Monaco might be the second smallest country on the planet, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in refined luxury. Because of its tax-haven status, this French Riviera country has long been popular with the rich and famous.
As you’d expect in a place known for superyachts and supercars, Monaco is home to a handful of luxury hotels. While the number is small, most offer refined touches and service that reflect Monaco's elegance.
If you plan to attend one of Monaco's famous annual events, such as the Grand Prix, or the Monaco Yacht Show, and want to see it at its most glamorous, a stay at one of these hotels provides the perfect base.
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Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo
One of a handful of hotels owned by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo might just be the most charming hotel in Monaco. It first opened in 1896 and offers the kind of old-world style one might hope for in a classic Monaco stay. Add a full range of comforts, and you have a hotel that pleases at every step.
It’s located only a few meters from Place du Casino (Casino Square) and offers views of Port Hercules and the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the best shopping in Monte Carlo can be found within a one-minute walk of the hotel along the south end of Avenue Princesse Alice where the One Monte Carlo building is located.
The hotel has a long list of grand rooms but if you want the best of the best, the Diamond-Suite Princely is the one to select. This 200 square meter suite has sea facing rooms and features lovely decor that’ll transport you back to the elegant days of old.
Hôtel Hermitage is home to the Michelin-starred Pavillon Monte-Carlo headed by Chef Yannick Alléno, where you can enjoy tasty French cuisine. Other comforts include Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, one of the best spas in Europe.
Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo
Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo dates back to 1864. The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) property underwent a $280 million, four-year renovation back in 2019 and is the crown jewel of luxury hotels in Monaco. It also has the added benefit of being located right next to Place Du Casino, a key focal point in the city and the most famous landmark.
Boasting a beautiful Belle Epoque design, this world-famous hotel has featured in a number of Hollywood movies. These include Jame Bond classics, Never Say Never Again, and Goldeneye as well as Iron Man 2 and the 2011 Monte Carlo movie starring Selena Gomez.
Each room and suite is designed in an elegant style and the finest space in the building is the 8,934 sq ft Diamond Suite - Prince Rainier III. The suite occupies a large part of the top floor and boasts two bedrooms, a private pool, original artwork by Prince Rainier III (the 'builder prince'), and a stunning view of the sea and Place Du Casino.
Reputed for being the best suite on the French Riviera, it offers all that one would wish for during a trip to Monaco. You could also argue that the 10,580 sq ft 2-level Diamond Suite - Princess Grace is the one to select.
Guests who enjoy fine dining are spoiled for choice at the hotel. It features two Michelin-starred restaurants: Le Grill and the famous Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (3 Michelin stars). Other dining options include Lebanese cuisine at Em Sherif Monte-Carlo and Venezuelan cuisine at TAERA Monte-Carlo.
Hôtel Metropole Monte Carlo
Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo offers a blend of Monaco glamor mixed with modern elegance. More intimate than the other luxury hotels around it, the hotel has a warm Mediterranean energy.
It has been a staple of Monte Carlo since it opened more than 130 years ago and underwent renovation in 2020. If you enjoy shopping, you will be delighted by Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo, which is in the same complex. Brands present here include Missoni and Boss. You can also enjoy a relaxing time in Le Parc Spélugues, a green space between the hotel and the Fairmont hairpin.
As with other top hotels in Monaco, every room at Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo is carefully designed and well appointed, with attentive service from the hotel’s team of hosts. If you're seeking the best at the hotel, the Carré d’Or Suite is the standout choice.
Designed by Jacques Garcia, this suite occupies the top floor of the hotel and features a rooftop terrace with views of Jardin du Casino (Casino Gardens) and other parts of Monte Carlo. It also includes luxury touches, with a large bathroom finished with marble, sandstone, and wood.
The hotel boasts two Michelin-star restaurants, Yoshi and Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac (two Michelin stars). The bar & lobby provide an ideal pre-dinner meeting point, while the outdoor bar Odyssey offers visitors the best cocktails in Monaco.
The Maybourne Riviera
The relatively new Maybourne Riviera (part of the Maybourne Hotels) isn't in Monaco. It's in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, just a few minutes from the eastern border, and housed in a unique building on a hilltop.
Glass dominates the building's design, giving it a refined look with the added benefit of great views of Monte Carlo and La Condamine. Compared to other hotels in the area, it has plenty of open space around it without being overly secluded. That makes it the prime choice for guests who desire more privacy.
The hotel mixes ultra-luxury with great service to delight their guests. Boasting of world-class decor and an iconic infinity pool, it placed 26th on The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023 list.
All rooms come with a private terrace and oversized windows, while a few have their own plunge pool. The best space in the building is the 2,153 sq ft Maybourne Suite, which offers difficult to match luxury. The split-level suite includes a secluded bedroom and a bathroom with a pebble bathtub with the finest view of the sea available in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
The hotel offers an array of dining options, including the Michelin-starred Ceto, La Piscine, and Maybourne La Plage, all providing tasty dishes in nicely decorated spaces.
Monte Carlo Beach Hotel
Despite its name, the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel isn't in Monaco. Like The Maybourne Riviera, it's in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, not too far from the border with Monaco. However, that takes nothing away from what the hotel delivers. It offers visitors a great way to enjoy some of the best Monaco has to offer. The hotel dates back to the 1930s and features a private beach, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in la dolce vita.
When not relaxing at the solarium, guests can engage in a wide range of beach sports, like parasailing and tubing. The concierge service is also known as one of the best in Europe.
Guests who want to fully enjoy the best of the coastal way of life should book the Diamond Suite – Sunshine, the finest suite the hotel offers. Blending classic style with up-to-date comforts, it features a 100-square-meter rooftop terrace complete with a jacuzzi.
The onsite restaurants are pure French Riviera delights. The waterfront Elsa restaurant, led by chef Marcel Ravin, offers an great culinary experience, while the more relaxed brasserie Le Deck is ideal for families. Away from the dining tables, the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel invites guests to sink into the pleasures of the Monte Carlo lifestyle at the Olympic-sized pool.
Le Méridien Beach Plaza
Part of the Marriott chain, Le Méridien Beach Plaza is a unique beach-front hotel offering the perfect location for exploring Monaco. The hotel is in the Larvotto district of Monaco, very close to the famous Larvotto beach. Step away from the building, and within minutes, you'll be in the heart of Monte Carlo, enjoying the best Monaco has to offer. It also has a 'secret weapon' to attract you; its own private beach.
The hotel is more modern than other luxury hotels in Monaco, which brings some unique benefits. Every room has floor-to-ceiling windows, letting in plenty of sunlight and allowing guests to enjoy the views the hotel's location offers.
The crown jewel of spaces at the hotel is the Presidential Suite, which occupies the top floor of the hotel. The suite, infused with the latest technology, has a private elevator and offers sublime sea views.
Fine dining options include Belgium Brasserie Smakelijk and Muse Restaurant opened in May 2024. Muse Restaurant offers fine dining in an inviting atmosphere under the stars, allowing visitors to embrace the magic of the French Riviera.
