Built in 1911 with inspiration from the Belle Époque period, InterContinental Carlton Cannes is situated on one of France’s most famous avenues. The Bay of Cannes sparkles just outside the doors, and the Palais des Festivals is a short walk away.

This Neoclassical landmark staked out the best position early on, with La Croisette seeming to radiate symmetrically from its figurehead waterfront site. No discreet setback here: the Carlton sits right on the sidewalk -- the better for you to be seen on the popular brasserie's terrace, made even more noticeable by the gleaming, renovated facade. Seven new sea-view suites opened in 2005, each named after a film star and decorated in Hollywood style. The main film festival banquets take place in its gilt-and-marble Grand Salon, as do, alas, year-round conferences. Seafront rooms have a retro Laura Ashley look; those in the back compensate with cheery Provençal prints.

Cynics say that one of the most amusing sights in Cannes is the view from under the grand gate of the Carlton. Here you'll see vehicles of every description dropping off huge amounts of baggage and numbers of fashionable (and sometimes not-so-fashionable) guests. It's the epitome of luxury and has become such a part of the city's heartbeat that to ignore it would be to miss the resort's spirit. The twin gray domes at either end of the facade are often the first things recognized by starlets planning their grand entrances, grand exits, and grand scenes in the hotel's public and private rooms.