Katara Hospitality, the leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, has unveiled the legendary Carlton Cannes, a statement said on Tuesday.
“We are honoured to witness the opening ceremony of the Carlton Cannes, as it revives the property’s prestigious past while marking a new step forward in the region’s long tradition of hospitality," Katara Hospitality CEO Nasser Matar AlKawari stated.
“Katara Hospitality is globally renowned for creating landmark hospitality gems that enhance the tourism landscape in the markets we operate, and such a momentous occasion further illustrates our continued success within the global luxury tourism sector,” he explained.
The ribbon cutting opening ceremony was attended by Katara Hospitality deputy chairman and Qatari Diar CEO engineer Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Qatar's ambassador to France Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, Katara Hospitality board member and Qatar’s Investment Promotion Agency CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, IHG's EMEAA Regional CEO Kenneth Macpherson, senior vice president and Europe managing director Karin Sheppard,
Luxury and Premium Brands senior vice president Jane Mackie, Luxury Brands vice president Tom Rowntree, Cannes Mayor David Lisnard, Cultural Affairs regional director Bénédicte Lefeuvre and other officials.
“This a landmark day in Regent’s 50-year history and an exciting addition to the ever IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle Collection. Carlton Cannes marks the 8th opening for the brand and starts an exciting set of Regent openings in key global locations,” Macpherson said.
The epitome of elegance and the ‘Grande Dame’ of Cannes’ hotel scene, the property’s majestic Belle Epoque façade - framed by twin domes - has been breathtakingly restored giving new life to this historic gem.
With 332 rooms and suites – 72 of which have a sea view – and 37 branded residences, the hotel has been reimagined by acclaimed French interior designer Tristan Auer, famed for his careful-yet-bold approach to heritage buildings and bespoke work for the likes of Cartier.
“We are thrilled to reopen the doors of this wonderful building and truly look forward to welcoming our guests, loyal and new,” general manager Giuseppe Vincelli said.
The two-year grand-scale renovation skillfully preserved the hotel’s historic features and added two wings, measuring 20,000 sqm and home to luxury residences, envelop the rear of the property.
This has created an enclosed garden landscaped with 22,000 plants and flowers, peristyle alcoves, sleek sunbathing decks, handcrafted cabanas and the largest hotel infinity pool in Cannes. The hotel also has a brand new 900sqm fitness and spa complex – The C Club - which includes a full-size boxing ring and state-of-the-art gym, yoga and Pilates studio.
Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, located in the heart of Cote d'Azur, is one of very few landmark hotels recognisable from a plane. The commanding silhouette stands as its own beachfront city block, overlooking the prestigious beachfront promenade, La Croisette.
The seventh floor of the hotel has four signature suites, dutifully named to celebrate the legacy of the property. These include The Katara Suite, The Grace Kelly Suite, The Cary Grant Suite, and The Kirk Douglas Suite.
On the sixth floor is The Alfred Hitchcock Suite, the exact room where the famous scene between Grace Kelly and Cary Grant in the master of suspense’s "To Catch a Thief" was filmed.
In the other tower on the same floor, The Suzanne Lenglen Suite, pays tribute to the eponymous tennis legend, who famously played the Match of the Century at the hotel in 1926 – spreading the love for clay courts, which started here, leading the way for Roland Garros to become the only Grand Slam tournament played on clay.
One of the grandest additions to the hotel is the 37 elegantly designed residences, located in the two new wings. Ranging from 85 to 500sqm, the residences are designed as lavish Mediterranean homes, with all the amenities for leisurely extended stays and access to all of the hotel's services, including room service, pool and wellness centre.
On the top floor is an exclusive 1,000sqm penthouse, with a grand 500sqm of living space topped by a private landscaped rooftop of the same size, which includes a private jacuzzi. The hotel has three restaurants, three bars, a Tea Lounge and a Cigar Lounge.
The addition of Carlton Cannes to the Regent Hotels & Resorts portfolio marks an historic milestone. Regent Hotels & Resorts joined IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2018.
Tom Rowntree, vice president of Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “The return of Carlton Cannes and the launch of the new era of Regent marks the next chapter being penned, where history melts into the future.”
The opening of Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel is described as an exciting addition to IHG’s growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio, which includes iconic properties in destinations such as Hong Kong, London, New York, Dubai, Paris and Singapore.
Guests will also have access to the loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards. Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel will join Regent Chongqing, Regent Shanghai, Regent Phu Quoc and the soon-to-open Regent Hong Kong in crafting the most refined experiences for modern trendsetters. This opening is set to be closely followed by Regent Bali and Regent Shanghai On The Bund in late 2023, as well as a to-be-announced North American location.
Rooms with panoramic sea view start from €1,200 per night, the statement added.