Luxury on the Riviera: A&E Discovers Hôtel de Paris in Monte Carlo as it Unveils its Renovation

Lara Mansour   |   19-08-2019

One of Monte Carlo’s most iconic destinations, Hôtel de Paris is born again with a new look and new vision, A&E discovered more this summer.

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is one of the city’s most historic and recognisable properties. With a 150-year history, the iconic hotel has welcomed some of the world’s most esteemed guests including celebrities, royals, heads of state and some of the world’s top business people. Not to mention it has been the film set of choice for many Hollywood movies.

 

Founded in 1864, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has stood the test of time and continued to be one of the city’s most popular destinations.

 

But in 2014 the decision was taken to renovate in order to modernise it in a way that embraced its history and further defined the founder François Blanc’s dream of creating “a hotel that surpasses everything”.

 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Exclusive Sea View Room

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Exclusive Sea View Room

 

While modernisation has been done in the past, this would be the biggest project the hotel has undertaken since its creation. In January 2019 the renovation entered its final stages with much of the vision complete and A&E was lucky enough to discover this summer the ways in which the hotel has become even elevated its status as a hospitality icon.

 

The overall objectives of the restoration project were partial deconstruction and reconstruction the harmonisation of spaces, designing complete new areas, the creation of exclusive suites and the evolution of gastronomy.

 

With this in mind, the hotel was entrusted to architects Richard Martinet and Gabriel Viora, who were given the huge task of enhancing and preserving the spirit of the building, but modernising it in a way that met the needs of today’s demanding hotel guest.

 

Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo Suite Sea View Terrace

Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo Suite Sea View Terrace

 

The project includes the creation of two brand new suites as well as the renovation of the Rotunda and Alice wings, the Beaux-Arts wing, Casino wing, Lobby and Bar Américain and more.

 

During A&E’s exploration of the newly unveiled hotel, here’s what we discovered about how the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has evolved and what it has to offer in 2019.

 

Rooms and Suites

 

Hôtel de Paris Diamond Suite Terrace

Hôtel de Paris Diamond Suite Terrace

 

With the modernisation of the hotel’s rooms and suites, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is able to provide larger and more spacious rooms for its guests. There are now 207 rooms in total of which 60 per cent are suites and almost all feature a balcony or terrace.

 

The rooms upkeep the classic and timeless feel of the property but are light and airy through their modernisation and choice of luxury interiors. They’re more colourful than previously with a splash of colour adding personality and more of a homely feel to the spaces.

 

Within the rooms, you’ll find sleek wooden furniture with gilded brass or glass paired with Louis XVI style pieces. Bronze fabrics add a shimmer in the bedroom lounges and soft precious fabrics give a homely feel. All of the materials were carefully chosen from around the world to create the perfect mix of luxury. Aside from the standard rooms and suites, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’s three new suites are something to marvel over.

 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Suite Princesse Grace

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Suite Princesse Grace

 

The Monte-Carlo Suite is designed with casino-goers in mind. Complete with its own exclusive gaming experience this suite is for the biggest game players in the city. At 525 Square metres, the Prince Rainier III Suite is one of the largest suites in Monte-Carlo. Guests can benefit from their own shower and sauna, a private bar in the lounge, office space and a terrace with infinity pool and wave system.

 

The third and newest suite is the Princess Grace Suite. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Princess Grace of Monaco. This extravagant suite is split over two floors and even includes 440 square metres of outdoor space with panoramic views of the ocean and the Prince’s Palace. The outdoor area boasts a heated infinity pool, lounge area and a jacuzzi.

 

Inside guests will find everything they need so that they never have to leave this luxury oasis; two bedrooms complete with walk-in wardrobes, a dining room, a lounge area and so much more. Guests staying in this suite will also receive a private Meet & Greet service at the airport or heliport, a dedicated room at the Thermes Marins Monte Carlo spa in winter and a tent at the Monte-Carlo Beach hotel’s private beach during the summer. This is the ultimate in luxury.

 

Food and Dining

 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Empire Ball Room

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Empire Ball Room

 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has a history of fine dining. It was, in fact, the first place in the world to be awarded 3* in the Michelin guide in 1990 for the Alain Ducasse restaurant and its new addition is set to continue the reputation as it opens its latest additions.

 

At Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris, Alain Ducasse and his Executive Chef Dominique Lory present “essential cooking”, paying homage to local ingredients and cuisine. Up to 50 guests can enjoy intimate dining with a menu of carefully prepared Mediterranean haute cuisine dishes. On warmer summer days the restaurant opens out onto an elegant ground-level terrace which overlooks Place Du Casino.

 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Suite Princesse Grace

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Suite Princesse Grace

 

For more casual dining, guests can visit ÔMER, which offers Mediterranean creations by Alain Ducasse. This restaurant overlooks the beautiful hotel gardens with the sea in the distance and the décor is fittingly inspired by that of a boat. The menu offers dishes created from ingredients of the land and sea – creating a complex and unique cuisine.

 

The menu is inspired by the cuisines of Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, Morocco and Tunisia with a hint of Spain and France. You’ll also find Le Grill on the 8th floor, offering marine-inspired décor in a new modern setting. This is the place to come if you are looking for spectacular evening views.

 

Shopping Experience

 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Suite Princesse Grace

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Suite Princesse Grace

 

If you’re planning a trip to Monte-Carlo the chances are you’ll be wanting to experience the vast shopping opportunities – from the High Jewellery boutiques at some of the city’s leading hotels to the new Monte-Carlo shopping Promenade which features brand new luxury boutiques.

 

Presented by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, this promenade is the newest must-visit to the city. Located close to the hotel and near the Place Du Casino, the Shopping Promenade features forty high-end boutiques from international fashion brands, watch and jewellery houses, perfume makers and more.

 

The open-air promenade features boutiques from brands including Audemars Piguet, Celine, Bvlgari, Chanel, Dior and lots more meaning you can shop ‘til you drop then head back to the nearby hotel for some well-needed recovery time!

 

For more on all of Monte-Carlo’s attractions visit montecarlosbm.com.

 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Facade Daily View

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Facade Daily View

 

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