Aerial view of Cannes on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is one of the most glamorous destinations in the world. For two weeks every May, Hollywood arrives in full force to showcase the newest films at the Cannes Film Festival—and if you are visiting, there are countless things to experience.

During the iconic festival, I have made the French Riviera my home away from home every year for more than a decade. I have had memorable experiences staying in many of the finest hotels, dining decadently at impossible-to-reserve restaurants and drinking endless bottles of Dom Pérignon until the wee hours aboard superyachts. Cannes offers up so many memories for even us lowly mortals.

The famed Croisette is where most of the action takes place and is one of France's most famous waterfront boulevards. Many of the grandest hotels in the world line this famed road, jockeying for attention after the red-carpet premieres. There are so many options, as long as you book well in advance and are prepared to empty your wallet. Living the high life is not cheap.

The prime spots for enjoying Cannes's glamour are Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, Hôtel Martinez and the Carlton Hôtel. Still, there are so many exceptional properties lining the coast, including neighboring Antibes and the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, that the options are endless. Here are the coolest hotels to book during the Cannes Film Festival and beyond.

Hotel du Cap- Eden-Roc in Antibes

Since 1870, the most famous people in the world have been staying here. Everyone from Picasso to Elizabeth Taylor has made this grand dame their holiday escape, with many staying for months on end. Gourmet restaurants, a Dior Spa Eden Roc and luxurious private villa rentals add to the mix.

New for 2025, guests can check into the sister property Villa La Guettière, an intimate villa with nine bedrooms, bathrooms en suite and a stunning pool overlooking the sea. The annual amfAR Gala occurs here during the Cannes Film Festival, and celebrities are packing the halls.

The chicest way to reach Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc and its 118 rooms and suites is by sea on a private tender from your yacht, stepping from a teak speedboat deck into the retro sea pool carved from basalt rock.

Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel view from the private beach club

It has long been a French Riviera tradition to visit the iconic Carlton for drinks while attending the Cannes Film Festival. Legions of legendary movie stars often fill the famed lobby, where head-turning fashion is the norm as guests depart for the red carpet premieres. The hotel began welcoming guests at the first Cannes Film Festival in 1946.

This iconic seafront hotel has been born again with extensive renovations. There are two new wings, including 37 luxury apartment residences up to 5,000 feet with access to the hotel amenities. If you want to impress your friends, book the $55,000-a-night penthouse suite, which includes 5,381 square feet of interior and a 5,381-square-foot private landscaped rooftop, including a jacuzzi with a view over the Côte d’Azur.

The addition of a spectacular 215,000-square-foot landscaped garden, complete with tanning decks for sunbathing, plush cabanas and a massive infinity pool, could be the one thing that keeps people off the busy Croisette Boulevard. Of course, the hotel also includes the amazing Carlton Beach Club for direct sea access.

Majestic Suite at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes

Opened in 1926, the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is located in front of the famed Croisette Beach and next to the Palais des Festivals, where the red carpets are. This year, interior designer Isabelle Stanislas revealed a new decor featuring a mix of Art Deco and modern French Riviera fabulousness. The hotel offers stunning suites, including a penthouse suite with a heated rooftop pool and 360-degree views of Cannes. The hotel boasts a heated outdoor pool and a private beach.

Guests can unwind at the Diane Barrière Spa by Biologique Recherche or visit the hotels all new Ciro's beach club & restaurant on a jetty over the Mediterranean, Ciro's........

© Forbes