Villa Garbo

Behind a gated entrance off a busy main road in prestigious downtown Cannes, this 1884 French villa converted into 12 suites is all about the class. Not taking the traditional hotel form, guests are greeted not by a front desk but rather a ritzy lounge stylishly arranged by interior designer Christophe Tollemer. Decor is plush elegance, from the marbled lobby fireplace and black chandelier to the tufted couch and elephant statuettes. Public spaces have a neutral-tone design with some absinthe-green accents, while rooms are outfitted in a gray-scale color scheme and pops of either red or pink. Though spacious apartments and suites make it possible to stay within rooms, the hotel offers free cocktails nightly, which guests can enjoy by the lounge fireplace in winter or in summer months, on the outdoor terrace. The atmosphere is undoubtedly high-end and sexy, making it best for romancing couples. 

Overlooking a busy roundabout in happening downtown Cannes, the Villa Garbo's gated entrance and soundproofed rooms do a good job managing the initially off-putting street noise. Thirty minutes by car from Nice airport (with an express airport to city center shuttle) and an 11-minute walk from Cannes train station, the hotel is well-located for exploring the city on foot. Beaches are a five-minute walk and the elegant palm-tree lined Croisette is equally close. The upscale restaurants and boutiques of the rue d'Antibes are even closer at just a minute's walk. Host of the annual Cannes Film Festival, the Palais des Festivals is a 14-minute walk, and only three minutes farther to the city's old port. Secured parking is available on-site for a hefty fee.

The apartment-style suites are spacious and elegant, all with living areas and kitchens. Decor is classy and stylish, featuring slate-tiled floors, large patterned rugs, contemporary furniture, retro low-hanging lamps, and satin drapes. Color themes are bold, varying from muted grays and fuchsia to maroon and orange. All are air-conditioned and soundproofed, plus come with 40-inch flat-screen TVs, Bose sound systems, iPod docks, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Well-equipped kitchens are modern, outfitted with stovetops, multi-functional ovens, microwaves, kettles, Nespresso machines, and fine Sarreguemines china. All suites except the Junior level have a dishwasher. Guests can request the mini-fridges be stocked prior to arrival. Bathrooms are compact but modern, with either shower/tub combos or separate stall showers and bathtubs. Robes, slippers, and toiletries are provided, as are hairdryers and scales.

Villa Garbo doesn't offer all the facilities of a typical hotel -- no full restaurant or pool -- but there are added perks. One notable pro is the private stretch of beach that's free for guests and located a five-minute walk away. Also offered is a free nightly cocktail reception, which allows guests to mingle inside or outdoors on the terrace where absinthe-green sofas and woven furniture are set. The gourmet breakfast is popular and high quality, with on-site baked breads and pastries, fresh fruit juice, smoked salmon, and organic muesli served alongside Mariage Freres teas. Note, however, that it's only included in rooms booked through the hotel's website. For business travelers, a fully equipped conference room holds up to 26 people and comes complete with a 50-inch plasma TV, projection screen, and a veranda opening onto the terrace. Though small, the spa offers personal treatments, a hammam, and small but modern gym. Wi-Fi is free throughout.