Best Western Premier Le Patio des Artistes ★★★★

If during the glittering circus of the Cannes Film Festival, you find you are in desperate need of a calming respite from the mobbed streets, Le Patio des Artistes should be your destination. Le Patio is a quiet, comfortable escape from the craziness in the narrow streets below. With a charming internal courtyard flooded with light, and a terrace that looks out across the rooftops of the city, you can relax and unwind under the iconic blue skies and bright sunshine of the Côte d’Azur that has, for decades, inspired artists from across the world.

Having been welcomed warmly in the elegant reception area, we were shown our simple and contemporary room. Our room offered two twin beds with deep mattresses and soft pillows, all dressed in crisp white linens. The decor was dominated by white and dark hardwood panelling, with accents of bright Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend pink. The service throughout the hotel was personal, attentive, and accommodating, the antithesis of other chain hotels.

Fortunately for us, the bright Côte d’Azur sun didn’t disappoint, and we were able to take advantage of it on our – surprisingly large – private balcony, overlooking the terracotta tiled roofs of neighbouring buildings. If you don’t have a balcony, though, no matter: the hotel’s outdoor spaces are excellent. The internal courtyard is a relaxing, sedentary space with soothing fountains and lush foliage, whereas the rooftop terrace is livelier, with table tennis keeping us entertained for some time. Alongside the many sun loungers available, there is also a hot tub so that guests to the hotel can embrace their inner A-Lister with a luxurious soak in the hot tub, with panoramic views over the city and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. If that isn’t enough, though, Le Patio des Artistes also offers a Wellness Centre, with a well-equipped fitness centre, hammam, and sauna.

When you’re sick of elbowing your way through the streets of the city, then Le Patio des Artistes is a charming, calming hotel to rest and recuperate.