Every June, the global creative industry converges on the French Riviera for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, a week that blends sharp strategy with champagne sunsets. While the Palais des Festivals is the official stage, much of the action unfolds just steps away—in the suites, lobbies, and rooftops of Cannes’ most luxurious hotels.
From world-class networking to discreet deal-making, the choice of where you stay during Lions week isn’t just about comfort; it’s a strategic decision. Here’s a look inside the most iconic and sought-after hotels in Cannes, where ideas flow as freely as the rosé.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic: The Creative Command Center
Ideally located opposite the Palais des Festivals, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is more than just a hotel—it’s the unofficial headquarters for Cannes Lions power players. With sweeping views of the Mediterranean and red-carpet access to key venues, the Majestic is the heartbeat of the festival.
The hotel’s refined suites and private terraces host round-the-clock brand activations, interviews, and brainstorming sessions. It’s also the backdrop for some of the week’s most talked-about poolside cocktail events. Guests here benefit from butler service, in-room spa treatments, and a dedicated concierge to manage everything from gala invites to yacht transfers.
Hôtel Martinez: Art Deco Grandeur with a Festival Pulse
A jewel of the Croisette, Hôtel Martinez is synonymous with timeless glamour and creative buzz. Its recently renovated interiors blend 1930s charm with modern sophistication, creating an inspiring setting for agency heads, media moguls, and A-list celebrities alike.
With 409 rooms and suites—including the stunning Penthouse Suite overlooking the Bay of Cannes—Martinez plays host to exclusive panels, influencer dinners, and impromptu brainstorms in the iconic Bar Martinez. Its private beach club, La Plage du Martinez, turns into a networking hotspot by day and party destination by night.
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Secluded Luxury for the Ultra-Elite
A short drive from Cannes, in the secluded beauty of Cap d’Antibes, lies Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc—the retreat of choice for those seeking discretion and serenity. While it may be off the Croisette, its allure is undeniable.
This legendary hotel, a favourite among Hollywood royalty and tech billionaires, is where deep-pocketed deals are sealed over rosé and sea views. The Eden-Roc Restaurant, perched above the water, offers Michelin-starred cuisine in a setting as opulent as it is peaceful. Expect to see a who’s-who of global CMOs and founders using the calm of Eden-Roc to recharge before evening yacht soirees.
Boutique Gems: Where Creativity Finds Its Niche
While the Majestic and Martinez grab headlines, Cannes also boasts boutique properties that offer exclusivity without the spotlight. Villa St. Barth, tucked away in the hills, provides a sanctuary for teams needing quiet focus between festival chaos. Five Seas Hotel, just behind the Palais, offers private terraces, a rooftop pool, and curated design touches ideal for creatives looking for inspiration.
These smaller properties are increasingly popular among production companies and startup founders who prefer intimate, service-led stays with strategic proximity to festival venues.
Penthouse Perks and Rooftop Rendezvous
The rise of “experiential accommodation” has made penthouse suites and rooftop lounges the new frontier of brand visibility. Many major hotel groups now offer branded takeovers of entire suites during Cannes Lions, complete with custom decor, content creation stations, and immersive product demos.
At Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d’Albion, guests can attend invite-only panel talks on terrace decks, while at JW Marriott Cannes, rooftop events hosted by global tech brands deliver panoramic views with cutting-edge conversations.
Luxury That Works Hard: Concierge, Wellness, and Seamless Service
Top-tier hotels in Cannes understand that their clientele during Lions week demands more than just comfort. They offer integrated wellness menus, on-demand massage therapy, jet-lag recovery IV drips, and personal branding stylists. Dedicated concierges manage schedules, confirm attendance at top events, and arrange private transfers to yachts, villas, or Nice Airport.
In 2025, hotels have also introduced AI-powered guest services, streamlining check-ins, customizing room preferences, and offering voice-activated festival guides to help navigate the week with ease.
In a festival where first impressions, strategic proximity, and unscripted moments often define success, where you stay is more than just a matter of luxury—it’s part of the story you tell.