In the centre of Monaco, the area around Place du Casino has undergone a huge transformation, giving rise to a new Monte Carlo – with the world-renowned,
iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo at its heart. This metamorphosis is aimed at giving an even greater sense of definition to Franaçois Blanc’s dream of “a hotel that surpasses everything created up to now” and of perpetuating the legend in the 21st century.
A magical hotel at the forefront of the luxury hotel sector
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo was built in 1864 on the arid Plateau des Spélugues, when Monte-Carlo was barely taking shape. Thanks to support from Prince Charles III and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers, the billionaire François Blanc took a big gamble and decided to entirely change an area of the city covered in olive trees and lemon trees into a spectacular venue of luxury – the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, for travellers from all over to discover the new face of the principality. Showcasing affluence in all its splendour, the hotel attracted international elite – kings, princes, heads of state, ministers, and leaders of industry, science and the arts.
In many ways, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo established the foundations of the “resort concept”. Over the years, it has been modernised on numerous occasions to meet the demands of the international clientele. In 1909, the hotel was entirely renovated, when the architectural style of the Belle Epoque was adopted in Monte-Carlo. From its renovation to its extraordinary history, its life has been marked by visits of countless VIPs, world-renowned artists and celebrities, from the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII), Alexandre Dumas, Jacques Offenbach and Winston Churchill, to James Bond (where the cast of Golden Eye stayed) and artists and stars of the stage and screen – including Sarah Bernhardt, Charlie Chaplin, Maria Callas and Salvador Dali.
During the 1950s, the eyes of the world were on the Princely Couple, Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, and to this day for many people, the Principality of Monaco is synonymous with the dashing prince and his stunning bride. The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo soon became a favourite venue for the princess, and her serene beauty still infuses the atmosphere.
Today, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo continues to be admired by guests from all over the world and bears witness to a lifestyle that harmoniously combines tradition and contemporaneity. Now, it is writing a new page in its history, with the renovation of its interior spaces and bedrooms, the creation of two exceptional suites and the launch of ÔMER – the new restaurant by Alain Ducasse.
An iconic palace
The first part of the metamorphosis of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo was its exalted architecture, with a façade that regains its Belle Epoque spirit from 1909. The hotel’s timeless feeling is preserved and enhanced by a contemporary design by the architects, Richard Martinet and Gabriel Viora, who put themselves at the service of the building. A monumental porch now decorates the hotel’s entrance, along with a new lift, of which the decorative railing has been reused from an earlier lift in the lobby, adding a touch of modernity, while giving a second life to historic features that capture the hotel’s soul.
With the addition of more contemporary and greener spaces (including gardens and planted alcoves), Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo now offers its guests the opportunity to relax in a garden setting in the heart of the city. The renovated lobby gives direct access to the new open-air inner courtyard called Le Patio. The large central bouquet will continue to delight customers and visitors from all over the world, along with the statue of Louis XIV on horseback. (Try to spot his shiny knee, from the continuing tradition of touching the statue for luck!)
A new rooftop wellness space will open for guests only in spring 2019, with 370 sq.m. of indoor spaces and 490 sq.m. of outdoor spaces, a terrace, swimming pool and loungers, steam room, sauna, fitness room and lounge area. The new space complements the Hairspa by Rossano Ferretti and the ThermesMarins Monte-Carlo, accessible directly from the hotel.
New rooms to continue the legend
The imaginative reinvention continues with a new type of bedroom, which is larger (a minimum of 34 sq.m), more open and modern. Of the 207 rooms, 60% are suites, 90% are bedrooms with a balcony or terrace, and 43 are adjoining rooms. Precious materials have been used, including Tussar silk for mattresses; chandeliers and lamps in Murano glass; floors in white Calacatta marble, and leather from luxury Italian brand, Elite – who comply with very strict environmental standards. The bed linen from the Italian company Quagliotti is woven in Pima cotton or “Silk of the Andes”, a healthy and biological material. The bathroom products are supplied by Guerlain. Lastly, the fruity and captivating notes of Dr. Vranjes’ fragrances contribute to the elegant and refined atmosphere of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. The new bedrooms have superb and varied views, including of the new tree-planted inner Patio, or out over the Principality, the port of Monaco or across the sea.
The bedrooms are presented in either a modern or classical design to suit an array of tastes. The contemporary-styled rooms are light and airy, with modern decoration and soft shades. Expect furniture with sleek lines in precious wood, with inserts of gilded or patinated brass or glass. Leather, antique mirror, bronze and gold are also included, with a few coloured decorative items, and the golden and warm tones of artists’ works add harmony to the whole look. The result is a warm and welcoming ambience, which makes you feel truly at ease.
The classically decorated rooms offer a more colourful atmosphere. The furniture is timeless, featuring Louis XVI style pieces. Bronze fabrics add a shimmer in thebedrooms and lounges while antique mirror, brass in the mini bars, velvet additions and decorative cushions in precious fabrics add refinement and additional comfort. The luxurious, soft and smooth materials create a room full of light and contrasts, delicately designed with your utmost comfort in mind.
The Princess Grace Suite
In honour of the Hôtel’s most esteemed patron and enduring icon of style and poise, the new Princess Grace Suite is the most exclusive and exceptional setting on the Riviera to date. Inspired by the timeless elegance and delicate refinement of Princess Grace of Monaco, this 910 sq.m. suite is spread over two floors and includes 440 sq.m. of outdoor space – offering a rare, ultra-private experience like no other.
Thanks to its spectacular outdoor space, guests of the Princess Grace Suite can experience sublime views from its terraces over the Mediterranean and the Prince’s Palace. A heated infinity pool awaits, opening onto an adjoining outdoor lounge and a rare granite jacuzzi. Not only does the suite offer excellent outdoor space, but plenty of room to relax. In the suite’s first level on the seventh floor of the property, guests will find a bedroom, a bathroom with bathtub, steam shower and sauna, desk, two walk-in wardrobes and a lounge. On the eighth floor, there is another bedroom, a bathroom with bathtub and shower, a living room and a dining room – perfect for groups of friends or families. Along with the exceptional interiors are the luxury services: a private Meet & Greet service at the airport or heliport, a dedicated private room at the ThermesMarins Monte-Carlo spa in winter, and a tent at the Monte-Carlo Beach hotel’s private beach during the summer.
Just this year, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo announced a new addition to its offering with the opening of a second exclusive 525 sq.m. suite, the Prince Rainier III Suite, which has more indoor space than any other room with two bedrooms and the possibility to extend to 600 sq.m. with a third adjoining room. Here you can enjoy your own steam shower and sauna, office space and a superb 135 sq.m. terrace with an infinity pool with wave system.
World-class dining
“Cooking is a love story: you have to fall in love with the products and the people who make them”. Alain Ducasse.
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris, the Tableof excellence
At restaurant Alain Ducasse, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has achieved true excellence, leading to Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo becoming the first palace in the world to be awarded three stars in the Michelin guide in 1990. Set inside Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, “Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris” surprises and charms guests with Mediterranean haute cuisine. World-famous chef Alain Ducasse and his Executive Chef, Dominique Lory, have developed “essential cooking” at the restaurant, paying homage to the product and endeavouring to release its aromas and flavours. Those lucky enough to dine here can choose from an unforgettable menu that reflects the destination and Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. On warmer summer days, the restaurant opens out onto an elegant ground-level terrace.
ÔMER, Mediterranean creations by Alain Ducasse
At Alain Ducasse’s new restaurant, his second in the Principality, you’ll detect a new Mediterranean feel. At the heart of the new Rotonde wing at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the restaurant, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, references the decor of a boat. Consisting of three alcoves, it overlooks the beautiful hotel gardens, created by Jean Mus, with the sea visible in the distance. The atmosphere is warm and casual, with a delightful taste of the good life.
Here, more than anywhere else, produce from the land and the sea are intimately linked, which is the key to the complexity of this cuisine. With his chef Patrick Laine, Alain Ducasse has created a menu that spans the diversity of Mediterranean influences, consisting of dishes which translate this wonderful culinary heritage with a focus on sharing. The menu combines freedom of choice and includes flavours and tastes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, Morocco, and Tunisia – with a hint of the Hispanic, Nice or Maltese shores.
Le Grill
Now open with a more contemporary design, Le Grill has a new private Winston Churchill lounge and an extended outdoor terrace with stunning views. Franck Cerutti, Executive Chef at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, summarises his vision of Le Grill in a few words: marine and Mediterranean. From the new terrace, take in a breath-taking view of the Mediterranean all the way to Corsica. At night, the sea twinkles with the lights from the coasts of Monaco, France and Italy, bouncing here and there with the lights of boats anchored in the bay. The spirit of the Mediterranean flows from food to design to complete the experience. And did we mention that in January 2019, Le Grill, headed by Executive Chef Cerutti, has been awarded its first Michelin star? A well-deserved honour.
For a truly special occasion, guests can experience a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’s reception room for up to 40 people. Available on request only, this wonderful opportunity was popular also with H.S.H Prince Rainier and H.S.H Princess Grace, who celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary here in 1976.
The best of Monte Carlo at your doorstep
While you may wish never to leave this sumptuous and storied setting, all the very best luxury lifestyle Monaco has to offer is steps away. The new tree-lined Le Patio is an ultra-exclusive setting for leading fine jewellery houses, such as Graff, Harry Winston, Stardust Monte-Carlo and Omega. Le Patio also offers direct access to the Avenue des Beaux-Arts, which opens onto the new One Monte-Carlo shopping area and its beautiful promenade. Surrounded by a covered walkway, with mosaic flooring using motifs found in the Lobby’s central cupola and marble-clad façades highlighting the distinctive dark black Saint Laurent marble with strands of red and yellow, the central Patio area is cool and inviting. Stroll among the swaying palms and enjoy the shade of the Mediterranean trees, as you take in the calming green space at the heart of the hotel.
With each visit, hotel guests rediscover that everlasting aspect of Monaco, the magic of renewed rituals and the spectacle, day and night, of the incredible setting. All of these precious moments and sensations serve to create a deep connection between the hotel and its guests – you’ll want to return again and again to write your own story here.