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Which hotel is best, Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel Vs. JW Marriott Cannes? While you might be tempted to earn or burn some Marriott Bonvoy points at the JW Marriott, the Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel is an incredible hotel that is part of the IHG loyalty scheme and is head and shoulders above the JW Marriott Cannes in terms of luxury.
Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, encapsulates French chic. I can’t think of another hotel that does it better. I share more details of this comparison below.
1. Location
Cannes is a celebrated city on the French Riviera, an opulent stretch of coastline gracing the southeastern coast of France. It resides within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, within the Alpes-Maritimes department. Positioned amidst stunning natural scenery, Cannes is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south, offering a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and gentle winters.
Approximately 24 kilometers (about 15 miles) southwest of Nice, Cannes is conveniently reachable from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, the nearest major airport catering to both international and domestic flights. Arriving from the airport, a taxi ride to Cannes typically takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately €100 EUR.
The location of the Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, is exceptional. Situated at the heart of La Croisette, it is encircled by designer boutiques. It has the Martinez Hotel on one side and the JW Marriott just a few doors down on the other. All three hotels have an exceptional location, facing the iconic promenade named La Croisette.
When you stare back at these three luxury hotels from the beach, the Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, stands out as a Belle Epoche beauty and is by far the most impressive.
2. Style
The Carlton Cannes, envisioned by the esteemed architect Charles Dalmas and constructed in 1911, drew inspiration from its London counterpart. Exhibiting the opulence of the Belle Époque era, the hotel’s design showcases intricate ornamentation and grandeur.
Since its inception, the Carlton Cannes has attracted an affluent clientele, counting royalty, aristocrats, and luminaries among its esteemed guests. This beacon of luxury and refinement along the French Riviera embodied an unparalleled level of sophistication.
During World War II, the Carlton Cannes faced adversity when it was requisitioned by German forces and repurposed as a military hospital. However, post-war efforts restored the hotel to its former splendor, reinstating its position as a premier destination for the global elite.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the Carlton Cannes ascended to greater heights as Hollywood luminaries flocked to the French Riviera, particularly during the Cannes Film Festival. Its allure among celebrities solidified its status as an emblem of glamour.
The Carlton Cannes, now a Regent Hotel, was recently refurbished, and now boasts a stunning new appearance. Guests are welcomed through revolving doors by the attentive concierge.
Stepping into the creamy white marble foyer, visitors are greeted by a spacious and inviting ambiance, starkly contrasting its previous more claustrophobic layout. Marble pillars and floral arrangements are elegantly displayed in the entrance area and the lobby lounge, where guests can indulge in exquisite afternoon teas, evening aperitifs, and breakfast.
The check-in desk is discreetly hidden in a stylish room adjacent to the foyer, ensuring a seamless and uncrowded arrival experience. A marble staircase winds gracefully to one side of the foyer, while a VIP lounge beckons on the other.
The concierge is stationed in a curved room off the foyer, cleverly preserving the foyer’s spaciousness by relocating these bustling areas away from the entrance.
There simply is no comparison between the frontage or foyer of Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, pictured above and the exterior of the JW Marriott Cannes.
The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, oozes sophistication and chic and could not be more glamorous. The JW Marriott has an unusual, modern, and impressive foyer reached by escalators. However, the lack of natural light and the odd entrance design make this modern JW Marriott less inviting and less French, although if you like stark modernity, you might like it. We were less keen.
3. Size
Both hotels are large, but the Carlton feels fairly boutique despite its size. The JW Marriott feels like a huge hotel in Las Vegas with a towering glitzy foyer many storeys high.
4. Beach & Pool
The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, hosts Cannes’s most renowned beach club. Open from April to October, it beckons guests and celebrities alike, making it the ultimate hotspot for socializing and enjoying the Cannes scene. The Carlton Cannes also has a lovely central garden with a pool.
The JW Marriott Cannes has a rooftop pool and Palais Stéphanie Beach, where their beach restaurant is located. The Palais Stephanie Beach offers an incredible sea view of the Lérins Islands and the Esterel mountains and sun beds.
5. Rooms
Both hotels offer luxurious rooms. Some rooms at the JW Marriott offer a full balcony and views. The rooms have blue carpets and feel bright and slightly gawdy.
At the Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, the balconies are Romeo and Juliette, and the feel is classy with cream and white decor punctuated by an orchid here and there. The views from the rooms at the front of the hotel are fantastic, but it does not offer sit-out balconies.
6. Bar & Restaurant
The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, has the best internal bar in Cannes. Its dark, wood-paneled walls are reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century-old boys’ club, and the bright light fittings dangle off the ceilings, sprinkling brightness and fun into this sophisticated and stylish setting. This bar serves excellent cocktails along with all the other usuals. There is also a fun poolside bar, which is alfresco and very stylish. The renowned beach club is the place to be seen in Cannes and serves excellent food, too.
The main restaurant at the JW Marriott has no external windows, so it is less appealing, although it does have a lovely beach club restaurant, much like The Carlton.
7. Conclusion
We love The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel. Its Vogueish setting and stunning architecture are unbeatable and for us, this is the only hotel to stay at in Cannes if you’re looking for luxury.
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