Ahh, The Riviera. Some of you may be thinking, “Could anywhere be more glamourous than the strip of Mediterranean coastline that drapes itself along France’s southeast corner?” And to those people, I suggest you hold your horses for but a few moments. If you take the time to zoom in, you’ll find an anomaly on the map that’s akin to a powerful magnet, enticing life’s highflyers with more than just tax breaks, although I’m sure they sweeten the deal.
While I often can’t resist lacing some historical tidbits into the start of an article, the story of The Principality of Monaco is simply too complicated. Just know that this tiny 0.8 sq mi semi-enclave has been around since 1297, biding its time until the late 19th century when the combination of the opening of its first casino and a rail connection to Paris caused an economic boom. Since then it’s been a playground for the rich and well-to-do, and where else are these individuals going to stay in Monaco, but some of the best hotels in the world?
Thankfully, the best hotels in Monaco are certainly up to standard, and with the fabled Principality spread out across less than a mile squared each of them is within walking distance. But, this is Monaco so maybe just take the Ferrari.
So what can you expect from some of these hotels? Well, plenty of gilded age glamour — Monaco holds onto the heritage of its early days — but also a dash of 50s and 60s excess, in part brought over from the states by Grace Kelly, who became Princess Grace of Monaco in 1956 when she married Prince Rainier III. However, these hotels are far from stuck in the past, in fact, it seems at least one of them is usually undergoing some form of refurbishment. So without any further ado, here are the best hotels in Monaco.
The Maybourne Riviera
The first of our best hotels in Monaco is actually not in the Principality at all, it sits just outside its borders, but when dealing with European microstates it seems only fair to be a little liberal with the rulebook. The Maybourne Riviera is situated in the idyllic commune of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, just around the corner from Monaco. Its bold modernist architecture protrudes from the rocky peninsula, leaning out to provide those who stay with one of the finest views of the Principality.
Here, it’s suites and studios only, created by world-renowned architects and designers, these abodes are dripping with classical Mediterranean styling, think lots of white, blue stripes and the odd pastel accents.
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Those who stay also gain access to the Maybourne La Plage beach club, with sun loungers provided to guests staying in suites. This is the riviera distilled in its purest form, with a restaurant that serves Mediterranean classics, waves crashing nearby and stripey parasols abound.
Top suite: The Maybourne Suite
Those looking for the finest room can do no wrong at The Maybourne Suite, which has been designed for both unwinding and entertaining. At 2153 sq ft, there’s plenty of space for Monaco standards and the balcony view is likely better than anywhere actually inside the Principality. The modernist style of the hotel’s architecture continues into the room with a mixture of curved features and nautical accents. While for those who find packing a challenge, there’s a pair of walk-in wardrobe dressing rooms, ideal for getting ready for the night ahead.
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Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel
Just down the hill and now only around 300 yards from the border of Monaco, the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel sits in pride of place on the corner of the private beach, Plage de Saint-Roman, which guests get access to. With only 40 rooms and suites this Relais & Chateaux property isn’t quite boutique, but it’s not far away. And nothing is more Monaco than a hotel this small, in this location boasting an Olympic-sized swimming pool. So if you’re partial to a length or two, this is the place to stay.
Built during the 1930s and redesigned by French architect India Mahdavi — also known for designing the Coburg Bar at London’s The Connaught Hotel — the property is also Green Globe certified.
Its prestige restaurant Elsa is helmed by chef Marcel Ravin. Due to its unbeatable positioning at the water’s edge, this restaurant leans into its surroundings serving seafood that sings to this region’s world-class produce.
Top suite: Diamond Suite – Sunshine
In prime real estate such as this, the 2000 sq ft Diamond suite at the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel is sizable indeed. Its own private hot tub, views of the sea, mountains and pool, in addition to a private roof terrace all add to what makes this one of the finest rooms in and around Monaco.
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Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
At long last on our travels around the best hotels in Monaco, we finally arrive inside the borders of the Principality itself, albeit only just, and where better to start than the sumptuous Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.
Blending the chic with the casual while somehow managing to keep everything timeless, this classic resort presents itself as a bold mix of styles and atmospheres. Perfect for a stroll there are also four hectares of gardens that include waterfalls, solariums a pool and a sand bottom lagoon, that brings the feel of an oasis to the Principality.
Rooms range from a standard deluxe with a city view right the way to the glorious diamond suite eleven. As the evening comes and the sun finally drops down into the endless blue med, it must be time for dinner, and where better than the two-Michelin star hotel restaurant Blue Bay Marcel Ravin. Stemming from the chef’s Caribbean heritage, expect cooking that blends the bold flavors and colors of the Caribbean with classic French technique.
Top suite: Diamond Suite Eleven
Head up to the hotel’s 11th floor, and you will arrive at the aptly named Diamond Suite Eleven. A room this high serves dramatic views with ease, while its contemporary decor certainly brings things into the 21st century. This two-bedroom suite also includes an expansive lounge-dining room and the option to really push the limit by connecting to a duplex suite.
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Hôtel de Paris
Heading into the center of town, we arrive at the fabled Place du Casino, where Formula 1 cars blaze through once a year during the Grand Prix, It is also where you will find the classic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo which really needs little introduction. Those looking for a grand palatial stay of the highest order in an unbeatable location should look no further. One of the hotels in Monaco that certainly leans more towards the traditional, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo channels an ambiance that gets it close to regal.
Recently renovated rooms and suites continue this theme while, at the same time, remaining light and fresh. There are also three restaurants, including the one-star Le Grill and the three-star Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, widely considered one of the finest restaurants in the world. If the dining room is anything to go by, we would tend to agree.
Top suite: Prince Rainier III
Not wanting to be outdone, the finest suite at Hôtel de Paris, Prince Rainier III, is more than one of the finest suites in Monaco; it reaches the upper echelons of the finest suites that can be found anywhere in the world. Featuring paintings and original photographs from Rainier III’s personal collection, a vast and private heated infinity pool and a grand terrace, this 8,000 sq ft suite is unlike anything else in the Principality.
Hôtel Hermitage
Finally, right next door, we end our jaunt around the best hotels in Monaco at Hôtel Hermitage, which stands proudly on Avenue Princess Alice as a bastion of Monegasque hospitality. Providing those who stay with an elevated level of luxury would be an understatement, this property is at once modern and classic riding that difficult line where many five-star hotels fail.
Its beautiful belle époque styling adds a level of grandeur to the Principalities streets – a theme that continues inside. Those looking to add a significant dose of relaxation to their Monaco stay should head to the opulent Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo Spa, easily one of the finest in the south of France. The winter garden that sits beneath the beautiful Eiffel cupola is a sight to behold.
Dining at Hôtel Hermitage is handled by the ever busy Yannick Alléno whose restaurant Pavyllon has earned a Michelin star. The open kitchen is distinctly modern, contrasting with the classic hotel, while the food puts wellbeing at the forefront with a plant-led menu that features plenty of seafood and low-sugar desserts.
Top suite: Diamond Suite Presidential
At Hôtel Hermitage there’s a wide range of grand suites, and guests who stay in either the Princely or Presidential certainly will not be going home disappointed. With two bedrooms and a glorious outdoor terrace that overlooks Monaco’s Harbor, the Presidential suite on the hotel’s top floor is comfortably one of the best suites in the Principality.
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