Where is it?
The Hotel de Paris has one of the most exclusive addresses on the planet: Place du Casino, Monaco. Built in 1864, its marble colonnades and elaborate frescos add a sense of true grandeur to its exterior.
The lobby of the Hotel du Paris in Monaco
What’s the appeal?
Although Monte Carlo is far from short of luxury places to stay – notably the Belle-Epoque Hermitage and the modern Art Deco Monte Carlo Bay – nowhere quite epitomises the true ‘I’ve made it’ spirit of Monaco like this hotel. From the moment you walk into the vast, sumptuous lobby (with its statue of Louis XIV that guests are encouraged to touch for good luck), you realise you are following in the footsteps of generations of world leaders who stayed here for its dependable excellence.
What makes it special?
As well as its privileged position for the casino, it has a unique separate spa complex, the Thermes Marins Monte- Carlo, to which you can walk from your room via an underground corridor. The spa’s therapists use natural oceanic products to leave guests glowing.
Our favourite room
The Diamond Suite Winston Churchill, frequented by the former PM and still proudly displaying photographs of him, has two bedrooms and lounges, a dining room and a study. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a 70-square-metre terrace with views of the marina mean you can keep an eye on your crew, and concierge service is included with this suite.
Where to dine
We dined under the stars at Le Grill on the hotel’s eighth floor (the roof is retractable). Stay for dessert: pastel- coloured, fairytale-like giant dessert soufflés have been served here since the 19th Century. Three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV–Alain Ducasse is unmissable too, with playful Riviera classics served in an opulent Versailles-style setting.
The hotel looks out over the Place du Casino, Monaco
What they say
“A night at the Hotel de Paris Monaco is an unforgettable experience: the pure magic of your dreams blended with absolute comfort, luxury down to the smallest details, perfect service and that inexplicable flavour of the extraordinary.”
What we say
From service to spa facilities, everything about the Hotel de Paris is world class.
How to get there
By yacht, of course: Port Hercules marina is just a few steps away. Alternatively a helicopter transfer from Nice airport to Monaco heliport takes just ten minutes. BMI flies from London Heathrow with business class service.
www.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com