Hotel Splendid ★★★★

I open my curtains to reveal the bay of Cannes and rays of Provençal sunshine pouring through the window. La Croisette Beach is just 200m away. Our room is decorated in cornflower blue and sunshine yellow. It’s on the petite side but the expansive views make up for that. The hotel’s 62 bedrooms have views either over the bay of Cannes, or of the historic old quarter of le Suquet, and some have balconies while others enjoy south facing terraces. We could have asked for breakfast in bed but I’m looking forward to the breakfast buffet served in the Offenbach room, named after the composer who spent the winter of 1874 at the hotel. On fine days you can enjoy your morning coffee on the beautiful blue and white flower-covered terrace facing the sea.

We’re right in the centre of Cannes. There are no ‘must see’ museums, galleries or Neolithic sites in Cannes, and that’s why it’s so relaxing. You have permission to just go where your feet take you. Start the morning by comparing the film star hand prints outside the Palais Des Festivals Et Des Congrès next door, then go window shopping in the luxury boutiques of la Rue d’Antibes.  While you’re there, drop into Lux Cafe for a spot of lunch and people watching.  After lunch, wander up to Suquet Hill. Cannes used to be a small fishing village concentrated around this labyrinth of streets and stairways; imagine what it must have been like before the world discovered it. Visit Musée de la Castre at the top of Suquet hill for an eclectic collection of ethnic art and artefacts from around the world. Then climb the 109 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view.

Walking back along the marina, the old-world feel of the hotel’s ornate white frontage, with its elaborate wrought iron balconies and little window shades, can’t help but lift your spirits. The slightly retro feel to the hotel is more than made up for by the quality of the welcome and a team whose only wish, it would seem, is that you leave absolutely enchanted by your stay.  Back in the room I treat myself to a long relaxing soak in the bath. The room is fully equipped with flat-screen TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and all the mod cons you’d expect from a four star hotel. If you feel like taking a break from technology, then you can browse though the books in the hotel’s library. My room also has a little fridge and kettle which I use to make myself a cup of tea to enjoy on the balcony, watching the world of Cannes unfold before me.

Later we join in the scene, and stroll hand in hand down Boulevard de la Croisette. You can’t be in Cannes and not go to the old port to look at the yachts and admire the sunset. Dine on grilled calamari on the terrace of Fred L’Ecailler. Walking back after dinner we can see the hotel, and lit up at night, above the masts of the moored yachts in the marina, the hotel does indeed look splendid.