Cannes has been a popular Mediterranean holiday destination for many years, and is well known for attracting celebrities as well as the more typical tourist. In general, the ambience and hotel scene is upscale and prices reflect this.

During the annual International Film Festival and the music industry's MIDEM, hotel rooms that are normally in plentiful supply can become quite difficult to find. It's best to plan a visit that doesn't coincide with either of these events, or to book plenty of time in advance. Accommodation prices also rise during these events.

Of the many pleasant places to stay in Cannes, La Croisette and La Pointe Croisette are the most popular. The elegance of the Belle Époque is maintained at upscale hotels such as the Carlton (InterContinental), the Majestic and the Martinez. The Martinez also boasts the finest restaurant in the city, La Palme d'Or. The three properties are palatial, and resemble enormous ships that face the sea and overlook the mountains as well, from their prestigious location on the Boulevard de la Croisette.

Visitors having a more modern style sense will enjoy the four-star Noga Hilton Cannes, another top property on La Croisette. The blue glass structure echoes the hues of the sea seen across the boulevard, and the hotel offers its guests the ability to sunbathe and swim at its rooftop pool.

In Cannes centre, another popular hotel is the Splendid, a three-star turn-of-the-century palace, which offers slightly lower rates than the Croisette properties. An ultra-modern choice is the Gray d'Albion, which is also quite popular. It features 186 guest rooms and suites, each with a private terrace. The hotel has a private beach for its guests and a popular nightclub called Jane's.

For those looking to spend a few days in Cannes and seeking more moderately-priced accommodation, there are a number of options at lower prices, many of which are charming and comfortable. One centrally-located choice is the Florian, which is reasonably-priced.

The Hôtel de Paris is also centrally-located and is probably the most elegant in its price range. The hotel is tastefully decorated, boasting an ornate façade, a lovely pool and well-kept gardens. On Rue d'Antibes, the 1930s-styled Hôtel de France is another good centrally-situated option. The nearby Albe Hôtel offers both moderate prices and welcoming staff.

In La Bocca, the Climat de France is an imposing and thoroughly modern hotel featuring comfortable guest rooms, a large pool and a nearby beach. It is considered to be particularly good value.