Hotel Review: Canopy by Hilton Cannes
Cannes is a French coastal city synonymous with luxury and the film industry. Home to the iconic Cannes Film Festival—one of Europe’s “Big Three”—the city draws stars, directors, and producers from around the globe each year. Beyond cinema, Cannes is a paradise for high-end shopping, brimming with luxury flagships and chic boutiques. Naturally, the city is dotted with prestigious hotels like the legendary Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, and the elegant Hôtel Martinez, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. In this already competitive market, Hilton launched its Canopy brand here in the summer of 2023, promising guests an authentic local experience. Having stayed at the opulent Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes a few years ago, we chose Canopy by Hilton Cannes for our recent visit. I was thoroughly impressed by the hotel and its thoughtful touches, and here is my review of Canopy by Hilton Cannes:
Canopy by Hilton Cannes is located at 2 Bd Jean Hibert, 06400 Cannes, France, overlooking beaches of Cannes.
Location
The Canopy by Hilton Cannes is ideally situated just a short walk from the iconic Croisette Boulevard, offering easy access to the glamorous beaches and luxury boutiques that Cannes is famous for. The hotel is close to the Palais des Festivals, where the renowned Cannes Film Festival takes place, making it a prime spot for those interested in the arts and cinema. Nearby, you can explore the charming Le Suquet neighborhood, with its cobbled streets and panoramic views of the city and harbor. The Marché Forville, a bustling local market, is also within walking distance, perfect for experiencing the flavors of Provence. Additionally, the hotel provides convenient access to the Port of Cannes, where you can catch a ferry to the stunning Lérins Islands for a peaceful escape.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Driving to the Canopy by Hilton Cannes was a bit hectic due to extensive construction around the hotel. We left our car with the valet and stepped inside the inviting lobby, designed across two levels. The lower level featured two check-in desks and a few chairs.
The warm wooden front desk suited the beachy vibe of Cannes perfectly.
In contrast, the upper level offered more generous seating, a California-inspired dining spot and café called Café Crème, and access to the elevators.
On the upper level of the lobby, a California-inspired café called Café Crème served coffee and light bites.
Tall windows filled the space with natural light, and the neutral-toned furniture gave the lobby a cozy yet modern vibe. A reflective ceiling and playful neon signs provided a striking contrast to the warm wooden accents.
Reflective ceilings and neon signs added an artistic and playful energy to the space.
Although I didn’t have time to try Café Crème, I loved its thoughtful design—the wall lined with rows of honey pots, all in the brand’s signature orange, was especially eye-catching.
I loved the design of Café Crème—the honey pots on the wall were painted in the brand’s signature orange.
Check-in was quick and pleasant, and the receptionist gave us a thorough rundown of amenities, including the pool, spa, and breakfast options. Thanks to my Hilton Honors Diamond status, we were generously upgraded to a deluxe king room with a sea view, and soon we were on our way up to the fifth floor to settle in.
Bedroom Review
When I stepped into the room, I quickly noticed that the bedroom was on the smaller side, even with the upgrade. Still, its thoughtful design made a strong impression. The carpet featured subtle orange speckles that reflected the Hilton Canopy brand. The king-sized bed, which dominated the space, was one of the most comfortable I experienced during my ten days in southern France.
Wood and other natural materials remained a central design element throughout the room.
Beyond the plush mattress, I appreciated the warm mix of wooden and natural materials that gave the room a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Framed artwork above the headboard added an easy charm, and it was clear the hotel could swap pieces seasonally to keep the look fresh.
Our upgraded bedroom featured a balcony with views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby port.
Each side of the bed had a unique nightstand with an artistic twist—one cleverly resembled a stack of books topped with a wooden “cover,” while the other held a vintage-style phone accented with wood to match the décor.
One quirky detail I appreciated: the nightstand was made of “books” glued together, a clever and creative touch.
Conveniently, there were plenty of outlets for charging, including a USB-C port delivering up to 65W. Opposite the bed, a wall-mounted smart TV sat against a wooden accent wall, and an elongated desk doubled as a minibar, media console, and, unsurprisingly, my wife’s makeup station.
The elongated media stand doubled as both a desk and a minibar, maximizing the use of space.
I noticed a thoughtful arrangement of welcome gifts awaiting us on the desk: travel-sized olive oil, tapenade, citrus jam, a full-sized lavender soap from Fragonard, and two folding fans branded with the hotel’s restaurant, Marea. Their handwritten note celebrating our first wedding anniversary made it even more special.
Believe it or not, the folding fan in the room came in handy while we explored Cannes in the summer heat.
While the minibar didn’t stock alcohol, it did offer complimentary bottled water and Nespresso pods. True to the Canopy spirit, the room included a reusable bottle to refill at the hotel’s filtered water station.
A filtered water station in the lobby allowed guests to refill reusable bottles,
Unlike other Canopy properties, this one was on the ground floor rather than each floor. Nevertheless, it was great not to worry about buying bottled water during our stay.
If you didn’t feel like heading downstairs, complimentary bottled water was also stocked in the fridge.
Our upgraded deluxe room came with a balcony furnished with bright orange chairs and a full sea view.
Ongoing construction right in front of the hotel did detract from the balcony experience during our stay.
Being on the fifth floor meant the tops of nearby palm trees slightly obstructed the horizon, but it was still lovely to step outside and enjoy the warm breeze and sunshine.
Nevertheless, the view remained spectacular, with palm trees lining the promenade and the calm sea beyond.
Despite its compact size, I loved how the room blended style with practicality, beautifully capturing both the spirit of Cannes and the Hilton Canopy brand.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom featured a single-sink vanity and a walk-in shower. Although the vanity offered limited countertop space, a clever wooden ledge built into the mirror provided extra room for toiletries. Soft ambient lighting overhead added warmth, and the matte countertop’s natural feel fit perfectly with the hotel’s emphasis on sustainability and organic materials.
The bathroom was compact, but I appreciated the vibrant pops of color that broke away from the typical black-and-white palette.
The walk-in shower was equipped with an invigorating rainfall head and a handheld option. I was pleasantly surprised by the modern button system that let you switch between the two settings with a simple click—instead of guessing with a knob—and the illuminated button clearly showed which one was active. The only downside was that the shower tended to leak afterward, but its sleek, user-friendly design more than made up for that minor issue. Toiletries came from Thankyou, an Australian brand dedicated to funding projects that help end global poverty.
The toiletries were from Thankyou, a brand that funds projects aimed at ending global poverty.
Initially, I had hoped for a local brand, but learning about Thankyou’s mission made me appreciate the thoughtful choice even more. A separate water closet added an extra touch of privacy, and I liked how the hotel avoided bland white walls in favor of vibrant orange tiles that echoed the brand’s signature color.
Even the water closet embraced the brand’s signature orange—bold and full of personality, and I was all for it.
Overall, aside from the minor leak, the bathroom felt fresh and cohesive, blending natural materials and well-placed lighting that seamlessly tied it to the bedroom’s modern, inviting design.
Gym & Spa Review
The gym was located on the ground floor, but getting there was unexpectedly complicated. I first had to check in at the front desk, navigate a long and winding hallway, take another elevator, and walk a bit further before finally arriving. I imagine the layout was designed to ensure accessibility for guests with mobility needs, but I didn’t expect such a journey just to reach the fitness center. The gym was open 24/7 and felt compact and fairly basic. A row of cardio machines faced large windows with frosted lower panels for privacy.
The fitness center wasn’t easily accessible from the main lobby; it required navigating a series of long, winding hallways.
The weight area offered only the essentials, with a small selection of dumbbells and a single all-in-one machine.
While the red-orange flooring added a dynamic touch, the gym itself was limited in both space and variety of workout equipment.
Fortunately, the machine had enough attachments for a varied workout, but the setup felt limited in general. I did appreciate the vibrant red-orange flooring, which added energy to the space and matched the vibe I like in a gym.
In particular, the gym at Canopy by Hilton Cannes lacked adequate options for strength training.
The spa and swimming pool were located nearby on the first floor. Normally, guests pay 20 euros per person for spa access, but my Hilton Honors Diamond status covered the fee.
This area also served as the check-in point for spa access. To avoid the €20 per person fee, take advantage of the complimentary access hours offered in the morning and late afternoon.
For others, there are complimentary hours at the start and end of each day. Keep in mind that the spa is only open to guests over 16, so families with young children may need to plan accordingly. I didn’t have the chance to use the pool, but its design reminded me of the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, with indoor and outdoor sections connected seamlessly.
I highly recommend visiting the pool at sunset for a stunning view across the bay.
The high ceilings above the indoor pool and the view of the French Riviera from the outdoor area made the space feel open and inviting. From the spa reception, a short walk led to the dry sauna and steam room on a lower level.
On the spa’s lower level, you’ll find both dry and wet saunas—spacious, well-maintained, and perfect for unwinding.
Both were spotless and clearly well maintained, reflecting the hotel’s newer condition.
The water pressure of this shower was on another level—truly impressive.
Although the gym and spa can be a bit of a trek to reach, they are worth exploring during your stay, especially if you have Diamond status to enjoy the added benefits.
Dinner Review—Marea
After working out, we headed up to Marea on the rooftop for cocktails and dinner. Marea is a Mediterranean restaurant overlooking the Old Port of Cannes, with sweeping views of the Lérins Islands and the Esterel Massif. Glass railings surround the terrace to provide unobstructed views of the Riviera. A DJ played music that created a lively, club-like vibe.
Marea is a rooftop restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with unobstructed views of the Riviera.
As the sun set, the mood shifted to something more intimate. The sunset itself was breathtaking; even the DJ paused to snap a photo of the sky.
The sunset sky was absolutely surreal—I highly recommend booking dinner in advance to catch it.
The restaurant was packed with guests, but luckily we had booked our table weeks in advance. We kicked off the evening with a round of signature cocktails, each named after towns in southern France such as Saint-Tropez, Menton, and Grasse.
Signature cocktails were named after towns in southern France, and each one was thoughtfully crafted.
The prices were reasonable, and we enjoyed every drink we ordered. I especially liked that the menu included a picture of each cocktail glass and a short description of the flavor profile, which made choosing easy and fun.
As expected, the menu leaned heavily on fresh seafood, with a few meat and vegetarian options sprinkled throughout.
The menu focused on fresh seafood, though there were also a few meat and vegetarian options. Since I was with my wife and a few friends, we ordered several dishes to share. We started with crab arancini seasoned with curry, which were delicious bite-sized starters that set the tone for the meal.
The crab arancini had a fragrant curry kick—a delightful twist on a classic.
Next came semolina gnocchi with squid ink and a plate of grilled octopus that was incredibly tender, not chewy at all.
The grilled octopus was exceptionally tender, and the tangy sauce paired beautifully with the seafood.
We also tried roasted scallops with vegetables, which were cooked just right and not rubbery.
The scallops were also perfectly cooked, with the dish offering an fun mix of textures.
The star of the meal was the Marea Cooker, served in a cast iron pot brimming with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a rich Cajun bisque. French fries with remoulade sauce came on the side, making the dish easy to share among three people.
The highlight of the evening was the Marea Cooker: a rich Cajun bisque brimming with clams, mussels, and shrimp.
While the food was excellent, the service at our table fell a bit short. It might have just been our server, since other tables seemed to receive prompt attention. I hope it was an isolated case, because everything else—from the fresh seafood to the creative cocktails under a stunning sunset—was wonderful.
Even if you have dinner plans elsewhere, it’s worth stopping by for a pre-dinner cocktail and the incredible view.
Marea is a great choice for a fun date night or a relaxed evening catching up with friends.
Breakfast Review
After enjoying a fantastic dinner at Marea the night before, we returned to the seventh floor the next morning for breakfast. For guests without Hilton Honors Diamond status, breakfast costs 20 euros per person, but it was complimentary for my wife and me thanks to my Diamond status.
Even without Hilton Honors Diamond status, the €20 breakfast buffet was well worth the cost.
While dinner at Marea took place on the outdoor rooftop deck, breakfast was served in the indoor dining area, which had a more refined and relaxed atmosphere.
The restaurant overlooked the nearby harbor, and the service from the wait staff was exceptional.
Large windows offered sweeping views of the ocean and the nearby port, though the lack of blinds meant the sunlight became quite intense as the morning went on.
As the morning progressed, the sunlight became quite intense due to the lack of window blinds.
The breakfast was served buffet-style, featuring familiar staples like scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, sausage, and roasted potatoes.
The buffet featured familiar breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, sausage, and roasted potatoes.
The scrambled eggs were soft and runny, true to the French style, but for other options, you could order complimentary à la carte dishes from the kitchen. We chose a vegetable and cheese omelet, which came packed with cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
In addition to the scrambled eggs, guests could order complimentary à la carte items from the kitchen, such as omelets.
The small salad bar included a few cuts of fresh cold meats and cheeses, and I appreciated that the salad was already dressed. It saved the hassle of mixing greens with a fork on a tiny plate. Chilled trays kept smoked salmon, prosciutto, mortadella, and other meats and cheeses fresh and at the right temperature.
Salty prosciutto and mortadella paired perfectly with ripe, juicy muskmelons.
For something lighter, there was a tempting spread of pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, and madeleines, all flaky on the outside and buttery inside. They seemed freshly baked on-site and paired perfectly with a shot of espresso or a morning cappuccino.
The pastries did not disappoint; they were rich, buttery, and the ideal companions to coffee or tea.
The only drawback of the buffet was that there was just one coffee machine, which could easily create a wait during busy hours.
With only one espresso machine, there was a bit of a wait during peak breakfast hours.
The buffet also offered some fresh fruit, and the melon slices I tried were perfectly ripe, sweet, and fragrant—especially delicious when paired with a bit of prosciutto.
The melon slices were incredibly fragrant and sweet. I couldn’t resist going back for more.
Although the breakfast spread wasn’t as extensive as what you might find at other five-star hotels in the area, the attentive service made up for it. We were among the first guests that morning, and when we accidentally dropped our silverware, the server immediately replaced it and cleared our plates without delay. If you’re staying at Canopy by Hilton Cannes, the on-site breakfast is worth considering for its convenience, warm service, and quality ingredients.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Dinner at Marea was a lively and delicious experience with stunning ocean views. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between energetic and sophisticated, and both the food and cocktails felt well worth the price, especially the seafood pot and the creative drinks. I highly recommend visiting at sunset to make the most of the incredible view.
The Canopy by Hilton Cannes is situated in a quieter part of the city, offering a more peaceful atmosphere than many of Cannes’ party-focused hotels. Personally, I prefer a calm and undisturbed setting. Thus, The Canopy by Hilton Cannes strikes a great balance; It feels tucked away yet remains conveniently close to Cannes’ popular attractions without being right in the middle of the bustle.
The hotel is still very new, with facilities and rooms that feel fresh and untouched. Beyond its modern amenities, the hotel’s thoughtful and cohesive design is truly refreshing, and the warm hospitality from the staff lives up to that high standard.
Negatives
The only downside during my stay was the construction in front of the hotel, which partially obstructed the otherwise serene view of the Mediterranean and brought some noise while we were out on the balcony. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the construction will be complete and this minor inconvenience will be a thing of the past.
Summary
The Canopy by Hilton Cannes is a stylish newcomer to the city’s luxury hotel scene, having opened its doors in the summer of 2023. Just a short stroll from the iconic Croisette Boulevard, the hotel offers easy access to Cannes’ famous beaches, upscale shopping, and the Palais des Festivals—home to the legendary Cannes Film Festival. Designed to embody the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, the property features modern, natural materials and a cohesive, airy aesthetic throughout. Guests can unwind at Marea, the rooftop restaurant, where fresh seafood and inventive cocktails are served alongside breathtaking sunset views over the Riviera. Despite some ongoing construction nearby, the Canopy’s attentive service, contemporary amenities, and thoughtful design make it a standout choice for travelers seeking a serene yet luxurious stay in Cannes.
