Hotel Carlton in Cannes, often simply known as "The Carlton," is one of the most celebrated hotels on the French Riviera. Since its opening in 1913, it has been synonymous with glamour, luxury, and Hollywood charm, making it an essential part of Cannes' unique allure. Located on the Promenade de la Croisette, this historic five-star hotel overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and is a short stroll from the Cannes Film Festival Palais. Known for its Belle Époque architecture, grand rooms, and unparalleled service, Hotel Carlton has long been the preferred destination for royalty, celebrities, and discerning travelers from around the world.
After over a century in operation, the hotel recently underwent a major renovation to preserve its historic grandeur while modernizing its amenities, ensuring that it continues to offer guests a blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort. Hotel Carlton remains an icon in Cannes, a place where past and present converge, inviting guests to experience the French Riviera’s golden age.
A Storied History: The Beginnings of Hotel Carlton
The origins of Hotel Carlton trace back to the early 20th century, when entrepreneur Henri Ruhl envisioned a hotel that would embody the luxury and sophistication of the French Riviera. Designed by architects Charles Dalmas and Marcellin Mayère, the Carlton Hotel opened its doors in 1913 and quickly became a destination for European royalty and affluent travelers. The hotel’s neoclassical Belle Époque design, with its sweeping facades and dome-topped towers, became instantly recognizable, making it a Cannes landmark.
The Carlton has since witnessed many significant moments, especially during the Cannes Film Festival, which began in 1946. As the festival grew in prominence, the Carlton became the favored retreat for film stars and producers, cementing its association with cinema culture. Over the decades, legends like Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor, and more have stayed at the Carlton, adding to its allure. Today, it remains an integral part of Cannes’ festival culture and has been featured in films, including Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief, capturing its glamour for audiences around the world.
Architecture and Design: A Belle Époque Masterpiece
Hotel Carlton's Belle Époque architecture stands as a testament to early 20th-century opulence. Its iconic domed towers, believed to have been inspired by the legendary beauty of French courtesan Caroline Otero, add a unique touch to the Cannes skyline. The exterior’s cream-colored stone, intricate detailing, and grand entrance reflect the neoclassical style, while the interiors were designed to exude elegance and sophistication.
Architectural Highlights:
- Grand Lobby: The Carlton’s lobby welcomes guests with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and grand staircases, setting the tone for the rest of the hotel. The elegant design pays homage to the hotel’s heritage while offering a luxurious ambiance.
- Iconic Facade: The hotel’s facade, with its curved balconies and intricate stonework, is reminiscent of a grand Parisian mansion, blending classic French elegance with Mediterranean flair.
- The Carlton Dome: This architectural highlight is visible from across the Cannes coastline and is an enduring symbol of the hotel’s unique charm.
Recent renovations have updated these architectural marvels, carefully restoring the original grandeur while integrating modern luxuries to enhance the guest experience. The restoration has maintained the delicate balance between the hotel’s historical integrity and contemporary comforts, ensuring that Hotel Carlton remains as captivating as it was in the early 1900s.
Luxurious Accommodations: Elegance Meets Comfort
Hotel Carlton offers 343 rooms, including 39 luxurious suites, each carefully designed to reflect the hotel’s heritage while offering state-of-the-art amenities. From spacious standard rooms to opulent penthouse suites, every accommodation offers comfort, privacy, and stunning views of either the city of Cannes or the Mediterranean Sea.
Room Categories:
- Classic Rooms: These elegant rooms provide a cozy retreat for guests, featuring plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and refined decor. Each room is designed to reflect the timeless elegance of the hotel.
- Deluxe Rooms: These rooms offer more space, with a seating area and large windows that provide views of either Cannes or the hotel’s courtyard. The decor is classic yet contemporary, featuring soft tones and luxurious finishes.
- Sea View Rooms: Offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, these rooms are designed for guests who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the French Riviera. Each room is furnished with a private balcony and high-end amenities.
- Junior Suites: These suites feature a separate living area, offering additional space and luxury for guests. The decor blends classic French elegance with modern touches, creating a refined ambiance.
- Prestige Suites: For guests seeking a more opulent experience, these suites offer panoramic sea views, spacious living areas, and luxurious bathrooms with marble finishes.
- The Presidential Suite: The crown jewel of the Carlton, the Presidential Suite spans the hotel’s top floors and offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean. The suite is furnished with high-end finishes, a private dining area, and a grand living space, providing a truly luxurious experience.
Dining at Hotel Carlton: A Taste of French and Mediterranean Excellence
The dining options at Hotel Carlton offer guests an authentic taste of French and Mediterranean cuisine. Each restaurant and bar is designed to reflect the hotel’s timeless elegance while providing a culinary journey that highlights the flavors of the region.
Carlton Restaurant
The Carlton Restaurant is the hotel’s flagship dining venue, serving classic French and Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that reflect the flavors of the Côte d’Azur. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the elegant dining room or on the terrace, which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Carlton Beach Club
One of the hotel’s highlights, the Carlton Beach Club is an exclusive private beach area that offers a relaxed dining experience. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, grilled specialties, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes while lounging by the sea. The Beach Club also features a bar where guests can enjoy cocktails and light bites with a view of the sparkling water.
Carlton Bar
The Carlton Bar is an elegant setting for afternoon tea, cocktails, and evening drinks. The bar’s warm ambiance, with plush seating and refined decor, makes it an inviting spot for socializing or unwinding after a day of exploring Cannes. The bar offers a selection of signature cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits, creating a sophisticated experience for guests.
Wellness and Leisure: A Luxurious Escape
Hotel Carlton is dedicated to providing a holistic wellness experience for its guests. The hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service spa, and the exclusive Carlton Beach Club, ensuring guests have ample options for relaxation and recreation.
Spa and Wellness Center
The Carlton Spa offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Using luxury skincare products, the spa offers facials, massages, and body treatments in a serene environment. The wellness center also features a sauna, steam room, and indoor relaxation areas, allowing guests to fully unwind during their stay.
Fitness Center
The hotel’s fitness center is equipped with modern exercise machines, free weights, and stretching areas. Guests can work out with a view of the Mediterranean, adding a unique element to their fitness routine.
Carlton Beach Club
A signature feature of the hotel, the Carlton Beach Club provides guests with private access to the beach along with loungers, umbrellas, and personalized service. The Beach Club offers an oasis of relaxation with a beachfront restaurant and bar, allowing guests to enjoy the best of the French Riviera in comfort and style.
Events and Celebrations: The Ideal Venue in Cannes
The Hotel Carlton is a premier location for events, weddings, and conferences, with over 16,000 square feet of versatile event space. Its ballrooms and meeting rooms offer an elegant setting for gatherings, and the hotel’s experienced events team ensures that every detail is meticulously planned.
Iconic Venues
- The Grand Salon: This opulent ballroom is ideal for weddings, galas, and grand celebrations. With crystal chandeliers and intricate decor, it offers a romantic, luxurious setting.
- The Private Beach Area: The Carlton Beach Club can be reserved for private events, providing a unique backdrop with views of the Mediterranean.
With its combination of historic charm, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service, Hotel Carlton is an unparalleled venue for events on the French Riviera.
Prime Location in Cannes
Hotel Carlton is ideally located on the Promenade de la Croisette, allowing guests to easily explore Cannes’ top attractions. The hotel is just a short walk from the Palais des Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival is held annually, and is surrounded by high-end boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants.
- Palais des Festivals: This iconic venue hosts the Cannes Film Festival, attracting celebrities and industry professionals from around the world.
- Old Town (Le Suquet): Cannes’ historic Old Town offers charming streets, quaint shops, and scenic views, perfect for exploring.
- La Croisette: The hotel’s location on La Croisette places guests within walking distance of luxury boutiques, cafes, and galleries, offering a true taste of Cannes’ glamorous lifestyle.
Hotel Carlton in Cannes is a timeless landmark that embodies the elegance and sophistication of the French Riviera. From its Belle Époque architecture to its luxurious accommodations and world-class dining, every aspect of the hotel is designed to offer guests an unforgettable experience. Whether you are in Cannes for the film festival, a relaxing beach getaway, or a romantic retreat, the Carlton Hotel invites you to experience the ultimate in French Riviera luxury.
