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This iconic hotel, formerly the Martinez, has been one of the favourite haunts of glamorous guests since the late 1920’s. Now under the illustrious new management of the Grand Hyatt the name doesn’t get star billing. No matter, ‘a rose by any other name would smell as sweet’.
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Flashpackers in Cannes
Flashpackers in Cannes
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In search of a good time
Like the perfect suit of thousands of stitches, the Martinez is full of little details: for instance, the carpets – autographed with the letters HM entwined – remind us of another HM residing in the palace at the top of The Mall in London. The hotel is indeed Royal. Whether on business, vacation or visiting the film festival you will find the super-rich, the posing wealthy and the you and me’s at this glamorous establishment on the Cannes Croisette. Lovely to see that this sophisticated hotel with its impeccable concierge and excellent service is Pet Friendly and that pooches can also enjoy a luxury break. |
| Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez Photo Gallery |
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The hotel has 409 rooms including suites – displays of white orchids, everywhere. Philip and I are ensconced in a beautiful sea view deluxe room. The south-facing balcony gives a bird’s eye view of the lively promenade with its proud palm trees; a perfect track for joggers and dog walkers. Anchored out in the Mediterranean sea is the ever-present grand cruise ship gleaming in the morning and twinkling at night. And the beaches almost pristine, now in downtime, after the Summer frenzy of sun worshippers fighting for the front row.
Stepping back in time
The magnificent Art Deco staircase remains at the heart of this historic establishment. Gazing down or up, the exquisite sweep of the shiny brass handrail swirls into a vortex.
I remember my brother and I causing havoc on the stairs, knocking guests over like skittles. Thankfully the older patrons and Hollywood Stars used the elevator. |
Art Deco Staircase
Art Deco Staircase
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Zplage Beach Club Pontoon
Zplage Beach Club Pontoon |
The beach
It is mid October and although the hotel’s heated swimming pool is open all year round, unfortunately its splendid private Zplage Beach Club, the largest and arguably the best on the Croisette is closed for the Winter season.
In the Summer months it’s a pleasure dome of sybaritic pursuits. The epi-centre for lolling at the beach on azure blue loungers or on the spacious jetty and to enjoy the numerous water sports – then lunch at the excellent Zplage restaurant. |
The L.RAPHAEL Spa at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez
I am on the seventh floor of the Martinez sitting in the Geneva based L.RAPHAEL’s plush new salon awaiting my Oxy Peel anti-ageing treatment. L.RAPHAEL promises post the treatment of ‘an instantly more youthful appearance with a glowing healthy skin, an increase in the level of moisture and better still an on going improvement – the skin will be stretched, tighter and firmer over time’. I'm very excited!
After cleansing my face the therapist skims over the skin spraying oxygen combined with L RAPHAEL’s exclusive serum, LEC 40 a combination of Lecitin, Retinol and Omega3, essential food for the skin. It’s a very pleasant feeling as the cool air combined with the silky serum buffers over my face causing a controlled and precise peeling of the upper epidermis. To follow a vitamin c mask and a mint mask, finishing with another boosting serum.
The treatment is a triumph! My skin feels and looks great. Such a pleasure not having to undergo the usual torture of painful lasers and smouldering skin!
L.RAPHAEL’s promises hold true. Three weeks later and my complexion still continues to bloom. At €690 the anti-ageing Oxy Peel is definitely a ‘star’ treatment but worth it.
Philip was equally impressed with his therapist’s Deep Tissue Massage. He chose from the 5 essential oils the nourishing orange blossom. €180 –50 minutes.
La Palme d’Or
The hotel’s celebrated restaurant, La Palme d’Or, under the guidance of Chef Christian Sinicropi is the only 2 Michelin star establishment in Cannes.
Eponymously named after the most prized Cannes Film Festival award, fans include many of the star recipients: namely Clint Eastwood, David Lynch and Quentin Tarantino. |
La Palme d'Or Restaurant |
Le Relais
Breakfast and casual dining is at the hotel’s Le Relais restaurant, serving typical 5 star fayre in the morning and in the evening tilting toward Spanish, Italian and Provencal gastronomy. At dinner we choose the Happy Duo – three courses a la carte including a bottle of wine at €130 for two. Highly recommended – the excellent moist sea bass on a bed of minced artichoke and the Latin style tender preserved shoulder of lamb.
The Grand Hyatt management team
No doubt they have some prestigious plans to keep the hotel’s worldwide reputation afloat
for future decades. Refurbishment is due to start in 2014.
Room Rate – Seaview Deluxe room from €480 for 2 inclusive breakfast. For best offers and packages visit the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez website.
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Getting There
We flew with BA City Flyer to Nice from London City Airport which is a
smaller airport with a very efficient and fast check-in. We took a a
taxi from Nice to the hotel costing €70.
For guests with cars, the Grand
Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez offers valet parking services and a secure
car park at a charge of €40 a day. |
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