While hotels around the world are typically classified by the five-star system, some exceptions exist in cities that are particularly known for luxury and hospitality.
The Burj Al Arab in Dubai has long held the title of the world’s first seven-star hotels around the world while, in France, the “Distinction Palace” label is assigned to a very limited number of properties that are recognized as being the best of the best in the country.
The official criteria required by the Commission for the Palace label include an “exceptional location,” a “legendary status through historical significance or frequentation by renowned figures” and “bespoke and personalized service.”
Hôtel Martinez gets first French Palace distinction in Cannes
At the end of May, the luxury hotel world was rocked by scandal when three French hotels were stripped of their “Palace” recognition. The Hyatt Paris-Vendôme and Mandarin Oriental in Paris and the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, while still very luxurious five-star properties, lost the top tier of recognition over what in at least two cases were protracted construction projects that seeped into the guest experience.
With three new spots opening up on the Palace registry that previously contained 31 properties across France, Hôtel Martinez in Cannes was quickly chosen by the Palace Commission to fill the newly-created space.
Related: The hotel for the next ‘White Lotus’ season has been leaked
Built in 1929 by the heir of a prominent Italian noble family, the Hôtel Martinez is by far the most iconic sight in Cannes with its Art Deco design and prime location on the Boulevard de la Croisette.
For decades, it has been the top place to spot A-list celebrities coming in for the annual Cannes film festival. The property has been under Hyatt since 2013 and is also home to the two-star Michelin restaurant La Palme d’Or as well as the glitzy La Plage du Martinez beach club.
The Hôtel Martinez is a well-known Art Deco sight on La Croisette in Cannes.
Hôtel Martinez
“Tremendously proud”: Hôtel Martinez on becoming a Palace
While the property is an icon to anyone who has passed through Cannes even once, Hôtel Martinez has up until this point not been recognized as a Palace by the commission. This is also the first time that a new property in France gets the “Palace” recognition in seven years.
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“Learning that we’ve met the standards to earn this title fills us with joy,” Michel Cottray, general manager at Hôtel Martinez, said in a statement. “We’re tremendously proud to join the exclusive circle of the Palaces de France. After years of waiting, the Palace Distinction has, at long last, made its debut in Cannes and we are truly honoured.”
Hôtel Martinez is also about to get a fresh wave of international attention with the upcoming release of the fourth season of hit HBO show “The White Lotus” set in multiple cities across France.
While almost everything around the season is being kept under tight wraps by the production company, the show’s super-fans leaked a number of properties that are likely to be featured by observing filming in the area.
The Château de La Messardière in Saint-Tropez and the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia in Paris are also reported to be featured as the characters move through France in a multi-episode journey that in past seasons quickly turned dark.
Related: Three luxury hotels in Paris lose top palace classification