If you’re dreaming of a luxury summer escape there’s still time and Monte Carlo is the perfect destination to get you back into holiday mode. With easy access for travellers from the UAE who are vaccinated against COVID-19, there’s really no excuse not to escape to this millionaire’s playground.
At the heart of the city is the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Situated in the Place du Casino this infamous hotel has recently undergone a full renovation and is ready for visitors wanting to experience the finest in luxury hospitality and the very best in fine dining. As you step out from the nearby Nice airport and breathe in the fresh European air, you’ll be greeted by a designated driver waiting to whisk you off to this relaxing haven. If you prefer to drive yourself to the resort, the surrounding landscape is stunning and will make for a once-in-a-lifetime drive. On arriving at the property step inside the impressive entrance hall as you soak up a true piece of history. As a solo traveller, I instantly felt at home thanks to the warm welcome of the hotel’s staff, this is a city for everyone from families, to couples, looking for a romantic escape, to groups looking to party and solo travellers like myself, hoping for some much-needed “me time”.
Rooms & Suites
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’s rooms and suites are known for their luxury and elegance. Contemporary yet traditional, it’s the attention to detail that make the rooms really stand out. Choose from a sea view if you’re looking for pure serenity or a Casino View room if you want to truly feel at the heart of all the action. The rooms are surprisingly spacious and all suites come with a relaxing living area as well as one or two bedrooms.
The newest addition to the room offering is the Suite Prince Rainier III, now the largest suite in the property and it is truly spectacular. This spacious suite pay pays tribute to the “Prince builder” to whom Monaco owes its transformation into a leading luxury destination. The rooftop villa suite features over 500 m² of refined luxury with breath-taking views over the Place du Casino. Designed by Richard Martinet it was created using the best in French and Italian craftsmanship: straw marquetry; leather headboards; textured paints and decorative elements made in the workshops of artisans.
The lights were also specially created for the Suite from original designs. Photos, paintings and some of Prince Rainier’s personal effects add an intimate feel to the Suite. The suite includes two bedrooms, a large main lounge with a bar area, a smaller lounge and a library, a dining room and an office space. It can be extended to 600 m² with a third connecting room. Each bedroom has a private bathroom with a steam room shower, a blend of brightness, marble and transparency.
The Suite also contains a glass-walled sauna that opens onto the Mediterranean sky. It also features a 135 m² split-level terrace, the first level is home to a heated infinity-edge swimming pool and a staircase leads to the lower level which guests can experience unrivalled views over Place du Casino.
Food & Beverage
With Michelin starred restaurants and a host of casual dining and lounge options there is plenty on offer for guests whatever their taste. Our personal favourite dining experience is Le Grill, which offers the most stunning views of the ocean. It is the finest luxury you’ll find in the Mediterranean and an impressive menu to match. Headed up by Chef Franck Cerutti the menu is comprised of grilled meats, fish and vegetarian dishes, cooked over a wood fire. We highly recommend the locally caught Riviera fish for a true piece of the region and the taste is simply divine!
From 6th July to 22nd August a celebration of Italian cuisine will take place at the hotel with a pop-up restaurant from Chef Andrea Berton that presents traditional classics with a modern twist. Presentation is everything with the bright, colourful dishes looking too good to eat! The third luxury eatery is perhaps the most iconic of all. 3-Michelin-starred eater Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris by renowned chef Dominique Lory and Alain Ducasse is a must-visit. Early booking is highly advised as the restaurant is in very high demand. An exploration of taste, the menu comprises of surprising dishes using only the very best ingredients.
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer the Monte-Carlo based society that runs Hôtel de Paris, Monte-Carlo and a number of other properties in the city, is known across Europe for its exceptional dining offering and this summer there’s, even more, to be excited about. The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains is highlighting the best in fine dining this summer with the “Festival des Etoilés Monte-Carlo” which is offering unique dining experiences jointly crafted by the group’s Michelin-starred chefs. Every month, from May to November (except July and August), a dinner by two will be on offer in one of the Michelin-starred restaurants of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group – the Louis XV-Alain Ducasse at Hotel de Paris, the Blue Bay at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Le Grill at Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, and Elsa at Monte-Carlo Beach.
Each of SBM’s Michelin starred “house” Chefs have selected a notable Chef guest with whom to form a multi-starred duo and deliver an exceptional dinner crafted by 4 hands – where two talents and two visions of cooking will create exceptional dishes. Michel Sarran, Riccardo Camanini, Mauro Colagreco and Michel Guérard were delighted to accept the invitation extended by Marcel Ravin, Franck Cerutti and Dominique Lory.
The festival will close in November with a gala evening in the prestigious Salle Médecin of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. For the occasion, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Chefs will create a dinner composed of their signature dishes, inviting guests to a trip to the star-studded galaxy of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
Wellness & Activities
There’s so much to do in Monte Carlo that you’ll never want to leave! Hôtel de Paris, Monte-Carlo has special access to the Monte-Carlo Beach Club’s private beach, the Monte-Carlo Country Club, the Golf Club and the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo. Monte-Carlo Beach Club is known for attracting the who’s who of Europe and no visit would be complete without a day trip to this iconic destination. Either chill out by the pool or have lunch overlooking the ocean while doing a spot of people watching, (you won’t be able to help yourself!).
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa is one of the most prestigious wellness destinations in the region. While some of the facilities may still be closed due to COVID-19 precautions, the hotel offers holistic based treatments to meet every need. Speak to the experts at the spa to create your own personalised treatment package during your stay – you won’t want to go anywhere else!
