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Cannes is all about sun-scorched days and glitz-filled nights. Every year an assortment of movie stars descends on this Mediterranean city for the annual Film Festival, but you don't need an Oscar to sink your teeth into a slice of glamour Cannes-style. Opened in 1931, The Martinez, an Art Deco dream on the Croisette, would be a good place to start: lounge the day away at Martinez Beach, the largest private beach in the city; at night, indulge in the gastronomic wonder that is La Palme d'Or before hitting the bright lights of Cannes.
Tom Cane
How the Stage was Set
HISTORY IN BRIEF
1929: Opening year.
2003-4: Programmes to revamp the hotel (notably entrance/lobby, restaurant and private beach).
HISTORY IN DETAIL
Late 19th century: A building at 73, Boulevard De La Croisette was constructed by English aristocrats during a real estate boom. The villa was bought by the exiled King of Naples, who renovated and extended the building to create the improved 'Villa Marie-Therese'.
1920s: Other large establishments were flourishing on La Croisette at this time and the Chairman of the Société des Grands Hôtels de Cannes, Mr Emmanuel Martinez took the decision to demolish the building and from these ruins the largest hotel in the region was to be constructed - the Hotel Martinez.
1929, 17 February: The Hotel Martinez opened its doors as the largest hotel on the French Riviera and a new era began.
1931: The hoteliers Cannes got together and took the decision to stay open throughout the summer as well as the usual winter period.
1985: Opening of La Palme d'Or.
2003, January: The new entrance and lobby were unveiled.
2004, April: The spotlight was on the hotel's private beach, Zplage, the largest along La Croisette. A revamp equipped it with 400 sun loungers.
Did you know that the French TV channel Canal Plus films its 'special Cannes festival' programme from the hotel's private beach without fail every year?
The rooms are equipped with WiFi and adorned with rich panelling, signed furniture, works of art, paintings and sculptures.
Suite des Oliviers - the last word in luxury. With 1500 square feet of living space and a 2500 square foot, private terrace, it notably boasts a jacuzzi big enough for 10 that looks out towards the Lerin Islands.
La Palme d'Or - fine dining at the hottest restaurant in town. Leading the kitchens are Christian Willer and Christian Sinicropi (see below)
Portrait of the Chefs
Creator of La Palme d'Or restaurant, Christian Willer was born in Alsace and raised by wine-growers. He has acquired solid experience as a chef, started in the Doubs and continued in Basle and Paris ('Le Français', 'Maxim's', 'Prunier', 'Le Fouquet's') but also in La Baule ('Castel Marie-Louise' and 'Hermitage'), Courchevel ('Le Carlina'), Les Bézards ('Auberge des Templiers'), Monaco ('Hotel de Paris') with spells in Italy, Greece and Florida. This seasoned chef rapidly made his mark at the Hotel Martinez, enjoying free rein in his culinary creativity and was quickly rewarded with success. It was at the Hotel Martinez that, in addition to his other awards, Christian Willer obtained his first Michelin star in 1986, then his second in 1991, not forgetting a 17/20 score in GaultMillau. Known and recognized, his expertise has become sought after over the years. Owing to his international reputation, Christian Willer, an ambassador of French haute cuisine, organised gastronomic events abroad in Caracas (Venezuela), Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), Miami (Florida), and Singapore.
Willer has selected Christian Sinicropi to be his successor. The latter started his career in 1990 at the Palme d'Or and continued in such well-known establishments as 'la Côte' au Carlton, the 'Hotel du Palais' in Biarritz, the 'La Belle Otéro' in Cannes, the 'Restaurant Buerehisel' in Strasbourg, and the 'Louis XV' in Monaco before going back to his roots in 2001. Other skills are brought into play, such as that of André Toscano, chef-sommelier who is unequalled in his skill for marrying fine and local wines with the meat and fish dishes and sumptuous desserts that have forged the reputation of the restaurant and hotel.
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Le Relais Martinez - chic and relaxed bar with terrace extending to the swimming pool.
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Bar Amiral - come here for some of the most creative cocktails in Cannes
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Zplage Beach Bar
Two words: Palme d'Or. This is the hottest restaurant in town and one of the finest eateries in all of France. Nothing has been overlooked, not even the valet parking service. Located on the first floor, on the 'balcony' of the Croisette, the restaurant was redesigned by Sybille de Margerie in 2003 and offers a splendid view of the bay of Cannes. In charge is Chef Christian Willer, the creator of La Palme d'Or, together with Executive Chef Christian Sinicropi.
Kid's Club
Givenchy Spa - relaxing and reinvigorating
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State-of-the-art Fitness Centre
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Swimming pool
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Zplage - the largest private beach on the Croisette
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7 tennis courts
Google Map
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Our Select Member Hotel
Martinez Country: France City: Cannes Opening date: 1929
Note from the Host
General Manager Sylcain Ircoli Hotel Manager: Jacques CHAVANCE
Happiness is made to be shared, knew the great French dramatist Jean Baptiste Racine (†1699).
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418 rooms and 12 Suites Rooms
12 Suites