An old residence typical of the 1970s, transformed into a “hip” hotel, a symbol of the ethical imperatives of the contemporary world. Welcome to the Mob Hotel in Cannes-Le Cannet (entrance on one side, exit on the other, in the Cité des Festivals), a 4-star hotel committed to the environment. The third flagship of the chain (after the Saint-Ouen flea market area and the Confluence de Lyon), its fundamental principle is: to renovate but preserve what is already there, so as not to waste. Its founder, Cyril Aouizerate, in casual clothes and flip-flops, welcomes us to a guided tour.
On the floor, the original tiles, “Even if it looks a little dated, it fits the concept well and avoids vandalism.” Like the heavy wooden doors of the old apartment, to which gilded joinery was added. Then there are the handmade furniture, the lounge and the co-working space with a bar-restaurant with an organic farming label, the straw on the ceiling for insulation, the photovoltaic panels on the roof and the white thermal paint on the facade. Everything is presented in a simple and sophisticated style. “Here we immediately saw that we were not in an industrial seaside hotel. People and ecology were at the core of our concern, but we also didn’t want to preach…” Just goes to prove that basic happiness doesn’t necessarily require a fancy exterior…
Open Sesame. Located at 1, Boulevard de Lyon, on the Cannes Carnot side, the entrance is low-key but neat. At the end of the shady green pergola, two large wooden panels decorated with beautiful brooms slowly open as visitors approach. Soon, the first step into the gangster hotel will be accompanied by the gurgling sound of the fountain, “Because the sound of water evokes the old washhouses of Le Cannet, it is a symbol of life”.
From the lobby, Mob Hotel presents an image of its eco-commitment in a “traveler” style, thanks to an exclusive partnership with the Patagonia brand for boutiques, and a Biocop grocery store to satisfy snack needs. A tiger carpet or a fish sculpture, or a rose emblem, each with its own symbolism…
The hotel has 43 suites (30 to 86 square meters), designed in a refined and simple Japanese style, with tatami mats at the head of the bed, but exuding a sense of quiet, soothing comfort. There are cooling islands with large fan blades on the ceiling (but air conditioning can be installed), white insulating lime paint, and curtains on the terrace to prevent too much hot sunlight. We promise that the nighttime temperature will not change much depending on the season, between 220 and 250 degrees.
In a location like this, right in the city center, it’s a must. Behind the building, like an oasis, stands the 11-meter swimming pool, and a large wooden terrace for a drink, shaded by trees, and views of Cannes, California. A huge palm tree rivals the grand metal staircase that leads to the highest floor. The unexpected setting isolates you from the hustle and bustle outside and is an unexpected but welcome alternative to the sometimes crowded seaside.
With the look of a New Age guru, Cyril Aouizerate is the incarnation of this Mob Hotel, a concept he created with his partner Michel Reybier. This child of the Toulouse countryside, son of a farmer, the man known as the “philosopher of the streets”, aims to raise awareness of the need to adapt cities and their urban planning to today’s ecologically responsible limits. Eco-impact, but this does not prevent chic…
