A Historic Grande Dame Hotel Reimagined in Cannes: Here’s Your First Glimpse.

The Dinogo Perspective

A remarkable restoration spanning five years, with a budget that's become the talk of La Croisette, has revitalized this beloved grande dame. The Carlton, which first opened as Cannes’ luxury hotel in 1913, now stands as a testament to the Belle Époque era of the Riviera over a century later. Its cream-colored exterior, facing the Mediterranean, is iconic, featuring twin domes inspired by the curves of the Spanish Greek courtesan La Belle Otero. This protected historical landmark is reportedly the most photographed hotel globally, especially during the Cannes Film Festival, when it captures over 6,000 images daily. In its latest chapter, the Carlton has been rebranded as a Regent, part of IHG’s prestigious hotel collection.

The expansion has introduced two new wings, a Mediterranean garden filled with 22,000 fragrant plants, an infinity pool, and the C Club Fitness and Spa, set to debut in time for the Cannes Film Festival in May, featuring the city's first boxing ring. To create a new conference and events center, construction crews dug more than 60 feet underground. However, what captivated me most upon entering through the revolving door was the abundant light and sense of space. The false ceilings and bulky concierge counters that once confined the area have vanished. Instead, the gaze is drawn upward to the towering columns—original rare marble revealed from beneath eight layers of paint—along with the Murano glass chandeliers, exquisite floral arrangements by renowned designer Djordje Varda, and the colonnaded expanse of the Camélia Tea Lounge, where arched windows offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Interior designer Tristan Auer, known for his work on the reimagined Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, drew inspiration from the hotel’s rich heritage. Subtle references to the clay tennis court established in Cannes are reflected in lounge tables made from swirled resin and in the actual clay incorporated into the glass-topped reception desk. A dedicated team of 750 French artisans was brought in to revitalize the hotel. The Ateliers Gohard gilders carefully applied gold leaf, while the Mathieu Lustrerie workshop—renowned for its restoration of the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles—revived the vintage chandeliers. Fabienne L’Hostis, a master in raku ceramics from nearby Mouans-Sartoux, hand-crafted the bar counter.

Who is it suited for?

For those who indulge in luxury and seek the sun. History enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in captivating tales. The Carlton attracts a host of celebrities; it’s the preferred residence for the president of the Cannes Film Festival jury. Here, you might spot renowned film stars alongside elegant ladies and their toy dogs, enjoying a classic afternoon tea.

The setting

Nestled in the heart of the Croisette—the iconic promenade of Cannes—the Carlton is just a short walk from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home to one of the most prestigious cinema events every May. The charming Suquet quarter, with its winding cobblestone streets and topped by a historic citadel, is also within walking distance. For a picturesque getaway, take a boat to the Îles de Lérins, where Ile Sainte-Marguerite was the prison of the man in the iron mask, and Cistercian monks on Saint-Honorat Island create an exquisite wine.

The accommodations

The Carlton features 332 rooms and suites, with 72 offering stunning sea views. French windows lead to wrought-iron balconies, showcasing vistas of the Mediterranean and the Esterel mountains. Cream-hued love seats in cozy alcoves are perfectly positioned to enjoy the scenery. The white-on-white decor serves as a canvas for the dynamic Mediterranean light that illuminates the walls throughout the day. Renowned suites named after famous personalities connected to the hotel, such as Alfred Hitchcock (room 623), Grace Kelly (room 760), and Cary Grant (room 750), will reopen on the sixth and seventh floors just in time for the film festival. The newly introduced Suzanne Lenglen suite (room 641) honors the French tennis legend, celebrated for her iconic 1926 match against American Helen Wills on Cannes’ now-defunct clay court. However, the real showstopper is room 130, featuring a terrace that overlooks the hotel’s arched entrance.

Culinary offerings

Gather your friends for leisurely beachside lunches at the Carlton Beach Club, where you can enjoy Methuselah-sized bottles of Château Minuty, Château Miraval, and Whispering Angel rosé. After dark, meet for cocktails at Bar °58, where the ambiance echoes the glamour of The Great Gatsby. Dapper bartenders, clad in white suits and black bowties, craft exquisite cocktails with a touch of flair, including olive oil infusions sprayed from crystal perfume bottles. During the hotel’s off-season, the team devoted months to recipe development, exploring classic spirits like Suze. Bar manager Franck Gamba's favorite drink? The Oaxacan Old Fashioned, affectionately called the “ball of fire,” is a delightful mix of tequila, mezcal, homemade agave syrup, and chocolate bitters, served over a balloon-shaped ice cube filled with smoke. For dinner, choose from the Riviera Restaurant (where you must try the Carlton’s cigar-shaped twist on the local pissaladière tart) or the upcoming Rüya, specializing in Anatolian cuisine.

Don't miss the breakfast buffet: it stretches from the Riviera’s bar counter to the chef’s table and even into the kitchen. All pastries are freshly baked in-house, featuring delightful treats such as oversized madeleines, buttery croissants, braided brioche, and rolls topped with orange blossom icing.

Personnel and hospitality

Friendly, professional, and unobtrusive. Guests frequently return to the Carlton because of its dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the hotel for decades. The team consists of 500 members, expanding to 800 during peak season, and they remained on payroll throughout the renovation period. Upon arrival, a lobby ambassador welcomed me wearing a blue pleated skirt inspired by Grace Kelly’s legendary gown. Head sommelier Mikaël Goger may delight you with stories about intriguing local wines. Since 2003, the concierge team has been overseen by Maxine Nerkowski, who is also the president of the Cléfs d’Or in the Côte d’Azur, a prestigious global association that originated at the hotel in 1952.

Accessibility Features

For guests with limited mobility, there is an alternative hotel entrance located next to the revolving door. Seven rooms and one suite are fully ADA compliant.

A glance at history

The Carlton is steeped in legends. Its story began in 1911 when a deposed Russian duke, compelled to abandon his title for the sake of a commoner he loved, financed the creation of Cannes' first luxury hotel. English nobility wintered here, and when the Carlton introduced the region's inaugural beach club in 1930, the summer season in Cannes was officially launched. Notably, the hotel hosted the first meeting of the League of Nations in its magnificent Grand Salon in 1922.

The hotel’s connection to cinema started when it welcomed the eight journalists covering the inaugural Cannes Film Festival in 1946. This iconic venue was where Alfred Hitchcock filmed To Catch a Thief, Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier of Monaco (her future spouse), and Elizabeth Taylor brought five different husbands. In the 1980s, Elton John made his comeback with the “I’m Still Standing” video, filmed on location here.