Receive complimentary breakfast at Luxury Hotels
Which hotel is best, Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel Vs. Hôtel Martinez, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt? While you might be tempted to earn or burn some World of Hyatt points at the Martinez, the Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel is an incredible hotel that is part of the IHG loyalty scheme and is head and shoulders above the Martinez in terms of luxury.
Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, encapsulates French chic. I can’t think of another hotel that does it better. I share more details of this comparison below.
Our luxury travel concierge offers free benefits at both of these hotels, so get in touch and we will be able to offer you a brilliant deal.
1. Location
Cannes is a renowned city situated along the glamorous French Riviera on the southeastern coast of France. It is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region within the Alpes-Maritimes department. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Cannes is bordered to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, which provides a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.
Located about 24 kilometers (approximately 15 miles) southwest of Nice, Cannes is easily accessible from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, the closest major airport serving both international and domestic flights. A taxi from the airport to Cannes usually takes around 45 minutes and costs about €100 EUR.
The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, enjoys a prime location in the heart of La Croisette, surrounded by high-end designer boutiques. Flanked by the Martinez Hotel on one side and the JW Marriott a few doors down on the other, it is part of a trio of hotels that face the famous La Croisette promenade.
Viewed from the beach, the Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, distinguishes itself with its Belle Époque architecture, standing out as the most visually striking among its luxurious neighbors, but all offer an almost identical location.
2. Style
Designed by the renowned architect Charles Dalmas and built in 1911, the Carlton Cannes was inspired by its namesake in London. The hotel epitomizes the lavishness of the Belle Époque era with its elaborate ornamentation and grandiose style.
From the beginning, the Carlton Cannes has been a magnet for the affluent, hosting royalty, aristocrats, and stars, thus establishing itself as a symbol of luxury and elegance on the French Riviera.
World War II brought challenges when German forces commandeered the hotel and converted it into a military hospital. Restoration efforts after the war returned the hotel to its original glory, reaffirming its status as a top destination for the world’s elite.
Advancing into the second half of the 20th century, the hotel’s prominence grew as it became a favored spot for Hollywood’s elite, especially during the Cannes Film Festival, cementing its reputation as a center of glamour and celebrity.
The Carlton Cannes, now a Regent Hotel, was recently refurbished and now boasts a stunning new appearance. Guests are welcomed through revolving doors by the attentive concierge.
Upon entering the creamy white marble foyer, visitors are welcomed into a spacious and inviting environment, a notable departure from its previously more confined layout. Marble pillars and tasteful floral arrangements adorn the entrance area and the lobby lounge, where guests can enjoy delightful afternoon teas, evening aperitifs, and breakfast.
There simply is no comparison between the frontage or foyer of Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, and the exterior of the Martinez Cannes. The Martinez does have a glamorous entrance with a circular driveway, but the entry and frontage feels smaller and less grand.
Inside, the Martinez lacks the intricate detailing that makes The Carlton so exceptional. Yes there is a marble foyer and a large art deco chandelier, but the area lacks the jubilence and sheer indulgence of the foyer in The Carlton Cannes.
3. Size
Both hotels are large, but both feel fairly boutique and historic despite their size.
4. Beach & Pool
The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, hosts Cannes’s most renowned beach club. It beckons guests and celebrities from April to October, making it the ultimate hotspot for socializing and enjoying the Cannes scene. The Carlton Cannes also has a lovely central garden with a pool.
The Martinez Beach Club is also renowned for its elegant atmosphere and its prime location on the sandy shores of the Mediterranean, just up the beach from the Carlton Beach Club. Here, guests can bask in the sun on plush loungers while enjoying panoramic sea views.
The decor of the Martinez Beach Club combines classic Riviera chic with modern luxury, featuring refined wood decking, stylish umbrellas, and comfortable, contemporary furniture. There is little to choose between these beach clubs as both have attentive staff providing everything from towels and sunscreens to bespoke cocktails and gourmet meals.
However, the beach club at the Carlton has a more prestigious reputation, and the Carlton has a stunning pool in their courtyard gardens. The Martinez does not have any pool at all.
5. Rooms
Both hotels offer luxurious rooms. At the Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, the balconies are Romeo and Juliette, and the feel is classy with cream and white decor punctuated by an orchid here and there. The views from the rooms at the front of the hotel are fantastic, but it does not offer sit-out balconies.
The rooms at the Martinez also feature spacious layouts and large windows, allowing natural light to flood the space and offering breathtaking views of either the Mediterranean Sea or the city of Cannes. The rooms feel more bland and less charismatic than those at the Carlton, but some do have the advantage over the Carlton as some have outside spaces with balconies or terraces.
6. Bar & Restaurant
The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, has three restaurants and the best internal bar in Cannes. Its dark, wood-paneled walls are reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century-old boys’ club, and the bright light fittings dangle off the ceilings, sprinkling brightness and fun into this sophisticated and stylish setting. This bar serves excellent cocktails along with all the other usuals. There is also a fun poolside bar, which is alfresco and very stylish. The renowned beach club is the place to be seen in Cannes and serves excellent food, too.
The restaurants at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes include La Palme d’Or, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Le Relais Martinez, a brasserie-style restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and classic French cuisine, the beach club restaurant, and The Martinez Bar, a chic and sophisticated venue where guests can unwind with expertly crafted cocktails, premium spirits, and fine wines.
We thought the bars and restaurants at The Carlton had the edge over the Martinez, although both are very good. We loved the bar at The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel. This was a stand-out experience for us and a must-try, wherever you stay.
7. Conclusion
We love The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel. Its Vogueish setting and stunning architecture are unbeatable and for us, this is the only hotel to stay at in Cannes if you’re looking for luxury. The Martinez is a great hotel with an Art Deco feel. It is probably the second-best hotel in Cannes but it lacks the joie de vivre of the Grand Damme that is The Carlton Cannes.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.