Amy Adejokun
Section editor
This hotel was refurbished recently, but it's a pity the guestrooms didn't get the same modern makeover as the ground floor. The hotel is very well located, close to the Prince's palace and at the foot of the Rock. Additionally, it must be said that the hotel's Italian restaurant is excellent.
Ambassador - © L. Lautard / EASYVOYAGE
Ambassador - © L. Lautard / EASYVOYAGE
Located in the Condamine neighbourhood, the Ambassador hotel enjoys bustling surroundings animated by numerous shops. Away from the crowds of the busy city centre, this is where the authentic soul of Monaco can be found. The Prince's Palace is a few minutes' walk away, at the summit of the Rock. Additionally, the harbour is only a 5-minute downhill stroll away and the railway can also be reached in just 5 minutes.
The establishment's 35 guestrooms are available in two categories: Standard and Junior Suite. The hotel offers pleasant communal areas and the corridors are wide, but the stairways are rather dreary and neglected. It's a shame that the guestrooms have not benefited from the same modern decor that can be seen in the lobby. The establishment offers the same standards and disadvantages as one might expect from any traditional hotel. The floorboards are worn, the furniture is quaint and the decor is nondescript. Thankfully there are two French windows that let a lot of light into the room and the red bedspread adds a cheerful and glamorous touch. As for the amenities, the rooms have individual air conditioning and a stocked mini bar. All of the bathrooms are marble-clad and most are equipped with a shower rather than a bath. Some of the rooms have separate toilets. Two rooms are available in the hotel to accommodate disabled guests.
Opening in 1902, this is one of the first hotels of the Principality. It was bought again in 1998, however its facade still retains the former look of the establishment. Exterior woodwork, British style... the hotel underwent its most recent renovation in 2010. The lobby has therefore been modernised and boasts designer furniture as well as a fake fireplace. The setting is pleasant: on the left there is the restaurant, a pizzeria, which also serves as a breakfast room. The bar is open from 7:30am until midnight. In the basement, there is a well-equipped conference room with a large screen and video conference facilities. Room service is available until midnight. Wi-Fi access is free throughout the hotel.
"Our Pizzaiolo was world champion in 2009-2010 ! " they tell us - and it is! The pizzeria offers all sorts of Italian specialties and the food is good (especially the pizza!). The room is pleasant and immaculately white, with floods of light coming in through its large bay windows. The decor resembles something that Andy Warhol might have come up with. In an Italian pop-art setting, this space provides seating for around 100 guests.
Guests can choose between the bed and breakfast and half-board options.
massage, beauty salon, Turkish bath
tennis
The Fairmont is a huge establishment that was built facing the sea, affording breathtaking views across the waters of Monaco. The hotel is typical of the American-style 'resort' hotel, meaning that everything here has been designed so that guests don't actually need to leave the sometimes maze-like hotel for anything. That being said, the Golden Square is just two minutes away for those who do fancy venturing out.
The Port Palace offers Monaco's own underground living experience, but its classy facilities and terrace overlooking Port Hercule cannot hide the fact that it has been hollowed out of the rock, and is consequently a bit gloomy. The view from the restaurant terrace is unbeatable and is highly popular with thrill-seekers during the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Columbus Hotel stands close to the small port of Fontvieille and is careful to maintain its peaceful surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. The quality of its services, its modern Colonial-style decor and its comfortable and relaxing atmosphere make it one of the leading hotels in Monaco.
In a good location and nicely decorated, this Novotel hotel is well-intentioned but it hasn't managed to avoid certain pitfalls. Budget-wise, the establishment offers an interesting family formula.
The only thing charming about this small hotel is its location in a friendly neighbourhood. You will find it next to the Prince's Palace, a few minutes away from Port Hercule. It's the ideal place if you're travelling on a tight budget.
The Ni Hotel stands out among the other establishments of Monaco not only for its stylish and modern interior but also its location in a friendly neighbourhood. It provides a fine level of service, with a touch of originality and humour... all-in-all a splendid establishment.
It's hard for this local hotel to really stand out for the quality of the accommodation it offers, particularly as it can prove pretty expensive. The hotel is very well-located, close to the Prince's Palace at the foot of the Rock, and its Italian restaurant is excellent.
The Miramar occupies an ideal position opposite Port Hercule and the rock holding up the Prince of Monaco's palace; it is also a 5 minute walk from the Golden Square and its Casino de Paris. It is a pity that some of the rooms look a bit worn and have been decorated in a hesitant manner, because it is otherwise a cute little boutique hotel boasting a panoramic terrace.
This hotel is best described with adjectives: historical, mythical, magical... It is a cornerstone of the historic and touristic heritage of Monaco and stands proudly in the centre of the Golden Square, opposite the Café de Paris with the Casino to its right.
In the heart of Monte-Carlo, the Metropole hotel boasts superb architectural style and amenities that are beyond reproach: a renowned spa, star-awarded restaurants, high quality service... The charm and refinement of the interior will stay in the mind of any guest who stays here.
If you're after some Riviera-style glamour, the sea-facing Monte-Carlo Beach is definitely the place to be. With its back to a pine forest and its modern interior decorating, this highly intimate hotel is the stuff of dreams. Take note that there is a beach club on the same site as the hotel that offers its beautiful infrastructures, but also its concrete slab, to hotel guests and the general public alike.
The Meridien Beach Plaza is at the edge of Monaco and is right to pride itself on being the only hotel in the principality with its own private beach. It is a peaceful establishment with plenty of space, perfectly suited to lounging about and taking a dip in the pool.
The Fairmont is a huge establishment that was built facing the sea, affording breathtaking views across the waters of Monaco. The hotel is typical of the American-style 'resort' hotel, meaning that everything here has been designed so that guests don't actually need to leave the sometimes maze-like hotel for anything. That being said, the Golden Square is just two minutes away for those who do fancy venturing out.
Located on the road that leads out of Monaco, this business-oriented hotel has all the amenities of a prestigious resort: a modern interior, spacious rooms, a sea water lagoon, an indoor swimming pool, and a pleasant spa... but not much in the way of privacy.
The Port Palace offers Monaco's own underground living experience, but its classy facilities and terrace overlooking Port Hercule cannot hide the fact that it has been hollowed out of the rock, and is consequently a bit gloomy. The view from the restaurant terrace is unbeatable and is highly popular with thrill-seekers during the Monaco Grand Prix.
Another variation on Monaco-style luxury, the Hermitage Hotel stands out for it's Belle Epoque-inspired elegance. White is the dominant colour, as seen in columns and the quiet lounges, but the hotel also boasts some retro-modern touches such as works by Gustave Eiffel and the breathtaking view from the bar and restaurant. Guests of the hotel enjoy access to an exceptional spa, the Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo.