Printable destination guide

For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.


Boutique hotels in Monte Carlo

Holidays in Monte Carlo, Monaco

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.


Monte Carlo Hotels

£ $

Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Monte Carlo


Columbus Monaco

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Style
Jet-set seclusion

Setting
On the waterfront

This cheap-chic retreat on the Med is the creation of Malmaison’s Ken McCulloch. The brown, black and cream stealth-wealth decor of Columbus Monaco is as discreet as the staff.

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Getting there

Holidays in Monte Carlo, Monaco

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Planes
The nearest airport is Nice, about a 20-min drive away. Hire a car, get a bus (which takes 45 mins and costs about €23 return), or grab a taxi for around €70.
Trains
Trains run regularly to and from Nice and other French cities.
Automobiles
Driving to Monaco is easy and most hotels have their own carparks, but expect to pay a daily charge.

Boutique hotels in Monte Carlo

Holidays in Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monte Carlo Activities

Highlights the best Monte Carlo has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

Worth getting out of bed for

Monte Carlo itinerary
More…

Viewpoint
From the exotic gardens, and from the square in front of the Prince’s Palace.

Arts and culture
In the Fontvieille Harbour, it’s worth visiting the Prince of Monaco’s private collection of classic cars (www.palais.mc).

Something for nothing
The changing of the guard, every day at 11h55, at Place du Palais.

Shopping
The main retail area is around Boulevard des Moulins and in the Metropole Mall; folk with simple sartorial tastes may find what’s on offer overly glitzy and glam. If you fancy shopping in San Remo instead, you can charter a helicopter to Italy for the day through Heli Air (92 05 00 50; www.heliair.monaco.com).

And...
Kick off your break Dynasty-style and take advantage of the half-hourly helicopter shuttle service from Nice airport; it takes just six mins and costs €70 or €135 return with Heli Air (92 05 00 50; www. heliair.monaco.com), or book with Monacair (97 97 39 00).

Diary

January Monte Carlo International Circus Festival in Fontvieille Big Top. February Primo Cup sailing competition (www.yacht-club-monaco.mc). April Tennis Masters (www.masters-series.com/montecarlo); Spring Arts Festival. May Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix (www.monte-carlo.mc/formule1); Classic Car Grand Prix (www.acm.mc). November National Day. December Dance festival at Grimaldi Forum and Salle des Variétés.

Boutique hotels in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo eating, drinking and dancing

Monte Carlo
Eating, drinking and dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Monte Carlo.

Restaurants

(+377 98 06 88 64)

Le Louis XV

Here, Mediterreanean cuisine is dished up in a dining room decorated in the opulent and some would say OTT style of 17th century Versailles.

Hotel de Paris, Place du Casino

(+377 93 25 60 30)

Restaurant Monkey

For a good lunch or a low-key supper, head to this place. It’s on a pedestrianised street, so there’s no shortage of outdoor seating.

rue Princesse Florentine, 1

(+377 97 77 03 04)

Le Point Rouge

If you’re feeling wealthy, suntanned and über-chic, come and chill out at this concept restaurant, bar and club with some like-minded folk and a bottle of Krug.

rue du Portier, 11

(+377 97 70 46 96)

La Rose des Vents

Right on the seafront, this restaurant specialises in fish and has its own private beach. Oh – the luxury.

Plage du Larvotto

(+377 93 25 02 34)

Le Saint-Benoît

Overlooking the port, this restaurant, which calls itself ‘the kitchen of the sea’, offers great views of Grimaldi Rock and serves top-notch French cuisine.

10 ter, avenue de la Costa

(+377 93 25 52 00)

Sass Café

Small, cosy restaurant with a red, velvet interior. It's a place to be seen over French and Italian cuisine accompanied by live music. It’s relaxed and always packed, so be prepared to get to know your neighbours.

11 Avenue Princesse Grâce

(+377 99 99 25 50)

Zebra Square

On the top floor of the Grimaldi Forum, facing the sea, this swanky bar and restaurant with sunny terrace, soft seats and a sea view is great for pre-dinner drinks or late-night glam.

Avenue Princesse Grâce, 11



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