In the high-stakes theatre of the French Riviera’s hospitality scene, few properties command the spotlight like Hôtel Martinez. Since its 1929 inauguration, this Art Deco sentinel on La Croisette has functioned as the unofficial headquarters for the global cinematic elite.
A series of high-impact renovations have signalled a shift: the Martinez is no longer just a backdrop for the Cannes Film Festival; it is a year-round benchmark for strategic luxury and high-touch wellness. Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, this beauty makes for the perfect break this Eid.
For the Middle Eastern market, the bond with the Martinez is deeply rooted, often spanning generations of families who view the hotel as their home on the Croisette. General Manager Michel Cottray notes that the GCC represents up to 16 per cent of the hotel's market, with the bulk of these visitors arriving from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
"It is a mature destination visited by the Middle East market for nearly 50 years," Cottray explains. "There is a strong connection between a well-established hotel like Hôtel Martinez and this market.”
While peak summer months of July and August remain the preferred window for Gulf travellers, Cottray suggests that shoulder seasons offer unique value. “Pre- and post-peak season, such as May and June as well as September and October, are also prime times to visit, from the Film Festival period to the 'Indian summer' at the beginning of autumn.”
Our two Penthouse Suites remain very much sought after for their privacy, space, luxurious atmosphere and terrific view of the sea
- Michel Cottray
The property’s 410 rooms and 116 suites have been recalibrated to balance 1930s glamour with 21st-century precision. The 2023 debut of the Oasis Suites, featuring direct views of internal gardens, reflects a shift toward the residential-style sanctuary trend, a key factor for families who require both privacy and proximity. "Our two Penthouse Suites remain very much sought after for their privacy, space, luxurious atmosphere and terrific view of the sea," says Cottray.
The culinary narrative took a bold turn with Chef Jean Imbert at La Plage du Martinez, while La Palme d’Or continues its pursuit of Michelin status with a yachting-inspired seafood concept. Following a three-year renovation cycle, the 2025 launch of the indoor/outdoor Martinez Bar completed the hotel’s F&B evolution, offering a sophisticated space for the evening gatherings that define the Eid holiday. For the traveller, the bar remains the place to be for high-level networking.
The Martinez’s engine room remains its 2,500 m² of modular meeting space, now enhanced by 360° MAPPING technology for immersive brand storytelling. This technical edge is paired with a commitment to the environment; as the first hotel in France to achieve Green Globe Platinum status, the Martinez proves that heritage and accountability are not mutually exclusive.
In a city where red carpet ready is a professional requirement, Hôtel Martinez has strategically positioned L’Oasis du Martinez as a high-performance sanctuary. Spanning 2,800 m², this exclusive botanical haven provides the essential quietude needed to counterbalance the high-octane Cannes event calendar.
The 600 m² Spa by Carita, the brand's first flagship outside Paris, delivers technical facial expertise through seven therapy rooms. Signature treatments like Rejuvenic Gold and Crystal Pro.Morphose R.F. leverage advanced technology for immediate, visible results, catering to delegates between high-profile screenings.
Beyond the treatment room, a 20m heated swimming lane and a 200 m² glass-walled fitness centre offer restorative recovery.
For UHNW guests, the experience culminates in the 1,250 m² Penthouse Apartments, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon to serve as the ultimate private retreat for recovery and rejuvenation.