An Art Deco icon overlooking Cannes’ legendary Croisette

The glamor of Hotel Martinez, Unbound Collection by Hyatt hits you before you even walk through its doors. Thanks to its prime location on the famous La Croisette – plus an elegant private beach club filled with gorgeous globetrotters and candy-colored Lamborghinis and Ferraris parked outside – the 5-star heritage hotel is as synonymous with the French Riviera’s fashionable jet set because the film festival from Cannes itself.

Built as a palace within the nineteenth century and reborn as a hotel within the Twenties by hospitality tycoon Emmanuel Martinez, it has attracted a seedy stream of movie stars, A-list celebrities and complicated travelers within the nearly century since.

Today, the stunning Art Deco architecture stays, together with tranquil and spacious suites, renowned dining options and a world-class spa. But with fresh, modern interiors and artwork, in addition to energetic outdoor bars, terrace restaurants, and a personal beach club, the see-and-be-seen beach resort has a relaxed vibe that is never formal or stuffy.

Location

The historic grand dame holds court on the Boulevard de la Croisette, the postcard promenade of Cannes.

Number of rooms and suites

410

Highlights

• Prime location directly on La Croisette, Cannes’ famous seafront promenade
• Glamorous private beach club La Plage
• 5 star service
• Beautiful Twenties architecture combined with contemporary interiors and museum-quality art
• Three on-site dining options starting from casual-chic beach fare to Michelin-starred effective dining
• The opulent penthouse is one among the most important suites in all of Europe

The atmosphere

Carefree Cannes Film Festival, glamor on the Côte d’Azur on daily basis of the 12 months

What it is best to know

The historic property was sold in 2012 and reopened in 2018 after an in depth €150 million renovation as a part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand.

Architecture and decor

While the hotel’s magnificent buildings date back to the Twenties, all interiors feel fresh and chic because of the designs of Pierre-Yves Rochon. (The esteemed decorator can be liable for the inside design of among the world’s most famous hotel destinations, including the nearby Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, the Savoy in London and the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris.)

While the property showcases original designs reminiscent of the lobby’s elegant and hypnotic Art Deco staircase, the period details are layered with contemporary chandeliers, sexy low chairs and an in depth collection of striking artwork by Damien Hirst.

A transparent Mediterranean color palette of blue and white with gold accents runs throughout the property. It’s a nod to the French Riviera’s nautical history and glamorous past, which feels sophisticated and fresh under Rochon’s care. And although the Martinez is a big hotel (it’s the most important in Cannes and even the second largest on the French Riviera), the chic, individual design makes the property feel more like a boutique hotel.

Rooms & Suites

There are several types of rooms with windows or private terraces overlooking the promenade and the sparkling sea.

But the rear-facing Oasis Suites — set across the L’Oasis du Martinez spa — are quiet and peaceful, with views of the gardens and outdoor pool. All are decorated within the hotel’s relaxing blue-and-white style and have modern furnishings and decor, including glossy white lacquer furniture, terrazzo floors, and marble bathrooms.

The Martinez’s most famous suites, nonetheless, are the 2 expansive, cinema-style penthouse apartments that take up your complete top floor. With dining and living rooms, walk-in closets, studies, screening rooms and an enormous terrace with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, the 14,000 square meter penthouse space is one among the most important in Europe.

Eat

In addition to room service, guests have three dining options starting from easy beach fare to effective dining.

Martinez Beachon the hotel’s glamorous private beach, serving salads, burrata, ceviche, grilled octopus and pizza alongside cocktails and buckets of rosé.

The outdoor terrace on South, This is an excellent spot for an al fresco breakfast and becomes a hotspot later within the day. Sit and watch Cannes go by whilst you enjoy fried zucchini flowers, salad Niçoise or sea bass tartare – or treat yourself to caviar.

In the one which has just reopened La Palme d’Or (which in its previous incarnation was the one restaurant in Cannes to receive two Michelin stars), chef Jean Imbert creates a love letter to the bounty of the ocean with exquisite dishes reminiscent of whole fried local rockfish, wild prawns in jelly and marigold flowers, mango and kumquat as well a vegetable tian with dulse seaweed and a tomato-white balsamic ice cream.

Who it’s best fitted to

• Couples searching for a romantic vacation, honeymoon or anniversary trip
• Solo travelers
• Film fans and visitors to the annual Cannes Film Festival (normally in May)
• Lover of art and architecture
• Anyone who desires to relive the glamor of the Twenties and 30s

Other notable services and amenities

• The Oasis of Martinez Spa
• Private 65ft outdoor pool on the rear of the hotel surrounded by gardens
• Glass-fronted fitness center overlooking the garden
• Porter
• Room service
• Laundry service
• Pet friendly

What’s nearby?

• Right on The Croisette, on the epicenter of fashionable Cannes
• The Old Port and Forville Market are inside a 20-minute walk
• In the center of the annual Cannes Film Festival
• The Lérins Islands may be reached in quarter-hour by boat

For more information or to book a stay, visit Hotel Martínez.