Dispatch from Cannes: The Grace Kelly Suite at the InterContinental Carlton Hotel

InterContinental Carlton Cannes

The InterContinental Carlton Cannes has long been a prime address for stars visiting the Cote d'Azur, and now it has new luxury digs overlooking the Med. Last May, Prince Albert II of Monaco inaugurated the suite named for his mother, Grace Kelly, who starred with Cary Grant in "To Catch a Thief." (Several scenes of this classic were filmed at The Carlton.) With the film festival just days away, we scoped out the suite and fell in love with the sitting room alcove where a porthole window conjures a luxury yacht-- floating high over the sea.

In creating this luxury suite on the 7th floor, Paris-based interior designer Nicolas Papamiltiades chose traditional décor, Iroko wood floors and silk fabrics to conjure the glamorous glory days of Hollywood cinema. (Insiders told us that he watched "To Catch a Thief" dozens of times for inspiration.)

InterContinental Carlton Cannes

The result is an elegant home away from home on La Croisette, filled with framed photos of its namesake star. Like a private flat, the suite was designed with comfort in mind. There's a private bar with a Nespresso machine and bottles of wine, a plasma screen TV, a Jacuzzi tub, and Hermes bath products. The best part of all: the private terrace with sweeping views of the Mediterranean sea and the red-hued Estérel hills.

 

In 2004 the entire 7th floor was transformed into a haven of terraced suites, each named for mythical screen legends including Sean Connery, Sharon Stone, Sofia Loren, Alain Delon, Sophie Marceau, and Grace Kelly. The Sean Connery Suite is the biggest of the bunch, with four bedrooms, and boasts its own private elevator.

Booking tips for the Cannes Film Festival: This year's festival kicks off on May 11 and rooms at the Carlton have been sold out for a full year in advance. In addition to the Grace Kelly Suite, we love the two-bedroom Clint Eastwood Suite (No. 523), located in the building's cupola and thus featuring a spherical living area.