We chose Le Grand as we had read on trip advisor that the location of the hotel is perfect. Indeed it is perfect. The central location is brilliant for going out in Cannes. Perfect for the beach... perfect for the nearby restaurants and bars.. perfect distance for the old town and all it has to offer.

However, other than that, I am not really sure what the hotel has to offer. No pool (major drawback especially as the Marriott is next door and you can see guests on the roof having fun in the pool) and you need to pay extra to sit on the beach (19 euros/per person or 35 per head if you want to sit in the front row). A day of doing nothing on the beach, with lunch, can cost you a 100 euros. It is lovely and certainly relaxing, but you can't help but question whether you are getting value for money?

Don't get me wrong - this is a comfortable hotel. Well furnished rooms and comfortable beds. It just lacks that 'je ne sais quoi'. If I were to go again, I would probably spend less money on a hotel that isn't on the sea front and spend my hard earned euros on going out in what is a ultimately a brilliant holiday destination.

I stayed here with my wife for three nights in July, and was disappointed. When we arrived the room was not ready (which was fair enough) so the girl at reception said she would call on my mobile when it was free. I never heard from her and that set the tone for the stay. The room was large and decorated in a minimalist retro style but smelled strongly of smoke, and the coffee table was stained and dirty. The bathroom was tiny and had more than a whiff of stale urine. We had breakfast and the cold section was fine, but the hot option was stone cold too and not appetising. In the evening we had a couple of drinks in the bar outside as the hotel is set back from the road in its own grounds, which is nice, but the service was very slow. The head waiter was busy bantering with the French speaking and more obviously wealthy guests, but we were ignored. One day we went to the private beach in the late afternoon, but spend 20 minutes being ignored by the staff so gave up. On the last day the room was not made up, and it took three (very polite) complaints to the reception before anything was done about it. When it was finally cleaned, various personal effects on the side stand had been knocked off and not put back. I was surprised to find there was no gym or pool, which you expect at this price (so don't assume, but check). The main advantage to this place is the central location and it being set back from the road, but that does not make up for its faults at this price. Basically, if you look rich and speak more than a few words of French you'll be ok if you can get on with the decor, etc. Otherwise, give it a miss.

Good location right in the middle of the croisette. Rooms and beds are huge but the bathroom is surprisingly small. For the money, they should offer an iPod player in the room. We called and they brought in a bose system but not the kind with an ipod dock.

Closets are enormous, bed is seriously comfortable. WIFI worked without issue. I could never get the blinds fully closed which was annoying, as the sunlight woke me. They could use with some simple blackout sheers.

You need to reserve beach chairs in high season as they book early. For 500 EUR a night, you would think a few beach chairs would be included, but they are not (and no discount) so be prepared to add another 100 EUR a day if you want to use the beach.

Bar is very quiet, nothing really to get excited about, although just 100 meters from the hotel there are plenty to choose from.

Restaurant is very good, impecable service and cuisine but lacks some atmosphere.

For nightlife definitely try "Les Marches" (go inside the main casino in the festival hall and take the elevator to the left. Cool rooftop bar and inside is a dance club.

We stayed here for two nights and loved every aspect. Super location, great service and breakfast. Upgraded to ocean front. One of the few hotels with landscaping in front. Very chic and, again, a superb location.