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The Hotel Martinez Cannes: Zoom on a legend of the Croisette

Façade of the luxury hotel Le Martinez in Cannes

The story of an extraordinary hotel 

The Hôtel Martinez is the symbol of Cannes in the 1930s. This legendary hotel on the Croisette has stood the test of time and generations, preserving its superb appearance while renewing itself over the years. The Martinez embodies the art of living on the French Riviera, and every stay is an immersion in a world of luxury and elegance. 

It was in 1927 that Emmanuel Martinez acquired a villa facing the Lérins Islands, just a few hundred meters from the Carlton Hotel. His ambition to create the largest hotel on the French Riviera led him to an extravagant project. In 1929, the first two floors of the Hotel Martinez were inaugurated, before being transformed into a majestic seven-storey, 500-room building. A successful gamble for Monsieur Martinez, who gave birth to an international hotel legend. 

Façade of the Hotel Martinez in Cannes in the 1930s
The legendary Hotel Martinez on the Croisette in Cannes in the 1930s. © Hôtel Martinez Cannes

While renovations have punctuated the life of the palace, the emblematic marble and gilded mosaic façade has retained its splendor. The Martinez legend The Martinez’s renown rests as much on its grandeur, location and luxury as on its prestigious clientele. As soon as it opened, aristocrats vacationing on the French Riviera made it their center of attraction. That same year, the Prince of Wales took a year-round suite, while maharajahs vied for entire floors. The requisitions of the Second World War did not dent the Martinez’s brilliant destiny, and in 2001 the hotel was added to the general inventory of cultural heritage. 

For almost 100 years, the Martinez has played host to a myriad of stars attending the Cannes Film Festival. The famous Festival jury dinner is held in the restaurant La Palme d’Or. From Sean Connery to Quentin Tarantino to Edward Norton, the biggest names in cinema have chosen the Martinez as their base in Cannes. 

Integrated since 2013 into the Hyatt hotel group and a member of the “Unbound” collection, the Martinez continues its international momentum. A complete renovation orchestrated by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon has breathed new life into the hotel’s 410 rooms and suites, while respecting its art-deco and lifestyle DNA. The pastel tones of the design elements perfectly match the Mediterranean light that floods the prestigious rooms and suites.

The Hotel Martinez nowadays

Le Martinez continues to reinvent itself with the rebirth of its suites and spa. Every space has been renewed to project Le Martinez into the 21ᵉ century. 

Hotel Martinez

In 2020, the hotel embarked on a new phase of transformation, unveiling a swimming pool, spa, redesigned gym and two exceptional suites on the seventh floor, in tribute to two personalities who have marked the history of the Cannes Film Festival, Isabelle Huppert and Thierry Frémaux. 

The reopening of the palace created quite a stir, giving a new lease of life to this institution. 

A Mecca of Cannes gastronomy

Appointed Executive Chef of the hotel in 2023, Jean Imbert took over the reins of the Martinez kitchens, bringing a new culinary dimension to this iconic establishment. The completely renovated La Palme d’Or restaurant now offers a reinvented menu, blending Mediterranean flavours with gastronomic creativity. Each dish is an ode to Mediterranean hedonism, offering guests a unique and sophisticated culinary experience. 

The gastronomic restaurant, La Palme d’Or at the Hôtel Martinez © Hôtel Martinez / Boby

The lobby bar & restaurant Le Sud, open from early morning until late at night, is a versatile venue inspired by the spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the world of yachting. Another of the hotel’s landmarks, La Plage du Martinez, redesigned by Rémi Tessier, offers an enchanting setting with mattresses on the sand and the pontoon, water sports activities in season and simple, tasty cuisine to share. During the day, the beach attracts a privileged clientele, including yachts anchored in the Bay of Cannes. In the evening, the lounge and cocktail atmosphere attracts an elegant clientele, with memorable evenings, notably during the Festival International d’Art Pyrotechnique. 

La Plage du Martinez, redesigned for summer 2023 © Hôtel Martinez

L’Oasis du Martinez 

The temple of well-being at the Hotel Martinez is embodied in “L’Oasis” du Martinez. This 2,800 m² wellness area is set in the heart of a lush garden. The spa by Carita offers expert treatments in its seven cabins, while a hairdressing salon, barber, relaxation room, hammam, ice fountain and sensory shower are also on hand for relaxation and disconnection. The year-round heated swimming pool and TechnoGym fitness area round out this fitness offering. 

L’Oasis is the jewel box dedicated to wellness at Hotel Martinez © Hotel Martinez

Le Martinez is a destination in a class of its own in Cannes. At once a hotel and a meeting place, a place for culinary delights, a place for ecological awareness, a place for parties… It’s here that the Cannes legend continues to be built.

To find out more: Information, photos and rates of the Hotel Martinez Cannes.