One of the most iconic and exclusive places in the Principality of Monaco, host to celebrities.
Inaugurated in 1864, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has hosted the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, who had his own suite on the top floor, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Bernhardt, Salvador Dalí and Charles Chaplin, among others, and to enhance its grandeur, the doors were closed between 2014 and 2018 for a total renovation of the rooms and suites, restaurants, corridors and gardens.
The Belle Epoque façade was preserved and restored, but not the interior, which was finally left with 209 spacious rooms, the highlight being the Prince Rainier III Suite, inaugurated at the time by his heirs, Prince Albert and his sister, Princess Stéphanie. The hotel's restaurants include Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse, which has been awarded 3 Michelin stars, Le Grill, Em Shariff and Taera Monte Carlo, a pop-up restaurant in the hotel's courtyard.
From the balconies you have a view of the Principality.
The Suites
The Diamond Suites Collection features 23 of the most beautiful suites on the French Riviera. Among them, the Princess Grace Suite stands out with 9,795 square feet (sqf) spread over two floors (7th and 8th), including 4,736 sqf of a pair of terraces overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, an infinity pool in front of a lounge and a hydro-massage pool.
The Princess Grace Suite pays tribute to Grace Kelly (1929-1982), whose elegance and generosity have left their mark on the history of the Principality and the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. The suite displays photographs of Princess Grace and some personal mementos, including her favorite poems and books. Among the many attentions are the Guest Relations Manager and Housekeeper, as well as Meet & Greet, with limousine transfers to the airport and heliport, and a limousine available for private excursions within the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer resort.
The 5,651 sqf Prince Rainier III Suite has two bedrooms and the option to expand to 6,458 sqf with an adjoining third bedroom, all with views of the Place du Casino. Visitors can enjoy the steam room, shower and sauna, private bar in the lounge, office space and a 1,453 sqf terrace with an infinity pool with wave system.
Finally, the Monte Carlo Suite is reserved for the most important clients of the Monte Carlo Casino and offers an ultra-exclusive gaming experience: a 1,237 sqf lounge with a roulette table and a blackjack table for up to 10 people.
The restaurant Le Grill has been awarded a Michelin star.
Culinary spaces
The pride of the Hôtel de Paris is Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse, awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Guide. Chefs Alain Ducasse and Emmanuel Pilon, together with pastry chef Sandro Micheli, have developed the restaurant's "essential cuisine" with a modern and contemporary menu that unleashes aromas and flavors. With seating for 50 guests, who can choose from an unforgettable wine list suggested by Maxime Pastor, head sommelier, who has an extensive list from the hotel's wine cellar, opened in 1874, which contains more than 350,000 bottles in 12.378 sqf and 1 mile, representing the best labels from the most prestigious French vineyards, making it the largest hotel and restaurant wine cellar in the world.
Venezuelan chef Victoria Vallenilla deserves special mention. She delights guests at Taera Monte-Carlo, a unique journey to the heart of Venezuela, where ancestral craftsmanship and reinvented traditional cuisine combine to create a captivating experience that awakens the senses. Originally from the island of Margarita, a paradise nestled in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Vallenilla shares her feminine vision of cooking and the art of entertaining. The menu is an invitation to gastronomic exploration, highlighting arepas filled with salmon, cheese, caviar and meat.
Port Hercule is visible from the suites.
The Princess Grace Suite has a private swimming pool.
The place was designed by local artisans using sculptural wood combined with copper, stone and delicate linen fabrics. A touch of authenticity is added by a pair of murals painted by South American artist Viviana Grondona, an ode to the vitality of Venezuelan culture.
Located on the eighth floor of the hotel, the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Grill offers an exceptional panorama from the Principality to the Italian coast. A journey of the senses through the pleasures of the Riviera, between tradition and modernity, is the vision of Chef Dominique Lory and Chef Patrick Laine.
It is a sunny cuisine that values local and seasonal products cooked over the embers; a culinary invitation marked by signature dishes such as Gulf of Genoa shrimp, herb-flavored farm chicken or the indispensable Grand Marnier soufflé. Head Sommelier Mathias Negro brings his experience and passion to the subtlety of perfect food and wine pairing.
The hotel's next culinary adventure is Em Sherif Monte-Carlo, set to reopen in May 2024. It will be a journey for the senses, harmonizing Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by the story of Mireille Hayek, founder of Em Sherif, who honors her roots and excellence through an authentic approach, supported by her daughter, Yasmina Hayek, Executive Chef.
All the exquisiteness of Monaco is expressed in the Salle Empire, the quintessence of European art de vivre. This is where the most enchanting Monegasque soirees have been held for 150 years. It is here that Chef Dominique Lory showcases his skills in the preparation of the great local events.
To enjoy the moment, the American Bar invites you to relax and indulge your senses. Its decor is authentic, with wooden details combined with leather armchairs and dimmed lights for a refined lighting, recalling an atmosphere of the 1920s with a discreet glamour and delicate charm. The live music program is constantly changing, alternating between jazz, swing, blues, soul & song.
Signature cocktails such as Pulcinella's fresh tangerine, Pira Villosum's surprising pear and cardamom duo, or Alain Ducasse's Grey Goose vodka and Casse-Noisette's hazelnut syrup reign supreme.
Another place to enjoy is the Monte-Carlo Amazon Bar, an ultra-festive and gourmet concept created by Sandro Silva and Marta Seco, in a journey for all the senses that celebrates cultural and gastronomic diversity in an Amazon-inspired setting.
The Wellness Sky Club has 500 m2 of relaxation and wellness areas.
The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo was inaugurated in 1864.
And for relaxation...
Located on the top floor of the hotel, the Wellness Sky Club will open in 2024, with 5,381 sqf of relaxation and wellness areas. Its facilities will include an extensive list of body and facial treatments, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, counter-current pool, solariums, sunbeds, relaxation room, fitness area with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and private training room. The lounge bar menu offers champagne, wines, cocktails, detox and vitamin juices, as well as salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit and ice cream.
Guests have access to the Monte Carlo Beach Club, the hotel's private beach with elegant striped canvas cabanas that will delight those who love to relax or swim in the Deep Blue. No need to look elsewhere: the Monte-Carlo Beach Club takes care of everything for the ultimate relaxation.
Since 1950, Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix cars have driven in front of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Text: Amura ± Photo: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo