Boutique hotels in Monte Carlo
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Columbus Monaco
- Style
- Jet-set seclusion
- Setting
- On the waterfront
Monte Carlo Overview
Monaco
- Coastline
- Ritzy Riviera
- Coast life
- In the fast lane
If Monte Carlo were in the thesaurus, it would be a synonym for casinos, luxury yachts and Formula 1.
And Monte Carlo is certainly glossy. But it’s not all bright lights, small city: the narrow cobblestone streets of Monaco-Ville on the Rock lead you through a mediaeval and Gothic past, and the 13th-century prince’s palace is one of the most historic sites on the Côte d’Azur.
Marvellously Monte Carlo
Watch the Grand Prix. Gamble the night away at Casino de Monte Carlo, Café de Paris, or Le Sporting (membership not required, but don’t forget ID). Take a gastronomic helicopter trip to Provence, through Heli Air or Monacair (see Bars and Restaurants, above).
Local knowledge
- Taxis
- Hail a taxi from anywhere in the street.
- Tipping culture
- Ten to 12 per cent is normal.
- Packing tips
- A black credit card; your best party frock.
- Recommended reads
- Tender is the Night by F Scott Fitzgerald.
- Cuisine
- Monégasque cuisine is influenced by classic French, Provençal and Italian cooking: expect to eat bouillabaisse, tapenade, great seafood – but also haute cuisine with fine wines.
- Currency
- Euro.
- Dialling codes
- Country code for Monaco: 377. No city code.
- Do go/don't go
- If you want to see the Grand Prix, make sure you book at least two years in advance as most of the hotels are filled by the racing teams.