In the first of our series featuring on some of France's top hotels, we take a timely look at Martinez Hotel - one of the main social hubs of the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival.
Name:
Hôtel Martinez
Address:
73 La Croisette, 06400 CANNES, France.
First Impressions :
Wow! Towering gilt upon white. In a famous street where you expect to see a lot more in the way of the typical palace hotel, this fits the palatial bill. Cars glide in to the roomy forecourt and ladies and gentlemen emerge.
The Story:
When it was built in 1922, it was the biggest in the region. Since then, it has been used as a temporary base for Allied soldiers during the WWII, but it has always kept up with the highest standards – undergoing renovations on a regular basis while maintaining its original art deco style. The latter is in evidence throughout the interior and exterior, as well as in the natty/austere dress code of the doormen.
Who do We Know has Stayed There?
Being located on the main drag in the Cote d’Azur’s Tinseltown, it draws members of the rich and famous community like honey draws the bees. It’s Woody Allen’s favourite place to rest his weary head when he finds himself down here. Eva Longuria, the late Yves Montand and the lovely Sophie Marceau have all made the Martinez their home at one time or another, with many of them finding it difficult to resist coming back again and again.
Do They Look After You?
What are the Rooms Like?
There are 409 rooms altogether. The lowest grade is “superior” with views to the rear of yard, some railway track and some wistful-looking mountainside. But even here, the attention to detail is superb, with quality art deco furniture and high quality landmark art works on the wall.
Getting Fed :
The level of food and service is as astonishing as you would dare to expect of such a place and the restaurant’s location make it a perfect place to enjoy an evening meal in Cannes – taking in the beautiful view but seated above the crowds.
The Bottom Line :
The Martinez regularly features in surveys that put it at the top of the league of the most expensive suites in the world. The corner penthouse suite apparently fetches a price in the region of €16,000 per night during the peak week of the Cannes Film Festival. Out of season, you can expect to pay about €1,500 for the same facility and about €80 per night for the lowest standard room (which has a view of the hills, but which is still of a superb standard). Watch out for deals on their website that pop up regularly.
Contact :
www.hotelmartinez.com. Tel 0033 4 92 98 73 00
Location Map :
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Nice description.
Indeed, nice description.
You mention the festival, remember to book well in advance if you want to stay there in May. I’m talking 4-5 months in advance.
M