What it is

A huge, retro-glam hotel in the center of Monaco.

What it isn't

The French Riviera has a host of gilded Grand Dames; this isn’t one of them.

What we think

If Monte Carlo can be described as the place where self-aware style, money and prestige mingle, then the Fairmont Monte Carlo is right where it should be. Set in a sprawling, seven-floor 1970s shell, the hotel is one of the rare properties that successfully maintains its era-specific glamour while adamantly keeping up with the times. The blocky, modernist hotel went under the renovator’s knife when it was crowned a Fairmont flagship property. The results are perfect: subtle refinements and a conservative nip and tuck brought the hotel up to date, but they didn't go so far as to make the place unrecognizable. It’s still a combination of Mad Men mod and 1930s glam, but without the stiffness of a set or the worn down fatigue of an antique. A good number of the 602 rooms and suites (it’s one of the largest hotels in Europe) face the sea; it’s definitely worth it to spring for the view. If these prove elusive, the room will look out at the property’s gardens or, if you’re lucky, the dramatic Monaco Grand Prix hairpin bend - the seemingly unfeasible corner that Formula 1 drivers zip around each May.

You're here because

The hotel is a classic: you’re looking for something stylishly mod, perfectly tuned and right in the middle of the scene.

The Moment

Your skin warm under the French Riviera sun, you peer over your sunglasses at the mega yachts in the harbor. A server walks toward you carrying a champagne cocktail - from your daybed by the rooftop pool, Monte Carlo could not be more accommodating.

Restaurants & Bars

The newly opened 'NOBU' is recognized worldwide for amazing cuisine, mixing traditional Japanese dishes and South American spices and aromas.

Saphir24 - Offers a Bistro menu with classic meals & snacks, both restaurants have a breathtaking view over the sea.

The rooftop ‘Horizon Deck’ restaurant serves Mediterranean delicacies boasting 360° views over the opera house, Prince’s Palace, casino and spectacular views over the azure sea

In-house Casino

Nobu bar

Saphir24 bar

Champagne Bar

Location

In the center of Monaco’s shoreline, the hotel rests half on land and half on pillars that have been driven into the Mediterranean. There is no beach, but up at the rooftop pool, guests are guaranteed a lounge chair (or bed) and incredible views of the sea, Monte Carlo’s legendary Opera and the Formula 1 track. The hotel is 40 minutes away from the international airport in Nice.