Hotel Le Metropole

In the heart of the city, the Metropole hotel is a classically built establishment in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. The hotel is not far from the famous Monte-Carlo Golden Square, which means only a short distance from the mythical and most spectacular sights of the principality: the Cafe de Paris, the Casino and the Hotel de Paris. In front of the hotel is a nice garden with neat alleys and perfectly trimmed lawns, as well numerous exotic plants, making for a green haven of peace away from the noise of the cars. Expect a 10 minute walk from the train station to the hotel.

The interior decorating is the work of Jacques Garcia.

The entrance is hard to miss. Guests enter through a box hedge archway that resembles the Parisian Arc de Triomphe. They then follow a topiary-lined alley that leads to a revolving door. It is hard not to be amazed by the Belle Epoque-inspired style of the building, which was erected in 1889. Both elegant and massive, one section is used for the hotel and the other serves as the owners' residence. Entirely renovated in 2004, it was decorated by Jacques Garcia in a style that mixes baroque features, a hushed atmosphere, and a rich history. Although the idea was to create a Mediterranean palace, the layout of the establishment has served to retain the warmth of a family residence.
Once inside, guests enter the Salon des Princes where the concierge service is located. This leads into another lounge where a glass roof lets in a flood of natural and soft light. The atmosphere is hushed and refined, and the room boasts all sorts of works of art, a true treat for the eyes. A huge antique tapestry hangs from the wall and there are some ancient books here and there. The bar is open from 10:00am till midnight and provides a good place to stop off on your way to or from the restaurant. The reception is installed in a discreet little corner. The common areas are elegant and boast cushy wall-to-wall carpet. The atmosphere is resolutely homely and lounge music makes the setting even more relaxing. On the first floor there is a nice sea water swimming pool that is outdoors and heated. Surrounded by deckchairs and greenery, it guards its privacy from the street but can be easily seen from the terraces of the neighbouring building! Finally, the bar is open from 9:00am till 8:00pm and serves breakfast and lunch. Beneath it is the spa, which opened in 2006 under the name Espa. It is well equipped and spacious. Next to it you'll find the fitness centre. At night the hotel is all lit-up.

The hotel houses some 141 rooms that come in different categories: Superior, Superior Luxury, Junior Suite and Junior Superior, Junior Suite Luxury, and one Suite Prestige. We were particularly impressed with the Junior Suite Luxury rooms, which are spacious and comfortable. The decor stays in harmony with the rest of the establishment: great attention to detail, antique furniture, and abundant use of noble materials. Lodged between two elegant doors, the room also includes an alcove with a well stocked mini bar. The lounge area is very comfortable and the temptation to laze around is hard to resist. Separated by two columns, it gives way to the bedroom and its large bed. On the bedside table you'll find an iPod dock. Next to the bed, there is a large walk-in closet with many storage facilities. The bathroom is spacious and beautifully decorated. Entirely clad in marble, it includes a bathtub, separate toilets, and a shower with water jets in a glass cabin. Ladies will certainly appreciate the presence of a small jewellery box on the sink where they can leave their belongings. Wifi access is available throughout the hotel, but you have to pay for the service. The only drawback is the view. In some of the rooms it is totally obstructed by the neighbouring buildings.

The palace has racked up 3 Michelin stars for its cuisine, which falls under the supervision and management of French chef Joël Robuchon. The main restaurant has a capacity of 70 guests and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It stays open until 10:30 pm is and occupies a cosy and warm room where you can admire the comings and goings of highly professional and attentive waiters. The hotel also has a Japanese restaurant, the Yoshi, that opened in 2008 and has just earned its first star. Found in a magnificent room that opens onto a Japanese garden, it seats around 35 guests who can enjoy Japanese dishes prepared by one of the most awarded chefs in the world. Apart from Mondays, when it is closed, it is open every day from 12:15pm until 2:00pm for lunch and from 7:30pm until 10:30pm for dinner. The hotel only offers a Bed & Breakfast formula.

Located on Lavrotto beach, the Metropole is in partnership with the Rose des Vents. A shuttle service connects the hotel to the beach where you will find a designated area with deckchairs. The artificial beach has nothing in particular to offer: the water is clear enough but the seabed is strewn with rocks, the sand is coarse, and a concrete dike somewhat ruins the landscape. It is supervised though.