The three-pearl Columbus Monte-Carlo is a smartly decorated hotel in the southernmost part of Monte Carlo, a four-minute walk from the Port de Fontvieille, and 15 minutes from the Prince’s Palace. The181 rooms are elegant and fresh, with desks, flat-screen TVs, and views of the Mediterranean -- some from furnished balconies. A small gym, outdoor pool, and meeting spaces are on-site, and there's free shuttle service provided to the center of town. The restaurant offers a buffet breakfast, but no lunch or dinner, although the hotel does host a revolving array of pop-up restaurants during the summer months. Travelers looking to stay more centrally might want to try the Novotel Monte Carlo.
The three-pearl Columbus Monte-Carlo is a smartly decorated hotel in the southernmost part of Monte Carlo, a four-minute walk from the Port de Fontvieille, and 15 minutes from the Prince’s Palace. The181 rooms are elegant and fresh, with desks, flat-screen TVs, and views of the Mediterranean -- some from furnished balconies. A small gym, outdoor pool, and meeting spaces are on-site, and there's free shuttle service provided to the center of town. The restaurant offers a buffet breakfast, but no lunch or dinner, although the hotel does host a revolving array of pop-up restaurants during the summer months. Travelers looking to stay more centrally might want to try the Novotel Monte Carlo.
Built in 1889 and opulent enough to join the ranks of global "grande dames," this patrician four-and-a-half-pearl hotel in the heart of Monte Carlo is aimed at one-percenters who appreciate classical elegance. From the vast lobby/lounge to the 126 rooms -- all done by illustrious designer Jacques Garcia -- the hotel exudes Old-World style balanced by contemporary comfort. That said, rooms have the traditional look of a bygone era, and could read as stuffy to some travelers. Three Joël Robuchon restaurants, a Givenchy spa, and a pool area re-imagined by Karl Lagerfeld continue to ramp up the lavishness. But luxury lovers who want to comparison shop can also check out the nearby Hotel Hermitage, another Belle Epoque beauty belonging to the Leading Hotels of the World collection.
Built in 1889 and opulent enough to join the ranks of global "grande dames," this patrician four-and-a-half-pearl hotel in the heart of Monte Carlo is aimed at one-percenters who appreciate classical elegance. From the vast lobby/lounge to the 126 rooms -- all done by illustrious designer Jacques Garcia -- the hotel exudes Old-World style balanced by contemporary comfort. That said, rooms have the traditional look of a bygone era, and could read as stuffy to some travelers. Three Joël Robuchon restaurants, a Givenchy spa, and a pool area re-imagined by Karl Lagerfeld continue to ramp up the lavishness. But luxury lovers who want to comparison shop can also check out the nearby Hotel Hermitage, another Belle Epoque beauty belonging to the Leading Hotels of the World collection.
Le Meridien Beach Plaza is a four-pearl hotel that sits right on Monte Carlo's waterfront, a 10-minute drive from the boutique shops and attractions in the city center. The hotel has a full range of facilities including its own private beach with a bar, indoor and outdoor pools, two restaurants, and an all-night bar. The 403 rooms vary in style, and some are a bit tired, but most are bright and modern. Guests have found the entry-level rooms to be lacking in amenities, but this is common locally, and the Suites feature Illy coffee machines and Bose docking stations. Rates are competitive, perhaps due to its somewhat removed setting, so those looking to be more centrally located could look at Port Palace Hotel. However, it doesn't have a pool.
Le Meridien Beach Plaza is a four-pearl hotel that sits right on Monte Carlo's waterfront, a 10-minute drive from the boutique shops and attractions in the city center. The hotel has a full range of facilities including its own private beach with a bar, indoor and outdoor pools, two restaurants, and an all-night bar. The 403 rooms vary in style, and some are a bit tired, but most are bright and modern. Guests have found the entry-level rooms to be lacking in amenities, but this is common locally, and the Suites feature Illy coffee machines and Bose docking stations. Rates are competitive, perhaps due to its somewhat removed setting, so those looking to be more centrally located could look at Port Palace Hotel. However, it doesn't have a pool.
Opened in 1975 and rebranded as a Fairmont in 2004, this upscale 602-room hotel in the heart of Monte Carlo is one of Europe’s largest. The impressive range of features -- including multiple restaurants, a full-service spa and fitness center, sprawling event spaces, plus a rooftop pool with a lively Nikki Beach club -- reflects its size. But despite a €46-million refurbishment in 2009, the rooms aren’t equally memorable, and Wi-Fi in them is only free for Fairmont loyalty program members. On the upside, they boast flat-screen TVs, minibars, marble baths, and private decks -- some of which offer views of the Mediterranean or Formula One’s most famous turn. Travelers looking for a name-brand alternative with direct access to the sand can try Le Meridien Beach Plaza instead.
Opened in 1975 and rebranded as a Fairmont in 2004, this upscale 602-room hotel in the heart of Monte Carlo is one of Europe’s largest. The impressive range of features -- including multiple restaurants, a full-service spa and fitness center, sprawling event spaces, plus a rooftop pool with a lively Nikki Beach club -- reflects its size. But despite a €46-million refurbishment in 2009, the rooms aren’t equally memorable, and Wi-Fi in them is only free for Fairmont loyalty program members. On the upside, they boast flat-screen TVs, minibars, marble baths, and private decks -- some of which offer views of the Mediterranean or Formula One’s most famous turn. Travelers looking for a name-brand alternative with direct access to the sand can try Le Meridien Beach Plaza instead.
Part of Monte Carlo’s prestigious Société des Bains de Mer leisure group, the centrally located Hermitage combines the luxurious features you’d expect in a historic luxury property with access to amenities -- including an outstanding spa and beach club -- generally only found in full-blown resorts. The common areas ooze refinement, from the elegant Michelin-starred restaurant and Winter Garden (capped by a dome Gustave Eiffel designed) to the opulent Belle Epoque bars and salons. Ditto for the 278 tasteful rooms and suites, though the former aren’t particularly well-equipped. That said, the formal and ornate lodging on offer here may feel stuffy or buttoned up to some. Swanky travelers looking for a back-up hotel in the heart of town should consider the nearby Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo.
Part of Monte Carlo’s prestigious Société des Bains de Mer leisure group, the centrally located Hermitage combines the luxurious features you’d expect in a historic luxury property with access to amenities -- including an outstanding spa and beach club -- generally only found in full-blown resorts. The common areas ooze refinement, from the elegant Michelin-starred restaurant and Winter Garden (capped by a dome Gustave Eiffel designed) to the opulent Belle Epoque bars and salons. Ditto for the 278 tasteful rooms and suites, though the former aren’t particularly well-equipped. That said, the formal and ornate lodging on offer here may feel stuffy or buttoned up to some. Swanky travelers looking for a back-up hotel in the heart of town should consider the nearby Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo.