Daily Pampering: Screen Your Own Film at Cannes


If you are thinking of heading to the Cannes Film Festival this year and only 5-star accommodations will do, you have a new option. Palais Stéphanie has just completed a 38 million euro renovation and received the coveted fifth star.

“Through the recent restoration, this classic hotel was transformed into a vibrant and fashionable destination reflecting its glamorous film heritage,” said General Director Richard Duvauchelle. “The 5-star classification is an exciting moment for Palais Stéphanie, and is a culmination of our team’s tireless efforts to offer a chic and upscale hotel option for all travelers providing unparalleled service and amenities.”

The historical hotel, which sits on the original site of the Palais des Congrès, where the Cannes Film Festival was originally held, has upgraded its rooms and suites with high speed internet access and flat screen TVs — they claim to be the most spacious and contemporary available in the region — in a style honoring the old-Hollywood glamour of the past. They’ve also erected a massive Palm d’Or in the lobby and refined their heated rooftop swimming pool, jacuzzis and Le Panorama bar, offering a view of the Bay of Cannes, Lérins Islands and the Esterel Mountains. Palais Stéphanie also has a full casino with 150 slot machines and 19 gaming tables.

If you’d like to screen your own film in Cannes, consider booking their 820-seat auditorium (right) for hosting your own personal film festival any time of year.

Hotel Palais Stéphanie has just 261 rooms and suites, so if you’re coming for the festival (May 12-23), book now, before word gets out about star number cinq (just awarded in September 2009). Rates start at just 165 euros a night in low season, visit PalaisStephanie.com for more information.

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