Which hotel is best, JW Marriott Cannes Vs. Hôtel Martinez, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt? While you might be tempted to earn or spend your Marriott Bonvoy points at the JW Marriott Cannes, you can also earn or burn some World of Hyatt points at the Martinez.
Both these hotels are steps away from each other, and both are on the waterfront, but they are quite different in style. If you are paying for your stay at either hotel, our luxury travel concierge offers free benefits at both of these hotels, so please do drop us an email, and we should be able to offer you a brilliant deal.
1. Location
Cannes, a celebrated city nestled along the opulent French Riviera on the southeastern coast of France, holds a prestigious place within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, specifically in the Alpes-Maritimes. Embraced by breathtaking natural scenery, Cannes sits on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by balmy summers and gentle winters.
Review: Hotel Martinez Cannes by Hyatt
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Le Croisette, Hotel Martinez Cannes by Hyatt boasts an ideal location along the famed waterfront promenade of Cannes. Renowned for its opulence and breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, Le Croisette spans roughly 2 kilometers along the bay. Lined with swaying palm trees, prestigious hotels, high-end boutiques, and fashionable cafes, this iconic promenade epitomizes glamour and luxury, offering guests an unforgettable Riviera experience.
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 international and domestic flights. A taxi from the airport to Cannes usually takes around 45 minutes and costs about €100 EUR.
The JW Marriott Cannes and Hôtel Martinez bu Hyatt both enjoy a prime location in the heart of La Croisette, surrounded by high-end designer boutiques. The Martinez Hotel sits on one side of the Carlton Hotel Cannes, and the JW Marriott is a few doors down on the other side. These hotels are part of a trio of luxury hotels that face the famous La Croisette promenade.
2. Style
The JW Marriott has a style like no other, which can be good or bad depending on your tastes. In my full review of the JW Marriott Cannes, I describe the hotel much like a spaceship that has crashed into the center of the historic seafront at Cannes, and I stand by this description.
Review: JW Marriott Cannes
JW Marriott Cannes is perfectly located in the heart of Le Croisette, the prominent waterfront promenade in Cannes renowned for its glamour, luxury, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The promenade stretches approximately 2 kilometers along the bay and is lined with palm trees, prestigious hotels, upscale boutiques, and chic cafes. Cannes is a renowned city located on the French Riviera, a glamorous stretch along the southeastern coast of France. It is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
Unlike the Martinez, which is fronted by a glamorous entrance with a circular driveway framed by swaying palm trees, the JW Marriott is hidden in a large glass-fronted building that reminds me of a 1990s shopping mall. It doesn’t fit with the rest of the architecture in Cannes, and the entrance is some steps off a pavement that leads to a marble foyer hall that takes you to some escalators.
That’s not to say the JW Marriott isn’t impressive. It is. When you rise up the escalators and are greeted by a multistorey foyer with a gargantuan metallic chandelier gushing from the ceiling, you can’t help but be impressed. Still, I couldn’t help feeling that the setting was more Las Vegas than Cannes, and the style felt odd given its location.
The JW Marriott feels big, and like it’s flown over from America. The architect created a “wow” design, and whatever you feel about its interior, you will be gobsmacked by this hotel foyer’s size and construction.
Inside, the Martinez fits with Cannes and feels French. A marble foyer and a large art deco chandelier contrasts with the unexpected modernity of the JW Marriott. The area feels classy with a big marble staircase and checkin desks hidden discretely to one side of the foyer.
3. Size
Both hotels are large. Despite its size, the Martinez feels fairly boutique and historical, while the JW Marriott feels like a massive hotel in Las Vegas with a towering glitzy foyer many storeys high.
4. Beach & Pool
The JW Marriott Cannes has a rooftop pool and Palais Stéphanie Beach, where their beach restaurant is located. The Palais Stephanie Beach offers an incredible sea view of the Lérins Islands, the Esterel mountains, and sun beds.
The Martinez Beach Club is superior. This beach club is renowned for its elegant atmosphere and 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.
5. Rooms
Rooms at the JW Marriott are bright with huge windows, a modern design, and swirly blue ocean-like carpets. Many have great balconies and terraces. The bathrooms have been recently refurbished and are decent, too.
The rooms at the Martinez are bright but fairly generic. They lack the chicness of Cannes but feel more French than the rooms at the JW Marriott.
5. Conclusion
Hotel Martinez feels like it belongs in Cannes. JW Marriott ignores the history of Cannes and boldly goes all in for modernity. Hotel Martinez has a better beach club and restaurant and a more classy entrance. We think hotel Martinez is the better option when comparing these hotels.
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