Inside Look at Cannes Film Festival’s Hottest Hotel

As the 2023 Cannes Film Festival kicks off this weekend, A-listers from the film industry will flock to the French Riviera, many choosing to stay at the Carlton Cannes, a Belle Époque masterpiece renowned for its cream-colored facade and status as one of the most photographed hotels in the world.

Originally opening in 1913 as Cannes’ first luxury hotel, the Carlton has just undergone a significant renovation after years of neglect. The cost remains undisclosed, sparking much speculation. Dinogo’s recent comprehensive review highlights the addition of two new wings, a sprawling Mediterranean garden, and the city’s first boxing ring in a fitness center. The renovation revealed original marble features hidden beneath false ceilings and layers of paint, with elegant Murano glass chandeliers now lighting up the public areas.

Undoubtedly, the Carlton Cannes has become the go-to hotel on La Croisette, the chic beachfront boulevard lining the Mediterranean. It stands out as a flagship example of IHG’s revitalized Regent brand, which will also make its debut in Santa Monica and Bali this year.

During my visit to Cannes last December, I had the privilege of a hardhat tour of the renovation with Tom Rowntree, IHG's VP of global luxury brands. As a former guest of the InterContinental Carlton Cannes, I was amazed by the transformation, particularly the grand yet cozy lobby that leads to a stylish bar and a tranquil garden. The guest rooms now focus on stunning views of the Mediterranean that have captivated me on every visit.

As Dinogo’s hotel expert, I was eager to discover what it entails to take charge of an iconic property, not just updating it but also redefining the hospitality experience for a new generation of luxury travelers through the Regent perspective. To gain insights, I spoke with Rowntree about the resurgence of the Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel—and how the 50-year-old Regent brand is experiencing a renaissance as well.

Jennifer Flowers: With the Cannes Film Festival approaching, what’s the current atmosphere like at the Carlton Cannes?

Tom Rowntree: It’s an exhilarating atmosphere, I must say, and the hotel team is buzzing with excitement. The Cannes Film Festival is synonymous with Cannes, and many stars are returning to the newly revitalized Carlton Cannes. The official opening dinner for the festival will be held at the Carlton on the 16th, followed by our opening party on the 17th, which is set to be quite spectacular with around 500 attendees.

Why is the opening of the Carlton Cannes significant for the city?

The Carlton Cannes represents a reinvestment in a national landmark, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This historic structure features remarkable craftsmanship, including the restoration of all the chandeliers in the grand salon, completed by the same artisans responsible for those in the Palace of Versailles.

I appreciated how the lobby conveys a sense of arriving in a remarkable place without being overwhelming.

One design concept for the lobby is what we term intimate grandeur. How do you create a stunningly grand space that still feels cozy? We achieve this through the beauty of contrast. By integrating contrasting elements, we heighten the senses. For instance, the garden area is crafted to evoke serenity, contrasting with the lively atmosphere on the Croisette or at the beach clubs. The hotel’s role is to immerse guests in the ideal mindset, allowing them to fully appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and the world they wish to inhabit.

One of my favorite features in the guest rooms is the chaise lounges positioned to face the sea. What influenced that choice?

How many hotels offer breathtaking views while having sofas turned towards the room? At the Carlton Cannes, the sofas are directed towards the stunning scenery, complemented by reading materials inspired by Provence, the Mediterranean, and the sea. We envision guests sitting there, likely enjoying the sunset after a busy day at the beach or exploring Cannes.

This design aspect within the Regent brand is referred to as a 'personal haven,' essentially a dedicated seating area. We consider what guests will be doing in that space and design accordingly. This element varies across each hotel; for example, in Hong Kong, it features a daybed by a window overlooking Victoria Harbor. Each hotel includes five or six of these personal havens—such as in guest room bathrooms, by the swimming pool, in cabanas, or at the bar—each carefully curated based on the guests’ needs.

What is the origin of the Regent brand?

The brand originated in the 1970s, starting in Hawai‘i and then expanding to Hong Kong. Regent combined the finest Eastern service principles with the best Western design concepts of the time, effectively reinventing traditional luxury. It introduced bold innovations that transformed customer interactions with luxury hotels, blending personalized service with customer-focused design. Regent established standards still seen in luxury hotels today, such as five-fixture bathrooms and villa hotels with private pools.

What is one new approach to Regent’s hospitality?

Regent aims to be highly guest-centric. While many brands claim this, we go further by focusing not just on the destination but also on the guests' mindsets. We introduced a role called “experience agents,” recognizing that guests often rely on support systems like personal assistants and luxury travel agents. We ensure that our services cater to these support systems just as much as to the guests themselves. For instance, if a guest has their assistant book a car for them, our experience agent communicates with the travel agent or admin before arrival, ensuring seamless service without interrupting the guest's experience during their stay.

What does the future hold for the brand?

Currently, we have eight hotels operational and another eight in development, including urban hotels like Hong Kong, urban resorts such as Santa Monica, and true resort destinations like Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and Bali, which is set to open at the end of 2023. Our goal is to establish around 40 hotels and resorts in major gateway cities and resort hotspots worldwide over the next few years. Additionally, we aim to innovate within the traditional luxury sector to cater to today’s luxury consumers.