Fairmont Monte Carlo | Monaco
Despite being the world’s second-smallest country; squeezed into a mere 200 hectares, what Monaco lacks in size it certainly makes up for in attitude.
A magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early 20th century, it is renowned as one of the world's most notorious tax havens and is home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix. In contrast to its quaint neighbouring towns along the French Riviera, Monaco is dominated by high-rise hotels, apartment blocks, luxury cars and super yachts like you’ve never seen. Home to some of the richest people on the planet, Monaco really is living the good life.
Amidst the pastel-coloured penthouses and along the sparkling Mediterranean seaside sits the luxury Fairmont Monte Carlo, known as the best luxury hotel in Monaco, and as soon as you step into the lobby, you can understand why.
The Fairmont Monte Carlo is ideally located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco, perched above the Mediterranean Sea. It is a luxurious playground for the international elite on the Cote d’Azur, and includes four top-notch restaurants and bars, a casino, a natural-light spa, a heated outdoor rooftop pool with panoramic views over the sea and the hairpin of the Formula One Circuit. It is a lavish retreat that puts the entire country at your doorstep and allows you to be completely immersed in the region’s joie de vivre (‘joy of living’).
SUITES & ACCOMMODATIONS
Built in the 1970s, the Fairmont Monte Carlo was designed as a geometrical structure resembling an enormous ship arriving to the shores on Monaco. Even the interior decor of the hotel is inspired by luxury cruises. The Fairmont offers 602 guest rooms, residences and suites to its clientele, all of which have private terraces. We were incredibly fortunate to spend the first May Bank Holiday in a Deluxe Sea View room on the 6th floor, which was wonderfully comfortable and spacious. The Deluxe rooms offer a private balcony with spectacular sweeping sea views which allowed us to admire the super yachts and cruise liners arriving in Monaco. It was perfect spot to sit back, relax and catch the sunrise and sunset each day.
NIKKI BEACH MONTE CARLO
If you’re looking for more action filled, buzzing atmosphere, head up to the 7th floor to Nikki Beach! For the fifth consecutive year, the beach club has partnered with the Fairmont to welcome the most popular DJs for summer pool parties and themed evenings throughout the 2019 season. We were hosted by the Nikki Beach Club and were treated to an incredible sun-bed beside the pool for a sunshine filled afternoon before a night at the Monte-Carlo Casino.
RESTAURANTS & BARS
The Fairmont Monte Carlo is home to the infamous Nobu restaurant with a menu that features a mix of Japanese and South American flavours in a chic and fashionable setting. In the lobby, you can take a seat at any time of day or night at Saphir 24 to enjoy stylish bistro cuisine, all while admiring the view through the enormous glass doors.
If you turn the corner from Nikki Beach on the 7th floor, you can make sure way to the Horizon Deck & Champagne Bar. In this restaurant the executive chef, Philippe Joannès (a “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”), delights patrons with a menu that emphasises Mediterranean cuisine. There are dishes from southern France as well as Italy; while I opt prawn risotto, Tom chose the Angus beef fillet with a side of vegetables and potato purée. The ambiance is fantastic, the views are spectacular and the service is impeccable, making for a truly exceptional afternoon.
THE FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX
With the Formula One Grand Prix merely two weeks away, the streets on Monaco are busy preparing the security railings and grand stands for one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world. The Monaco Formula One is not only one of the most glamorous races in the world, it is also the oldest, with the first event being held back in 1929. Every year in May, the streets of Monaco come to life with stellar sounding turbo engines and the balcony of the Fairmont Monte Carlo, which overlooks the famed Fairmont Hairpin, provides unobstructed views of one of the most exciting bends in the F1 championship.
WHY WE LOVED IT
LOCATION: We absolutely loved the Fairmont’s amazing location. We caught the express bus from Nice Airport directly to the Monte-Carlo Casino and the Fairmont is only a short stroll from the bus stop. You are within walking distance of the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino and are right on the waterfront so you catch that sea breeze which we’ve been longing for since moving to London.
NIKKI BEACH: This modern beach club brings a trendy youthful vibe to the Fairmont and is the perfect spot to party or chill out poolside.
THE STAFF: I cannot express how wonderfully friendly and helpful the staff at the Fairmont were. I’ve stayed in many hotels, but I couldn’t go past the warm hospitality that was bestowed on us during our stay, particularly the breakfast staff at Horizon.
DAY TRIPS: Situated between Italy and France, the Fairmont is perfectly located to allow for guests to take day trips to explore its neighbouring countries. If time permits, the French towns of Menton, Nice, Cannes, and Eze are close by, as is the Italian coastal town of San Remo.
TIPPING: Make sure you book a sea view room! I can’t recommend this enough!
THE ATMOSPHERE: Despite what people may think of a place that oozes such wealth, the Fairmont is prestigious and not pretentious. Overall the Fairmont was welcoming, relaxing and exciting and was the perfect hotel for a weekend getaway in one of the most glitzy destinations in Europe.
I was hosted as a guest of Fairmont Monte Carlo, however, all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.