This opulent Monte-Carlo hotel oozes extravagance

The hotel

Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo.

Check-in

The arrival couldn’t be better as my taxi slides into Monte Carlo’s Place du Casino, cluttered with Rolls-Royces and trumpet-yellow Lamborghinis, and overlooked by the opulent eruption of the casino and opera house. The hotel holds its own in these surrounds thanks to its belle epoque facade and extraordinary lobby, with its ice-rink of patterned marble, stained-glass dome, and central flower arrangement the size of a small tree. An efficient receptionist shows me to my room. My luggage, abandoned at the kerb, miraculously appears shortly afterwards.

The look

The magnificent lobby – everything oozes extravagance.

The hotel’s belle epoque beginnings provide over-the-top moments of bling, toned down elsewhere with sleeker art deco touches and a contemporary overhaul that has ensured the hotel has relevance while preserving historical style. Everything oozes extravagance; even the corridors and lift lobbies make me pause to admire sculptures, gleaming floors and gilded light fittings. By the time I explore the Wellness Sky Club amid gardens on the rooftop, I feel I’ve arrived in a sleek blue-and-white heaven.

The room

A Sea View with Terrace suite lives up to its name with a splendid view of Port Hercules, billionaires’ boats and the Prince’s Palace.

I’ve landed in a Sea View with Terrace suite, which lives up to its name with a splendid view of Port Hercules, billionaires’ boats, and the Prince’s Palace. I spend a lot of time gazing out the windows. In a mini-state where space is at a premium, the size of the suite is extravagant. The gold-and-cream decor feels appropriately luxe, as does the classical French furniture and extravagantly draped curtains, yet the room feels neither old-fashioned nor stuffy, and is hung with abstract art. The walk-in closet is enormous, so is the marble-swathed bathroom, which has double sinks, a tub, and the best hotel shower I’ve enjoyed in years. Aficionados will appreciate the separate Japanese toilet.

Food + drink

The fabulous terrace at Le Grill (one Michelin star) gazes between the turrets of the casino towards Italy.

Gourmets will be gratified. Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse restaurant has three Michelin stars. The fabulous terrace at Le Grill (one Michelin star) gazes between the turrets of the casino towards Italy and has sunny Mediterranean flavours to match. Another option is Em Sherif Monte-Carlo for Lebanese cuisine. Breakfast is served in this venue, which has a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean; the assortment of top-quality fruit, breads, pastries, charcuterie and cheeses is impressive. Guests can also lunch on healthy Mediterranean cuisine at L’Hirondelle at Thermes Marins, the adjacent, light-flooded wellness centre wedged splendidly above the harbour.

Out +about

The 1870s Casino de Monte-Carlo, on which Monaco’s fame and fortune was built, is an astonishing eruption of gold leaf, onyx and nymphs prancing across ceilings. I return frequently to linger on Place du Casino to admire the arriving supercars of visiting high-rollers. A short walk downhill from the hotel is The Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, which displays more than 100 vintage, luxury and racing vehicles. The other two highlights are the Prince’s Palace and outstanding Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Guests of the hotel have access to Monte-Carlo Beach Club with its glamorous, Olympic-sized swimming pool and peacock-coloured Mediterranean water.

THE VERDICT
Nowhere better encapsulates the luxurious, jet-setter style of Monte-Carlo than the hotel that has been pampering guests since 1864. If you’re going to enjoy a Monaco moment, no other address will do.

THE ESSENTIALS
Rooms from €632 ($1050) a night. A wheelchair-accessible room and suites are available. See montecarlosbm.com

OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★★

Highlight
Being propelled through the revolving entrance door several times daily, into the magnificent belle epoque statement that is the lobby.

Lowlight
The unassuming reception desk provides no sense of occasion. Then again, you’ll be wafted room-wards in no time at all.