Yelo Belle Epoque Hotel Festival Palace, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

Hotel Description

So I stumbled across this place on Rue Hélène Vagliano – honestly, I’d walked past it a dozen times before realizing what a gem it was hiding behind that Belle Époque facade. The Yelo Belle Epoque is one of those Sonder properties that Marriott picked up, and you know what? They actually kept the character intact while fixing all the stuff that usually drives you crazy about older French hotels.

The location is pretty much perfect if you want to feel like you’re in actual Cannes rather than tourist Cannes. You’re literally a three-minute walk from the Palais des Festivals (yeah, where they do the film festival), but you’re tucked away enough that you won’t hear drunk tourists stumbling back from the casino at 2 AM. Rue Hélène Vagliano is this quiet little street that connects to all the action without being in the middle of it – I mean, you can grab coffee at that tiny café on the corner in the morning, then be people-watching on La Croisette before your espresso gets cold. The building itself has this gorgeous early 1900s architecture that they’ve restored beautifully, though you’ll notice the elevator is… well, let’s call it “authentically European” in size.

What really won me over was how they’ve managed the whole tech-forward thing without losing the soul of the place. Check-in is all digital (which is actually refreshing when you’re jet-lagged), but the rooms still have these beautiful high ceilings and period details. The staff – when you do interact with them – really know their stuff about the city. They pointed me toward this incredible little wine bar on Rue du Commandant André that I never would’ve found otherwise. The rooms are spot-on for what you need in Cannes: good air conditioning (trust me, you’ll want it in summer), blackout curtains that actually work, and honestly some of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept in. The bathrooms are modern but not sterile, and there’s decent water pressure – which, if you’ve stayed in older European hotels, you know is basically winning the lottery. My only real complaint? The walls could be a bit thicker. It’s not terrible, but you might hear your neighbors if they’re having a particularly animated phone call. Parking is typical Cannes nightmare, but there’s a public garage about two blocks away that won’t completely destroy your budget. During festival season this place gets booked solid (and prices go through the roof), but in shoulder season it’s actually a really solid value for the location and quality you’re getting.

The concierge service in Cannes can arrange exclusive access to film screenings, secure reservations at celebrity-frequented restaurants, and organize personalized visits to the Palais des Festivals and nearby islands.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $86. Smaller King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $90. King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Wai from United Kingdom – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and nice room. Many restaurants and bars downstairs

• Iryna from Ukraine – 26 April 2025 (9/10)

  This is my second time choosing this hotel. I really like the rooms. They are clean, spacious, and very stylish. The room has everything I need: a kettle, coffee machine, refrigerator, hairdryer, Smart TV, and good soundproofing to the outside. I would love to try other hotels of this group as well. And hope to come back soon!

• Nikol from Netherlands – 16 April 2025 (7/10)

  + Good location, friendly staff

• Iryna from Ukraine – 12 January 2025 (9/10)

  The room was very clean with modern renovation, a large bed, a very large TV. The room has everything you need, a kettle, a coffee machine, an ironing board, a hair dryer! What I liked is that the room has shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, good quality cosmetics. When I checked in, the room smelled very good… The location is not far from the station, it is noisy outside, but the good quality windows protect from noise. There was no one in the neighboring rooms next to me, so I felt quiet and calm!
  
  What could be improved: Cleaning for an extra fee, they didn't take out the trash, although I extended the room twice

• Robert from United Kingdom – 27 November 2024 (9/10)

  I, actually, stayed in the larger Yelo Lumiere (very close to the Belle Epoque), which gave me a better, more convenient room. Very handy for some brilliant cafes and restaurants, and close to the Seafront. I couldn't fault the staff, cleanliness, etc. I stayed for two weeks and became part of the family!! I would definitely return.
  
  What could be improved: I have mobility issues, so being close to the train station was very helpful. However, that means more noise overnight, but I got used to it. Some minor issues: the safe was too small for my laptop; the lift was tiny (building restrictions); the waste bins could have been bigger; and the full-length mirror was covered by the clothes rail!

• Edward from Portugal – 20 November 2024 (9/10)

  I really liked the property. Smaller than a Sonder I have seen elsewhere but still very high quality finishes.
  
  Checkin was easy as the property has 24 hour staff. The bathroom was small but functional. Towel rack is a big help to dry the towels.
  
  They have a cabinet to get various toiletries upstairs and a nice work area that my wife was able to use to take some planned calls.
  
  Location was only a few minutes from the harbor and sights. Easy walk to the restaurants and bars in Le Suquet. The staff was outstanding and very helpful. And the price was definitely right.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really. The only thing I would caution is that up by the train station you do get various collections of delivery guys and homeless hanging out. They generally leave you alone, but worth mentioning.

• Luke from Australia – 23 October 2024 (9/10)

  Great staff. Room clean with everything you need for a business trip
  
  What could be improved: Shower area overflowed with water

• Anna from Spain – 5 October 2024 (8/10)

  It’s in a great central safe location – lots of cafés & shops & close to the promenade. The staff members were very helpful, welcoming & friendly.
  
  What could be improved: The coffin style, slow rickety lift meant I only took it once & carried my case down four flights! Also the pillows are like blocks of wood. However, I wrapped a double towel in a pillowcase which worked okay.

• Vanessa from Australia – 16 August 2024 (8/10)

  Great location, just down the road from the town and the beach. Rooms were clean and spacious enough for two people.
  
  What could be improved: Uncomfortable beds with square pillows .. wouldn’t recommend for people with neck/back pain.

• Cristina from United Kingdom – 25 June 2024 (9/10)

  The staff were very helpful and kindly allowed us to check into our room earlier than planned. The bed was extremely comfortable, and the little extras included (small body moisturiser, sewing kits, etc) were a lovely added touch. The hotel was located in a very central part of Cannes which made traveling to most places by foot very easy. We had a nice little balcony in the room. Overall, we were so impressed with the quality of this hotel for the price and will definitely book another stay.
  
  What could be improved: The shower water didn’t drain very easily which meant the bathroom floor was regularly wet.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities