If you read my work about The French Riviera, by now you’d know that it is one of my favorite places in the world and one of the few that I try to visit every year. James Bond, Iron Man, and Madagascar are just a few big names where Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo made an appearance. Countless celebrities, designers, public figures and politicians have stayed there. Hôtel de Paris is undeniably the crown jewel of Monte-Carlo and arguably the entire French Riviera. It is the staple of classic luxury as the most discerned travelers know it, which is why I am so honored to write about it as the incredible final stop of my French road trip.

Monte-Carlo has one of the most spectacular harbor’s in the world – serving as a parking lot for multi-million mega yachts of celebrities and royalty alike. I was lucky enough to have front row seats right from my balcony! In reality, even if you don’t have a view of the stunning Mediterranean harbor, the other side of the hotel directly faces Cafe de Paris and the renowned Casino de Monte-Carlo (which, by the way, you can visit without paying the entrance fee if you are a hotel guest).

The hotel is wrapping up a historic renovation and I got to experience a part of the new re-design. The hallways look immaculate; crisp white walls, lots of light, opulent doors with gold accents and a striking oriental smell. The hotel was built in 1864 with the yearning to offer the finest hospitality of the era. To this day, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo lives up to that prestigious reputation. Inside the room you can control virtually everything right from your bed … a touch screen panel on the night stand allows you turn your TV on and off, dim the lights in many variations, and you can even close the shades with one click of a button. Also, everything that can possibly be personalized is, from the TV to the notepad.

It is not uncommon to see famous faces or red carpet events in the second smallest country in the world. In the past, I’ve spotted Michael Jordan, Julia Roberts, and even the Prince of Monaco below!

Dining

Le Grill

On the top floor of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is restaurant Le Grill, which proudly boasts an unique automatic opening roof and a stunning panoramic backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and the Casino Square on the other. Complimenting the jaw dropping views is a mouthwatering breakfast buffet of freshly baked croissants, fruits, and an a la carte menu of various breakfast varieties. Alain Ducasse created a sophisticated Mediterranean menu in this rooftop eatery!

After breakfast, head down to the Casino – it is practically never this empty so you have to go early!

Riviera Lunch @ Louis XV

The lunch menu at Louis XV features the products & colors of The Riviera – Chef Dominique Lory and the team at Louis XV are the artisans of flavor, crafting exquisite dishes presented to diners with deftly orchestrated ballet-like service. The Chef’s inspirations include locally farmed fish and extraordinary meat dishes and vegetables from the hinterland paired with the finest wines. The service is exceptional leaving diner’s with more than just a lunch, but an unforgettable culinary experience.

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