Members of luxury hospitality organization unveil refurbishments and signature suites.

New York, NY (Vocus) June 29, 2010

Members of The Leading Hotels of the World unveil new looks and inaugural signature suites.

Hotel Martinez in Cannes Completes EUR 5 Million Renovation Program

The iconic Hotel Martinez on the Croisette in Cannes has recently completed a multi-million euro renovation program which saw the refurbishment of seven of its signature suites. Among them, the Suite Des Oliviers now sports a new, more contemporary look. Measuring 180 square meters, the suite has an additional 250 square meters of sea-facing terrace with an immense Jacuzzi. Interiors have been done in white, champagne, ivory and beige, accented by varying shades blues. With furnishings designed by Studio Hertrich-Adnet, the suite evokes the Art Deco period, while offering 21st-century technology. Six additional two-bedroom suites have also been renovated.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) President Karan Singh spoke here last night about his not-so-well-known French connection and a sentimental journey he had made to the Mediterranean town of Cannes, famous for its annual film festivals, last month.

"By a curious concatenation of circumstances I was born in the Hotel Martinez, one of the leading establishments on the Cote d' azur way back in 1931, well before the Second World War broke out," Dr Karan Singh, the only son of then Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, said.

By STEFANO TONCHI

CANNES — This town is catching up with me, and to be honest I am not so sure how much longer I will last before surrendering to the call of the beach. Today was Tarantino day, with much anxiety and anticipation in the air, as much for the premiere of “Inglourious Basterds” as for the arrival of Brad and Angelina, who were scheduled to walk up the stairs of the Palais at 6:50 p.m. local time. The action has really picked up these last 12 hours; the halls of the Martinez are now closed to the public and guests are required to carry a special I.D. in order to get through all of the newly installed security checkpoints.

For years, Cannes has offered the most tantalizing glamour and the most lavish parties. But this year the film festival is tightening its belt as the industry sobers up in line with the global economic crisis, with guests expected to down sparkling wine instead of champagne and onion tart instead of foie gras. Even Vanity Fair's most sought-after black-tie ball is being scrapped.

Former Miss Germany and Miss Europe 2005 Shermine Shahrivar poses with Lebanese model Karen in Cannes, France, at the Martinez Hotel terrasse, wearing Elie Saab and jewels by De Grisogono.