The Carlton Cannes Will Never Go Out of Style: A Conversation with the Its General Manager Pierre Louis Renou

Images courtesy of the Carlton Cannes

For over two centuries, the Carlton Cannes has been a regal icon on the French Riviera. It’s hosted professional tennis players, dukes and Hollywood stars — Alfred Hitchock filmed much of To Catch a Thief at the hotel — and became synonymous with the legendary Cannes Film Festival. The hotel reopened on March 12, 2023, following an extensive two-year renovation. Now it’s more glamorous than ever.

Our community is in love with the sparkling Riviera gem for countless reasons. A big one is the people behind its magic, like Pierre Louis Renou, the hotel’s genial general manager. 

“Fora emerged as one of the foremost supporters of the new Carlton Cannes,” he recently shared. “Within a remarkably short timeframe, they achieved a prominent position among our top producers.”

In fact, the Carlton Cannes is among our top three most-booked hotels in its eponymous city — and it’s no surprise why. Pierre called the hotel a “destination within a destination,” and we agree. 

We got the chance to chat with Pierre about what makes the Carlton Cannes worth visiting, and why our partnership is so special. Get his take below.

Pierre’s favorite under-the-radar aspects of Carlton Cannes  

Image courtesy of Carlton Cannes

We’ll never run out of reasons to celebrate the Carlton Cannes: the Mediterranean garden and infinity pool, the private beach club, the breezy whitewashed rooms. But the hotel is brimming with extra-special elements Pierre believes more guests should take advantage of. 

Among these is the hotel’s new collection of residences. Each consists of one to four bedrooms, and is ideal for extended stays, families or those who want even greater privacy than the hotel already affords. The decor is modern and classic: clean lines, plush geometric furniture, marble bathrooms. 

Also don’t miss Rüya Restaurant, which serves elevated Turkish cuisine perfect for sharing (various flatbreads and mezze, fresh fish and meat fragrant with spice). In the evenings, live DJs add additional vibrancy to the beautiful setting, complete with a sunset view from the restaurant’s terrace — “an unforgettable experience,” Pierre said.

C Club is the hotel’s impressive fitness center. There’s ample equipment for strength and cardio training, as well as a dedicated boxing area overseen by professional trainers. Signature Health Fitness assessments integrate personal coaching and tailored programs designed to help you achieve your goals. Afterward, retreat to the sauna and steam room to restore tired muscles.

Save time for a spa treatment, too. Le C Club Spa takes a holistic approach to its heavenly treatments, which combine modern technology with soothing rituals grounded in tradition. Opt for a Barbara Sturm facial, an Ayurvedic massage, a hammam-massage ritual, a beauty treatment…Luxurious options abound. 

Special moments, special relationships

Image courtesy of Regent Carlton Cannes

Despite the Carlton Cannes’ illustrious pedigree, reemerging in any market is no small task, especially in one as renowned as the South of France. That’s where cultivating mutually beneficial relationships between hotel partners and travel agencies comes in. 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of our collaboration with Fora has been the development of strong and positive relationships with both their travel advisors and support team,” Pierre said. “Furthermore, the support and guidance provided by Fora's management team have been invaluable.”

Pierre also cited Fora’s availability, communication and shared values as major contributors to our relationship, which is grounded in trust and cooperation. 

“Overall, the synergy and mutual respect shared between our teams have not only enhanced production but have also made the collaborative process enjoyable and rewarding,” he shared.

Pierre added that a healthy hotel-agency partnership is crucial for ensuring our travelers — and their guests — experience something exceptional. We work together “to create moments of delight [and] surprise.” 

Pierre recounted one such moment involving one of our advisors, Natalie Stegman. Natalie met another one of Carlton Cannes’ team members at an IHG event, one month before the hotel reopened.  

“Their initial encounter sparked an instant connection, and they maintained regular communication thereafter,” Pierre said.

Natalie subsequently sent multiple clients to the newly reopened hotel. This year, she worked with the hotel’s exceptional staff to organize a surprise multi-generational family trip to celebrate her mother's birthday. Pierre and his team await their arrival, eager to curate a signature out-of-this-world experience. 

Everyone at the Carlton Cannes is dedicated to curating those special moments for all guests. And doing so is made possible by the team’s contagious passion and admirable professionalism we consistently see as we work closely together.

“Looking ahead to 2024,” Pierre said, “we anticipate even greater collaboration and success as we continue to strengthen our partnership and elevate the hotel's position in the market.”