While the Belle Epoque facade and beautiful bones of the iconic 1913 Le Negresco hotel are well preserved, inside, its vast art collection, Michelin-starred dining, and ultra-luxe guest rooms and suites marry classic with contemporary.
15.05.2024 - 19:31 / forbes.com / George V (V) / Damien Hirst
The glamour of Hotel Martinez, Unbound Collection by Hyatt hits you even before you walk through its doors. Thanks to its prime location on the iconic La Croisette — plus a chic private beach club draped with gorgeous globetrotters, and candy-colored Lamborghinis and Ferraris parked outside — the 5-star heritage hotel is as synonymous with the fashionable French Riviera jet set as the Cannes Film Festival itself.
Built as a palace in the 1800’s and reborn in the 1920’s as a hotel by hospitality tycoon Emmanuel Martinez, it’s attracted a seedy stream of film stars, A-list celebrities, and refined travelers in the nearly hundred years since.
Today, the stunning Art Deco architecture endures, along with tranquil and spacious suites, acclaimed dining options, and a top-notch spa. But with fresh contemporary interiors and artwork along with buzzy outdoor bars, terrace restaurants, and a private beach club, the see-and-be-seen beach destination promotes a relaxed vibe that’s never formal or stuffy.
Location
The historic grand dame holds court on Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes’ postcard-perfect promenade.
Number of Rooms & Suites
410
Highlights
The Vibe
Carefree Cannes Film Festival, Côte d’Azur glamour every day of the year
What to Know
The historic property was sold in 2012 — then reopened in 2018 as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand after a €150 million top-to-bottom renovation.
Architecture and Decór
While the hotel’s gorgeous bones date back to the 1920s, all of the interiors feel fresh and chic thanks to the designs of Pierre-Yves Rochon. (The esteemed decorator is also responsible for the interior design of some of the world’s most famous hotel destinations, including the nearby Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, the Savoy in London, and Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris).
While the property showcases original designs like the lobby’s elegant and hypnotic Art Deco staircase, the period details are layered with contemporary chandeliers, sexy, low-slung chairs, and an extensive collection of bold artworks by Damien Hirst.
A crisp Mediterranean palette of blue and white with gold accents runs throughout the entire 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 while the Martinez is a large hotel (it’s the largest in Cannes, and the second largest on the French Riviera, in fact), the chic custom design makes the property read more like a boutique hotel.
Rooms & Suites
There are several styles of rooms with windows or private terraces overlooking the promenade and glittering sea.
But the rear-facing Oasis suites — centered around the L’Oasis du Martinez spa — are quiet and tranquil, with
While the Belle Epoque facade and beautiful bones of the iconic 1913 Le Negresco hotel are well preserved, inside, its vast art collection, Michelin-starred dining, and ultra-luxe guest rooms and suites marry classic with contemporary.
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