Monaco provides an impressive amount of diversity for being the second-smallest state in the world. Only 0.81 square miles in size (Central Park is 1.3 square miles, for comparison), this tiny country has been a haven for the rich and famous for decades. It offers unabashed luxury, tax liberties, and Mediterranean Riviera allure. This luxe landscape is defined by its world’s best casinos like the Casino of Monte Carlo, huge yachts in the port, omnipresent high-rises, and the regular Monaco Grand Prix, while the overall atmosphere of extravagance in the air has been an excellent magnet for tourism too. The elegant ambiance combined with a picturesquely perched old town called Monaco-Ville and the Oceanographic Museum have made Monaco an obligatory Côte d’Azur visit.
As luxury hotels in Monaco are a part of the country’s ethos, we’ve decided to gather the best of them for you in this article so you can have a fabulous stay in this classy city-state.
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
An oasis of splendor and a legendary historic hotel, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is a quintessential luxury lodging in Monaco. With a central location opposite the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo of Bondiana film fame, this accommodation is the king of Monaco opulence and classic upscale experience. Having gone through a thorough renovation, the hotel’s star (or five stars, to be more precise) is shining brighter than ever with regal interiors, tasteful suites with mind-blowing harbor views, and private beach access. And it’s fantastic on the gastronomy front, too. You’ve got the Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, with three Michelin stars, that serves delicious and innovative cuisine paired with excellent wines. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is all about status, and it perfectly fulfills its mission of being the best luxury hotel in Monaco.
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Graciously woven into Monaco’s tight city structure, Fairmont Monte Carlo is both a super-central landmark building and a very private luxurious accommodation. While it’s an unmistakable choice for chic lodging all year round, the rooms overlooking the legendary F1 Grand Prix circuit are especially nice during Monaco’s most buzz-worthy event and certainly a reason to time your travels for May. Be it inside the elegant rooms, up on the fantastic rooftop, or in the indoor spaces, the expansive sea vistas will accompany you everywhere you go. The outdoor heated pool and rooftop is gorgeous, leaving you with the feeling that you’re levitating over the city with its spectacular 360-degree panoramic views. For even more effortless relaxation, there’s a fitness center and the La Vallée Cosmos Spa complex with personalized treatments. And it’s only in Monaco that, apart from the usual bus and private taxi shuttles, you can order a helicopter. Fairmont can organize that with pleasure.
Le Méridien Beach Plaza
Not every hotel in Monaco can put a “private beach” in its amenities menu. In fact, there’s only one that can in Monte Carlo, and it’s Le Méridien Beach Plaza. The accommodation has a pebbled stretch only for its guests, a true luxury in Monaco. But it’s not only that. This recently renovated hotel offers slick, bright rooms with premium sea and city views, amazingly landscaped outdoor spaces, two stunning swimming pools, and a convenient location in the Larvotto neighborhood. This is a place to soak in the leisure side of this city-state and profit from time by the sea. When dusk comes, the terraces of Le Méridien become the go-to spot for cocktails and partying in style.
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
Hotel Metropole is a decadent dream come true. Drowning in Mediterranean greenery, having the best vistas of the Monaco cityscape, and offering tasteful decor, it’s the place to stay if you’re chasing a high-end hotel in Monte Carlo. Gracious Belle Époque architecture creates an extra aesthetic backdrop for your time here, and the Karl Lagerfeld-designed pool area is the ultimate fashion moment. As for the rooms and suites, you’ve got quite the choice. All feature curated furniture, modern amenities, and magnificent balcony views. The icing on the luxury cake is a 100-square-meter Carré d’Or Suite with a huge terrace and unique interiors perfectly fit for a splurge stay. Japanese restaurant Yoshi, with one Michelin star, will give you culinary pleasure, and uber-stylish Odyssey will surprise you with its cocktail menu.
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
With the whole country being little more than 2 kilometers in size, it’s hard to squeeze in a full-fledged resort. But don’t worry sun-seekers, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort has got you covered, offering a luxurious seaside retreat in a stunning Mediterranean setting. Its palm tree-dotted outdoor area is ideal for getting into the Riviera mood. You’ve got a splendid swimming pool surrounded by incredible views of the mountains, the sea, and the Monaco skyscrapers, plus the four hectares of landscaped gardens with waterfalls, bridges, and a lagoon add extra charm to your stay. The beach is a few steps away, so you can always take a plunge in the salty waters. Guests have noted the beautiful furnishings in the rooms and the overall comfort of the stay. When it comes to dining, two Michelin-starred Blue Bay offers a fusion perspective on Caribbean and Mediterranean dishes, L’Orange Verte takes a bistro concept to new heights, and Las Brisas restaurant terrace has a fantastic panoramic sea view that makes for the perfect dinner backdrop.
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
It’s easy to get awe-inspired by Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. It’s an actual historic palace turned into a top-end hotel. As with every palace, you’ve got jaw-droppingly gorgeous interiors. Add an impeccable level of service, ultra-modern amenities, and the fact that it’s universally beloved by celebrities, and you’re getting the perfect luxury hotel in Monaco. There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site as well as the state-of-the-art Thermes Marins spa complex that both add even more class to this accommodation. Its central location allows you to be at the Monte Carlo Casino in minutes and to explore the entirety of the country on foot. Finally, their lobby area with a high ornate ceiling may very well be among the most striking hotel interiors in the world.
Monte-Carlo Beach
Although technically this five-star hotel is in France, you’re still just a few steps away from Monaco. It’s all about embracing the sea at Monte-Carlo Beach. The hotel’s private beach is a fantastic feature. You’ve got a glamorous stretch of waterfront with elegant cabins exclusively for you. The Olympic-sized pool provides first-class leisure and the numerous water activities offered by the hotel will keep you having fun. Monte-Carlo Beach’s setting is fantastic. It occupies the scenic French Riviera cape, and you have all of its Mediterranean natural beauty to yourself, but with added vistas of the Monaco skyline. Rooms are elegantly designed, airy, and filled with sunshine. Choose this hotel if you would like more privacy and tranquility without being far from all the Monte Carlo action.
Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo
Experience a luxurious Monaco vacation without spending a fortune by staying at Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo. Co-founded by Formula 1 race car driver David Coulthard in 2001, this hotel is pioneering the country’s boutique scene. Over the years, it has hosted a plethora of F1 drivers. Hôtel Columbus is a boutique hotel that offers a high-quality stay while keeping it more affordable and simple. But don’t worry, luxury is integral to this accommodation’s formula. Rooms come with incredible sea vistas, Tavolo restaurant takes you on a delicious tour of the Mediterranean’s cuisine delights, and the on-site bar makes it easier to take in the Monaco landscape from the spacious terrace. The location in the quieter Fontvieille area of the city-state takes the rush away from your stay and allows for more tranquil exploring. Be sure to visit the magnificent Princess Grace Rose Garden with 4,000 roses and a Grace Kelly memorial.
Port Palace Hotel
The stunning Monte Carlo Harbor takes center stage at the boutique Port Palace Hotel. Your room overlooks the luxury yachts lazily swaying on the azure waters. The hotel boasts contemporary decor and lovely details that reflect Monaco’s character, such as the vintage F1 vehicle that greets you in the lobby. It is the perfect spot for the Grand Prix but equally suitable for a hassle-free upscale break. The location is central, and you can go anywhere from Place de Casino to Monaco-Ville in minutes.
