The Hotel
The hotel is more like a Belle Époque castle set in a Disney fairy-tale, which is rather fitting as Monaco is a fairy-tale country. Built in 1864, the luxury hotel was designed to house the VIP guests of the casino and certainly is designed for those high-rollers with a level of luxury and service which is world-leading. It is located in the centre square of Monte Carlo, between the legendary Monte Carlo Casino and the Opera House. Owned by Société des Bains de Mer (Monte Carlo SBM), the Hôtel de Paris is the jewel in the crown of Monte Carlo SBM’s hotel holdings in the principality.
The hotel’s interiors are as one would expect featuring the finest stone, marble, grand chandeliers, luxurious sofas and chairs with a light beige and brown colour palette. It’s decadence all over but with a flow of understated grandeur following its most recent renovation. The hotel has a three-Michelin-starred restaurant (by chef Alain Ducasse), the world’s largest wine cellar, a playground for Princes, Presidents and other heads of state and was the scene of two Bond movies.
The Lobby is in itself a monument of grandeur and class with a regal theme which centres on the beautiful glass dome, main chandelier and giant columns.
The interior garden courtyard is styled with palm trees and marbled colonnades akin to the colonial style theme you see in Singapore or Hong Kong hotels of yesteryear.
Some of the guest wings can be accessed via the stairs and I do recommend using them as the aesthetic is just perfect.
The marble touches and mosaic in the lobby area are well thought and tasteful adding some contemporary touch to what is a rather regal hotel.
The Room
The rooms have elegant white panelled walls, large flat screen televisions, neutral to light tones and artwork which is more modern and minimalist. There are Louis XVI-style chairs, wooden floors and tables and curtains and a rug with bronze fabrics. An elegant Murano glass chandelier lights up the room. A smart telephone lets you access all the hotel’s services with a touch of a button.
There’s plenty of storage and a safe
There is an extensive wardrobe storage area which proves to be sufficient for the stay.
The Mini Bar
The mini bar is quite extensive with a mix of complementary teas and coffees, merchandise for purchase and an extensive selection of cold drinks, premium spirits (including a Hennessy XO) champagne and fine wines. It definitely gets full marks from me!
The Bathroom
The bathrooms have beautiful Italian Calacatta marble and are stocked with premium Guerlain amenities. Our bathroom has a deep soaking tub and is stocked with an amenity kit and plenty of premium cotton towels.
The Special Gift
We are provided with a special gift for our honeymoon. There are two bright red love shaped pastries, complimentary premium mineral water and a lovely card.
The Turndown Service
The turndown service for honeymooners is the epitome of romance, with love shaped flower decoration on the bed with some night-time products from the spa.
Room Service
I will touch on the restaurants and bars in this hotel at the end, but there isn’t really a need to leave the room. There is a rather extensive room service menu which draws largely from the All-Day Menu at Bar American.
We opt for the Cheeseburgers and Fries with a beautiful bottle of Château Olivier, Grand Cru Classé de Graves from Pessac-Leognan.
Wellness
When the rooftop wellness space features a pool and loungers, steam and sauna facilities and a fitness centre. We have a lovely afternoon of fun and frivolity as we enjoy the sun and view over the Prince’s Palace with that cute flamingo inflatable.
I know this section is wellness and the above photo is of cocktails and snacks, but there is a gym on the rooftop with decent views.
It’s worth noting that guests have access to all the facilities at SBM’s properties, including Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo which is within the Hotel de Paris area (although it is a little convoluted on how you get there). This facility spans four levels and has a covered indoor pool, hammam, second fitness centre and a Jacuzzi which overlooks the Prince’s Palace.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is set at Ômer’s garden. There is a lovely view overlooking the port in a lovely, lush garden setting. You can enjoy the buffet selection with some plates which are made to order.
We order the Eggs Royale and enjoy a selection of slices, tarts, canelés, yoghurt, fruits, vegetables, smoked salmon, fresh coffee and juices from the buffet. It’s a rather idyllic setting for a beautiful breakfast.
Food and Beverage
We dined at Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV Restaurant (which I will review in my next post). Alain Ducasse runs the hotel’s dining facilities, and he does an excellent job. You have a choice of Louis XV restaurant (three-star Michelin cuisine), Ômer (where our breakfast is served), which is a more casual Mediterranean restaurant with mezze options. The Le Grill (on the top floor), which offers panoramic views of Monte Carlo with a sliding roof and for more casual dining or post-dinner libation, with some Jazz, there’s the Le American Bar.
Overall
We had a beautiful stay in Monte Carlo – a special spot with its glamour and glitz. The hotel is definitely the place to stay in Monte Carlo – it’s right in the centre square, next to the Casino, close to the beaches and you can visit any of the Monte Carlo SBM facilities. The refurbishment, which was completed in 2019, has meant the hotel has all the modern amenities while retaining its sense of grandeur albeit somewhat in an understated manner. You have all the best culinary options in Europe at your fingertips, easy access to the casino and the best in wellness and entertainment in one location.