An iconic landmark of the Principality of Monaco, Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo goes well beyond a place to stay. The French Riviera icon opened in 1864 as part of the grand Monte Carlo vision, and the Belle Époque façade has always invited guests to embark on an unforgettable experience at a world-famous hotel.
Today, it still occupies a place in the mythology of the Riviera: elegant, theatrical, and inseparable from the glamour of Monaco. From the dining experience to the wellness offerings and the legendary signature suites, the hotel oozes elegance from every corner. When you want the best of Monaco, Hotel de Paris is the place to stay.
History
Architects of Monaco’s transformation into a world-class resort in the 1860s built the hotel as a major part of the plan. When Prince Charles III backed the development of Monte Carlo, entrepreneur François Blanc was entrusted with shaping the new district around Casino de Monte Carlo.
The hotel opened in 1864 as one of its defining projects. It was never meant to be just a place to stay; it was conceived as a statement of Monaco’s ambition, helping position the city-state as a center of European glamour and high society.
The hotel was tied to Blanc’s larger vision of an all-encompassing luxury destination, while Marie Blanc also played an important role in its early development. The original design is attributed to Godinot de la Bretonnerie, giving the property roots in the grand 19th-century tradition of ceremonial palace hotels.
Following a $280 million renovation completed in 2019 under the guidance of Richard Martinet and Gabriel Viora, the hotel put a rubber stamp on its status as one of the best places to stay on the French Riviera.
Fine Dining
Dining at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is central to its identity. The hotel is home to Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, a three-Michelin-star restaurant, one of the property’s signature experiences. But the larger appeal lies in the natural way gastronomy is woven into the hotel’s sense of occasion.
Le Louis XV brings a unique form of haute cuisine to the heart of Monaco. The dining room feels like a time travel experience to the period when Belle Époque grandeur was at its peak. The cuisine feels inseparable from the address itself: exacting and unmistakably Mediterranean. Many renowned chefs trained under Alain Ducasse, and a meal here quickly answers any question about why the name is so well regarded.
Other dining options at the hotel include 1-Michelin-star Le Grill, where guests can enjoy delightful grilled dishes. These are paired with the finest wines curated by expert sommeliers, all while taking in exceptional views of Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea. Another option is Em Sherif Monte Carlo, offering a fusion of Lebanese and Mediterranean flavors.
Wine Cellar
Beneath the lobby and dining rooms lies one of the hotel’s most extraordinary treasures: the wine cellar. It holds more than 450,000 bottles and 11,000 references across 1,500 square meters. That makes it one of the most remarkable collections attached to any hotel in the world.
But the scale is not the only impressive thing about the cellar. For 150 years, these underground vaults have preserved a rare and majestic oenological heritage. In an era when luxury can often feel overexposed, the wine cellar offers something more enduring: depth and continuity.
Wellness
Wellness is a key part of hotel stays, and Hotel de Paris does not disappoint here. Key options include the 500 sqm rooftop Wellness Sky Club, where guests can enjoy panoramic views while lounging on partially submerged sunbeds, as well as a sauna, hammam, and a fitness room with Technogym equipment. A private room with a personal trainer is also on offer for guests who need that extra motivation.
Arguably, the better option is the 6,600 sqm Thermes Marins Monte Carlo. Connected to the hotel via a tunnel, the wellness center offers a saltwater pool, a variety of treatments, and a solarium with views of Port Hercules and Le Rocher. The faciliy also offers in-house healthy dining at the L’Hirondelle restaurant.
Diamond Suites
While the 'regular rooms' are certainly nothing to sneeze at and command a premium price, the Diamond Suites are the ones to target for the ultimate Monte Carlo experience. Two of these stand out: The Diamond Suites - Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III. These spaces are shaped by Monaco’s own narrative of affluence and elegance.
The 982sq m 2-bedroom Diamond Suite - Princess Grace pays tribute to Grace Kelly’s enduring refinement. It has generous living areas, two terraces, a steam room-equipped bathroom finished in white marble, an exclusive pool, and a private elevator. Within its two floors, it features souvenirs as well as books and poems connected to the princess.
The 830 sq m 2-bedroom Diamond Suite - Prince Rainier III, honors the “Builder Prince”. Just as compelling as the Princess Grace Suite, it also has its own pool, generous living spaces, and one of the best views of Place du Casino. Across the living areas, you'll find sculptures and paintings from the prince's personal collection and original photographs.
Shopping
When it’s time for some retail therapy in Monte Carlo, you don’t need to leave the premises to get the very best. Retail experiences guests can enjoy around the perimeter of the hotel include Prada, Hermès, and Gucci stores on Avenue de Monte Carlo; Balenciaga and Dior on Avenue Princesse Alice; and Bulgari, Miu Miu, and Cartier stores opposite One Monte Carlo.
But that’s not all. You’ll also find other luxury goods retailers within the building, such as Buccellati and Boghossian. While the luxury retail scene changes from time to time, regardless of when you visit, you’ll likely find a satisfying collection of the best brands in the world.
The Silver Screen
Hôtel de Paris has long been part of Monaco’s cinematic appeal, thanks to its position on Place du Casino and its Belle Époque grandeur. Filmmakers have repeatedly used the district to evoke wealth, glamour, and Riviera sophistication. This makes the hotel part of the visual language through which Monaco has been imagined on screen.
Productions associated with the hotel include Iron Man 2, where Elon Musk made a cameo appearance. Others include Monte Carlo, starring Selena Gomez, and two Bond movies: Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye.
Complementing the hotel's Hollywood fame is a long list of celebrities, politicians, and royals in its guestbook. With names like Winston Churchill, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Sylvester Stallone, and Lady Gaga, there should be no doubt in your mind that Hotel de Paris represents the peak of Monaco's glamour.
