Hotels in Cannes

Located on the French Riviera and gazing out across the blues of the Mediterranean Sea, Cannes is known as a social hub for the rich and famous, where pretty people party and where the glamorous movie crowd gather at the annual Cannes Film Festival.

Indulge yourself in gorgeous Cannes and live the jet-set lifestyle (or book a budget room and just pretend)...

Like one of the well-dressed ladies swinging their designer shopping bags along palm-tree lined Promenade de la Croisette, the town of Cannes positively drips with bling and style; she's a chic and sophisticated creature, and - just like the fashionista attracting slack-jawed male attention - Cannes draws holidaymakers who get a little excited by the indulgent luxury associated with this seaside town.

As you'd expect, the best hotels in Cannes are equally resplendent, with chandeliers, marble bathrooms and views to die for...

There is no shortage of five-star options in Cannes, all of which earn their stars on a daily basis.

But Cannes isn't the sole preserve of those with bulging bank accounts, and the town is not completely coated in movie-star glitter. There is plenty to see and do in this lovely former fishing port, and plenty of Cannes hotels that suit more modest budgets.

Stroll along La Croisette and you can't miss the rather grand and rather huge hotels that boast more than three stars next to their names. There is a premium to be paid for the great location, attentive service and top-notch facilities.

You'll have to step off La Croisette and away from the beaches to find good-value hotels, though there is a great range of hotels in Centre Ville, from two- to four-star, just a short walk from the main action. This is the place to stay if you want to be a mere stroll from the glamour and millionaire yachts of the seafront, without forking out for the luxury hotels of La Croisette. If you fancy a change of scenery there is always the option to hire a car and explore the coast, St Tropez is just over one hour away and is equally as beautiful as Cannes.

Prices will also go up at the cheaper hotels during peak times, so check what's on before you book. If you can visit the town outside of the many events held in Cannes, you will get a better room rate than during the regular festivals and congresses. There's a great range of well-run locally-owned properties as well as rooms in well-established chains such as Mercure, Novotel, Marriott, Radisson Blu, Golden Tulip, Citadines and Best Western.

Cannes is more than bronzed bodies on beaches and designer wares in the shops...

There is much to see and do in this attractive destination, including a charming old quarter.

Top five attractions

Le Suquet

Climb into the old quarter of Cannes along the winding, cobbled lanes, such as well-known Rue St Antoine, and discover restaurants and historic, characterful buildings.

Chateau de la Castre

Overlooking the Bay of Cannes, the ancient castle is at the peak of Suquet and houses a collection of art as well as offering fine views of the town.

La Malmaison

Housed in a 19th-century mansion, La Malmaison showcases a variety of art exhibits, with some on display in the beautiful gardens.

Villa Rothschild

One of the finest settings for a town library in the world, this villa, as the name suggests, was originally born out of Rothschild wealth and features an eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Ile Sainte-Marguerite

The largest of the nearby Lerins Islands, day trips run frequently to visit the island's attractions, including the fortress where the 'Man in the Iron Mask' was imprisoned.

Use our guide to discover when to visit, or when to avoid, this socialite of a city...

Sightseeing in Cannes is a great idea, though you might want to avoid it when the film festival hits town as hotels in Cannes are in huge demand and summon premium prices.

Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes); May: Book hotels as early as possible to secure a stay during the world-famous film festival, when the Hollywood glitterati arrives in France.

Nuits Musicales du Suquet; July: One of the major musical events in Cannes, classical summer concerts are a wonderful way to unwind into the evening.

Fireworks Festival (Festival d'art Pyrotechnique); July/August: The night sky is lit by an array of fireworks which go off to a musical soundtrack; thousands gather to see the competition. Many hotels offer views from the rooftop, you can rent a boat to see the action from the bay, or simply stand in La Croisette and watch.