The Carlton Inter-Continental Cannes...Pulling Out All the Props
Written: Dec 27 '07 (Updated Jun 10 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Drop-dead location on La Croisette, renovated rooms are spacious and inviting
Cons: Rooms facing the rear have no view, very expensive extras here
The Bottom Line: The Carlton is holding its own in a rising tide of competition. I'm glad to see it holding out there.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Carlton Inter-Continental Cannes |
The Carlton has lorded it over the sweeping promenade called La Croisette in Cannes since it was built in 1911. A grand, sweeping statement of whimsy, the Carlton's tiers of bay windows and twin domes capping either end suggest a towering meringue. Perhaps the name was chosen in an attempt to lure English visitors. In any event, the hotel has held up well over many years of hard use. The Inter-Continental chain took over in the late 1970's, thus assuring it of needed infusions of cash. Cash is what you will need too in this hyper-inflated playground of the rich. Cannes is Cannes and empty pockets need not apply. Nonetheless, if you plan ahead, you can do reasonably well in the off season.
Arrival and Reception
The lobby is every bit as impressive as the exterior would suggest. Polished floors of cream and beige marble glisten underneath the footfalls of guests and staff passing to and fro. The lobby is a busy place, even in the relative quiet of winter. In spite of its grandeur, or perhaps because of it, the lobby does almost seem like a stage set in a way. As this is Cannes, the analogy is fitting.
Our arrival wasn't marred by any unpleasant experience, save for the eagerness of the bellmen to separate us from our luggage. We found that we had been upgraded (I did call ahead to ask about an upgrade) to a renovated room on the east side of the building. This is actually better than it sounds, as most of the rooms on the sides of the building do offer ocean views. What you don't want here is a room facing the rear inner court- as grim a view as is offered in Cannes. These rooms also suffer from the noise of the delivery trucks in the morning. A bellman escorted us up to the room and performed the requisite tour around what would be our perch for the next couple of days.
Room
We had been given Room 444, a renovated room which offered more space than we might have hoped for, in addition to a bay window which opened onto a partial vista of palm trees and the blue sea beyond. While not excessively large, the room was spacious and inviting. High ceilings added an extra sense of space. As noted above, this room had recently been renovated with the addition of a flat screen television and fresh paint. The furniture was obviously old, but had been reconditioned as well. In spite of the renovations, the room still had an old world feel to it with acres of closet space and ample room to stow one's luggage. The usual overpriced mini-bar went unopened. The beds also had good mattresses. We had no trouble drifting off to sleep each night.
Bath
Small but luxuriously fitted out with paneling and mirrors (even a coffered ceiling), the bath made up for its lack of abundant space with well thought out appointments. Two thick robes hung in the bath, along with huge towels. The bath amenities were even from L'Occitane, a cut above the usual, to be sure.
Dining
We usually went elsewhere for lunch or dinner because not much seemed to be happening in their dining room at dinner (except renovations). On the first morning we were there, breakfast was served in the former main restaurant, La Cote, on the left side of the building. Now used more for meetings than much else, the room is still a richly paneled marvel with a stained glass ceiling to gawk at over your croissants.
The following morning we were directed to the former brasserie, now serving as the main restaurant whose renovation had just been completed the night before. At breakfast, however, you will be ushered through the room to a table in the glassed-in pavilion. The view is stupendous, but it can be a bit cold in winter. This doesn't seem to bother the staff, who are happy enough to bark out directives to you before returning to their private conversations. If there was one area in which this grand hotel fell flat on its face, this would be the Achilles heel.
The breakfast buffet itself is excellent, though excellence comes at a price. For 34 Euros one gets the run of a generous spread of the usual, plus a really first-rate selection of cheese and smoked salmon. To top off the indulgence, they've added bottles of Nicolas Feuillatte champagne- not strictly from the top shelf, but it's breakfast after all. I had mine with the cheese course. Just remember that too much champagne in the morning tends to muddle the rest of your day.
There's another restaurant down by the beach, but it is open only during the summer season.
Bar des Celebrites
This storied bar seems to hold its own, though I don't particularly care for the chunky chocolate brown leather chairs they've added in a fit of cooler-than-thou modernism. If cost is of any concern to you, give this place a miss. Tea and pastry for two cost us 40 Euros. Still, the Tartes aux Framboises were well executed.
Fitness Etc.
The fitness room is on the first (our second) floor- essentially about three or four former guest rooms with no view were sacrificed to create the fitness room. I visited it once and found it to have a decent supply of exercise machines, but there is really nothing in the way of a health club or pool here. I was a bit surprised that a hotel of this caliber in a resort location would not have a real health club or spa. Perhaps they assume that guests would take advantage of their (expensive) beach club and pier in season.
Service
The off notes in the dining room notwithstanding, we found the service generally adequate. The concierge was helpful with restaurant recommendations and reservations. The service in the bar was slower than it should have been. The front desk staff were efficient, if not exceptionally warm. I suppose that if you are in the film industry you might receive a heartier welcome. Much has been said to the effect that the Carlton offers its best service to Arab sheiks and the like. It is true enough that those who pay are always catered to. Also bear in mind that this is still a hotel of over 300 rooms and must ply the meeting trade for its daily bread. The stars shine but once a year in Cannes. What this means for you is that a good deal may well be possible.
Cost
We paid the equivalent of US $225.00 for our room. In real terms, this qualified us for one of the un-renovated rooms facing the rear court. Their suites are celebrated, whether justly or not, I can't say. All of them are named for film stars, directors or various celebrities (Elton John, Sharon Stone etc.). Receiving one of these was pretty much out of the question. If you find yourself in the market for a suite, take one of the corner ones, as they are generally larger than those in the center of the building.
Overall
In truth, we did not find Cannes to be terribly stimulating, nor did we expect it would be so. The town offers a few tame interests beyond its incredible natural setting. One can take a boat from the harbor out to the Iles des Lerins. Grasse and other hill towns are a short drive away, so Cannes could possibly be a sensible base for your travels. Beyond the garish outposts of various fashion houses, there isn't a great deal of interest here for the tourist. Cannes' principal attraction is its cultivation of the cult of fame and money. Rather like Paris Hilton, it's famous simply for being famous. Go there anyway, if only to place your nose against the glass. The Carlton provides as good a vantage point as any you may find here. Think of it as your (almost) private box at the theater.
The Carlton Inter-Continental
58, Boulevard de la Croisette
B.P. 155
Cannes 06414, France
Tel. 33-4-930-64006
Fax 33-4-930-64025
Toll free 800-496-7621
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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