In a town with no shortage of grand luxury hotels, Cannes is in fact deficient in its inventory of small-size boutique properties of a luxury caliber. Located next to the Palais des Festivals along the Croisette, Five Hotel & Spa Cannes opened in August 2011 and is already considered the best luxury design hotel in town with dramatic interiors penned by architects Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet. Inspired by the gothic revival church across the street in front of which Napoleon is rumored to have once rested his head, the lobby stirs images of world jet setting defined by powder blue walls strewn with oriental floral screens and mid-century decor. The in-house eatery located on the 5th floor is called Sea Sens with menu created by Michelin-starred chef duo Jacques and Laurent Pourcel with dessert annex led by pastry chef extraordinaire Ms. Oliveira. An in-house spa offers handful of treatment rooms with double saunas and hamam by Cinq Mondes. Resort facilities are limited but include a small rooftop with lounge cabanas or private access to Festival Beach located next to the hotel.

The Room:

A total of 45-guest rooms offer a surprisingly spacious selection of entry-level Deluxe accommodations defined by floor-to-ceiling windows with a variety of town and sea views, colorful starburst flooring and freestanding beds with cantilevered canopy designed by Karen Blixen. Bold geometric patterns on select sofa and lounge furnishings either shock or awe, muted by more tasteful sconces and bedside lighting above minimalist side tables. Large bathrooms are integrated with the bedroom by lacquered, beige blinds and shutters for those that prefer a bit more privacy. Suites continue the travel theme but with more generous spaces divided by partial walls with added amenities like private terraces and see-through Jacuzzis.