Nice Airport (NCE): Approximate driving time is 40 minutes and distance is 26 kilometers (17 miles).

Taxis and trains are available for transfer from the airport to central Cannes. SNCF national train services run to and from the airport every 30 minutes from Cannes Gare, which is 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) from the hotel. Motorway tolls may be added to taxi fares.

The rest of central Cannes is within a 15 minute walk. Taxis connect the hotel with other areas of Cannes within 20 minutes. The hotel can order taxis on request.

This hotel has 413 guestrooms, all of which are individually decorated in bright colors, many with limed-wood furnishings and Art Deco pictures. All have desks, minibars, safes, multi-line phones and Internet access (fee). Fax machines and hypoallergenic pillows are available on request. The ensuite bathrooms offer hairdryers, bathrobes, telephones, makeup mirrors and Annick Goutal toiletries.

Palme d’Or - Open for lunch and dinner five days a week, the Palme d’Or offers a much-acclaimed gastronomic experience. The chef, who has obtained two Michelin stars, serves a modern interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine. Signature dishes include Carrot Gnocchi with apples, peas or melon depending on the season. The restaurant was refurbished in 2003 in subdued tones of plum, orange and beige, while retaining its film theme in the palm-motif of the carpet and the black and white photos of past festivals. With its own dedicated lift and a chocolate-leather cushion provided for each lady to place her handbag upon, this is a favorite haunt for pampered gourmets. The restaurant also has a cigar lounge and cellar where wine tastings can be held.

Restaurant Le Relais - Open everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on seafood and local produce. With light wood paneling and neutral furnishings, the restaurant extends onto a terrace, overlooking the pool.

Amiral Bar - Next to the Restaurant Le Relais and overlooking the poolside, the Amiral bar serves drinks from morning until late evening. With its club-like ambience of dark wood and red furnishings, the bar is buzzing on evenings when Jimmy McKissic (a pianist who fills Carnegie Hall for an annual one-night only performance in New York) performs on the grand piano.

Restaurant de la Plage - The hotel’s large private beach has a restaurant, which is open for lunch from April to October. In a relaxed ambience of teak chairs and canvas, the Restaurant de la Plage serves salads, grills, spit roasts and stir fried food. The restaurant also has a bar, La Rotonde, which is open from morning until late evening, serving cocktails, snacks and even breakfast. There are regular firework displays on summer evenings.

Amenity highlights: A favorite haunt for pampered gourmets, the Palme d’Or restaurant serves a modern interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine. Signature dishes include Carrot Gnocchi. With its club-like ambience of dark wood and red furnishings, the Amiral bar is buzzing on evenings when Jimmy McKissic performs on the grand piano. The Givenchy spa has eight treatment rooms with private balconies overlooking the sea.

Insider tip: During the annual film festival, you’re likely to find L’Oreal models staying at Hotel Martinez. In the past, these have included such beauties as Andy MacDowell, Mila Jovovitch, Laetitia Casta and Gong Li.

Fifteen conference and banqueting rooms accommodate from 15 to one thousand guests. The 930 square meter Royal Galuchat Salon has a lighting system with 18 programmable projectors for staging concerts, catwalk shows and other events requiring scenic effects.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.