croisette!
Best hotels in La Croisette 🏨
- Five Seas Hotel – luxury boutique hotel near La Croisette with designer rooms, city/sea views and a rooftop pool.
- Mondrian Cannes – upscale Croisette hotel blending modern style with amenities like private boat dock and celebrity chef dining.
- Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic – prestigious Croisette palace with Michelin-starred dining, suites featuring Cannes Bay views and private beach access.
Best Neighborhoods & Hotels in Cannes on a Map 🗺
FAQs: Cannes for Tourists ❔
Where are the best neighborhoods to stay in Cannes in 2024?
The best areas to stay in Cannes are near the main shopping street, Rue d’Antibes, or near the Old Port for scenic views and access to restaurants and nightlife. The 5-star hotels along the Croisette boulevard between the Old Port and La Malmaison are also ideally located.
Is it better to stay in Nice or Cannes?
Nice offers a more relaxed seaside destination with pebble beaches and excellent dining options, while Cannes provides a glitzier experience focused around the film festival so it depends if you prefer a slower paced or livelier luxury vacation.
Is Cannes or St Tropez better?
St Tropez is a bit more high-end with an exclusive, jet-set atmosphere, while Cannes attracts celebrities and the wealthy for the film festival but also offers beautiful beaches and attractions for other travelers so it depends on your budget.
How many days do I need in Cannes?
Most visitors are happy exploring Cannes over the course of 3-5 days, spending time along the Promenade de la Croisette, wandering old town, visiting offshore islands, and enjoying the nightlife and beaches. Extra days allow you to take day trips to Nice, Antibes, or other stunning destinations on the French Riviera.
Which are the best Cannes hotels?
For glamour along the Croisette promenade choose 5-star icons like Five Seas Hotel Cannes, while Hotel Le Suquet Cannes provide charming historic hideaways, and resort-style spas like Exclusive Hotel Belle Plage offer pampering amenities in stunning settings.
