Amy Adejokun
Section editor
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.
Hotel de Paris - © L. Lautard / EASYVOYAGE
Hotel de Paris - © L. Lautard / EASYVOYAGE
In the heart of Monte-Carlo, in Monaco's most "it" place to be and be seen, the hotel is found on the famous golden square. The history of this principality began with the Café de Paris and the Casino, where the local residents are not permitted to gamble. During the Grand Prix, the hotel overlooks a large section of the track and the famous "Casino ascent". The train station is only 10 minutes away, and it takes half that to get to Port Hercule.
The establishment's 182 rooms come in several categories: Sea exclusive, City, Casino, Superior, Court and the Suites, including the famous 200m˛ Winston Churchill suite. There are 99 double rooms and 83 suites... Inside the double rooms, the level of refinement is up to the standards set by the establishment. A large walk-in closet is a perfect place to store your belongings before taking a seat in the comfortable sitting room facing the bed. You will also find paintings, flowers, refined and antique furniture... and an unobstructed view of the sea. The bathroom is just as exquisite, clad in marble and ceramic tiling, with two sinks, all the amenities you could need and more: a flat screen television. The shower and bathtub are separate. It should be noted that some of the rooms have managed to break away from the traditional style of interior decorating and boast some modern touches. The overall effect is stunning.
Opened in 1964, it was the first hotel in Monaco to accommodate patrons of the Casino, which was built the year before. It was designed based on the model of the Grand Hotel on Boulevard des Capucines in Paris, but has been transformed over the years. Once you pass the famous revolving door you'll discover a sumptuous setting. As you spend a few moments taking everything in, lay a hand on the hoof of the statue of Louis XIV's horse - it's meant to give you luck if you are here to gamble. There are other motivations though if gambling isn't your thing. The hall is spacious and glimmers in the light of the beautiful crystal chandeliers that illuminate the bas relief, the marble columns, and the big wall mirrors that reflect the luxury and the style that would have fit in nicely in Versailles in its heyday. The reception is a discrete little desk tucked away in a corner, facing the concierge service. Behind it are some jewellery boutiques. To the right is the magnificent Alain Ducasse restaurant, "Le Louis XV", with a sublime Empire-era reception hall further on, while to the left is an American-style bar bearing witness to the various styles and famous people that have visited the establishment. The atmosphere is hushed and there is a small stage where a band performs in the evenings. The palace is also equipped with a thalassotherapy centre and a spa with an outdoor seawater pool, a high tech fitness centre... in short, 6600m˛ devoted to well-being. The corridors leading to the rooms are spacious and well decorated.
Gourmets will certainly enjoy the Alain Ducasse restaurant, "Le Louis XV". The setting is up to its 3 star standard given by the Michelin guide. The ceiling is high, with gilded elements, and there are paintings of famous historical French women, silverware, beautiful crockery... Once again, it's a place best described with superlatives. It also affords a view on the Casino square. If you like grilled fish or meat, we recommend the Grill restaurant and its breathtaking view over the sea and the city centre. Decorated in the spirit of a caravel, it provides a sea-inspired setting that is as delicious as the food served.
Revolving doors are a charming feature of many hotels, but very few still enjoy the service of a proper doorman with white gloves, as you will find in the Hotel de Paris.
beauty salon, sauna, spa, massage, keep fit, thalassotherapy, Turkish bath, wellness
water-polo, fitness, sports, gym, tennis, golf
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.