LICENCE TO CHILL
Written By: Marciarn Vardakas
A star of the silver screen, Hôtel De Paris has had plenty of cinematic cameos, spotted in films such as The Red Shoes, Iron Man, Never Say Never Again, and Goldeneye. With three Michelin-starred restaurants, the world's largest wine cellar, and royal-inspired suites, we can see why James Bond returned to this palatial landmark...
In the heart of Monte Carlo, where the shimmering Mediterranean meets the grandeur of Belle Époque architecture, stands the legendary Hôtel de Paris Monte- Carlo, the epitome of timeless luxury and elegance. Established in 1864, this iconic hotel transformed what was once a quaint area filled with olive and lemon trees into a playground for the world’s elite. Alongside the Casino de Monte-Carlo, it laid the foundations for what would become the quintessential luxury resort experience, attracting a who’s who of royalty, celebrities, and luminaries. From Charlie Chaplin to Winston Churchill, and most notably favoured by Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, the hotel has been a symbol of opulence and charm for over 160 years. Today, as Monte Carlo reinvents itself for the 21st century, the Hôtel de Paris continues to intertwine heritage with contemporary movements, preserving its Belle Époque façade while embracing modern luxury. The recent renovation, which added lush gardens and updated interiors, ensures that the hotel remains true to the narrative of its rich past, with touches of history like the statue of Louis XIV in the lobby — a piece so cherished that guests still seek luck by touching its gleaming knee.
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ROOMS
The rooms and suites of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo embody the same level of luxury and elegance that the hotel is famed for. Each room is a paragon of sophistication, where larger bedrooms are enhanced with private balconies and terraces, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. No detail is overlooked; the finest materials have been carefully selected to create an ambiance of warmth and grandeur. Tussar silk mattresses invite restful slumbers, while chandeliers and lamps crafted from Murano glass cast a gentle glow over floors of pristine white Calacatta marble.
The rooms bask in natural light, creating a welcoming and serene atmosphere. Classic touches blend effortlessly with contemporary elements, as seen in the velvet finishes and the elegant interplay of bronze and gold details. The bathrooms are no less opulent, featuring ornate marble interiors, robust bathtubs for those long, relaxing soaks, and sweeping views that render them an authentic escape.
Among the hotel’s most coveted spaces is the Princess Grace Suite, an unparalleled homage to the elegance and refinement of Monaco’s beloved princess. Spanning two floors, this suite offers a private experience like no other, complete with a heated infinity pool, granite jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge. The cherry on top of the cake, guests are treated to the utmost in exclusivity, including private airport transfers, a dedicated room at the Thermes Marins Monte- Carlo spa in winter, and a tent at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel’s private beach during the summer.
Not only offering the experience of grandeur, the Prince Rainier III Suite, unveiled in 2019, stands as the largest suite in the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. With expansive indoor spaces, two luxurious bedrooms, and the option to extend to staggering 600 square meters, it offers a level of opulence that is second to none. Lastly, the Monte-Carlo Suite caters to the zenith of high rollers, offering an ultra- exclusive gaming experience with its own private roulette table or blackjack setup — a true playground for the elite.
FACILITIES
No luxury experience is complete without wine, wellness, and a touch of window-shopping. At the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the newly opened “Wellness Sky Club” offers guests a rooftop sanctuary. Spanning 370 square meters indoors and 490 square meters outdoors, this oasis features a terrace, swimming pool, steam room, sauna, fitness room, and a bar and lounge area. This new addition perfectly complements the renowned Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, one of Europe’s largest spas, directly accessible from the hotel. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and a health-focused restaurant, L’Hirondelle, the spa provides an unparalleled wellness experience.
For those with a penchant for luxury shopping, Le Patio serves as a refined venue home to renowned jewelry brands such as Graff, Harry Winston, Stardust Monte-Carlo, and Omega. This elegant area, with direct connections to the Avenue des Beaux-Arts and the new One Monte- Carlo shopping district, offers a serene and sophisticated retreat. The space is adorned with lush palm trees and Mediterranean plants, creating a peaceful and opulent environment at the center of the hotel.
Finally, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is famed for its historic wine cellars, built in 1874 and modeled after a Bordeaux winery. Spanning 1,500 square meters, the cellars house over 350,000 bottles, making it the world’s largest hotel-and-restaurant cellar. During the Second World War, to protect the most prestigious bottles from looting, the Head Cellar Master ingeniously sealed off the back cellar with a barricade of empty bottles. For a truly unique experience, guests can arrange a private dining event in these storied cellars, a setting once graced by H.S.H. Prince Rainier and H.S.H. Princess Grace on their 20th wedding anniversary. This extraordinary opportunity guarantees that every moment at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is infused with unforgettable memories.
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FOOD AND BEVERAGE
LE LOUIS XV – ALAIN DUCASSE
Le Louis XV at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is masterfully led by the culinary maestro Alain Ducasse. Remarkably, he secured three Michelin stars only 33 months after the restaurant’s opening, an achievement that elegantly coincided with his 33rd birthday. Ducasse and his Executive Chef Emmanuel Pilon draw inspiration from the Riviera’s rich terroir – small farmers and fishermen provide the restaurant with unmatched local produce, allowing the chefs to continuously reinvent flavours and aromas inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean
Set in an opulent Belle Époque dining room, adorned with intricate embellishments and grandeur, the restaurant offers an intimate experience with seating for just 50 guests. Chefs work studiously in the kitchen, prioritizing substance over spectacle, as they employ intricate preparation techniques that highlight each ingredient. Try their signature dish, the marinated gamberoni from San Remo, with saffron rock fish gelée and gold caviar and for those with a sweet tooth, treat yourself to their rum baba, vanilla and citrus peel and half whipped Chantilly.
For those with a penchant for luxury shopping, Le Patio serves as a refined venue home to renowned jewelry brands such as Graff, Harry Winston, Stardust Monte-Carlo, and Omega. This elegant area, with direct connections to the Avenue des Beaux-Arts and the new One Monte- Carlo shopping district, offers a serene and sophisticated retreat. The space is adorned with lush palm trees and Mediterranean plants, creating a peaceful and opulent environment at the center of the hotel.
Finally, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is famed for its historic wine cellars, built in 1874 and modeled after a Bordeaux winery. Spanning 1,500 square meters, the cellars house over 350,000 bottles, making it the world’s largest hotel-and-restaurant cellar. During the Second World War, to protect the most prestigious bottles from looting, the Head Cellar Master ingeniously sealed off the back cellar with a barricade of empty bottles. For a truly unique experience, guests can arrange a private dining event in these storied cellars, a setting once graced by H.S.H. Prince Rainier and H.S.H. Princess Grace on their 20th wedding anniversary. This extraordinary opportunity guarantees that every moment at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is infused with unforgettable memories.
EM SHERIF
Em Sherif, the renowned Lebanese restaurant group founded in Beirut in 2011 by Mireille Hayek, made its distinguished debut as a summer addition to the Hotel de Paris in 2022. Known for its authenticity, generosity, and refined take on Lebanese cuisine, Em Sherif now graces Monaco under the direction of Yasmina Hayek, Mireille’s daughter and a Paul Bocuse Institute-trained chef. Offering three distinct concepts—Em Sherif Restaurant, Em Sherif Café, and Em Sherif Sea
Café — each space is infused with Oriental traditions, from the elegant tableware adorned with calligraphic messages to the lively ambiance. Try their iconic dishes like the samke Beyroutiyeh, a bass fillet with beyroutiyeh sauce or the Fattet Kraydis, delicious crispy sautéed prawns with yogurt. For a relaxing evening, immerse yourself in the Chicha Lounge, set amid fragrant lemon trees and wild sage. Enjoy stunning views and vibrant DJ performances surrounded by the sparkling allure of Monaco’s night lights.
AMAZÓNICO
Perched on the rooftop of the newly renovated Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, Amazónico’s summer debut has brought a fresh wave of Latin-American cuisine and vibrant energy to the legendary Place du Casino. Embodying the French ideal of ‘art de vivre’ (the art of living), Amazónico offers an amalgamation of creative cuisine, inventive cocktails, live performances, and of course, an exclusive private night club.
Signature dishes include the aguachile, a Mexican stone bass ceviche with avocado cream and jalapeños, alongside seafood delicacies such as the imperial tiger prawn and wild Dover sole. For meat-lovers the picanha, a Brazilian-style grilled rump carved tableside, is a must-try. The bar offers equally captivating cocktails, such as the rainforest old-fashioned, a blend of Ron Zacapa Centenario 23-year-old rum, fermented bacuri, açai liqueur, green strawberry, and Mah Kwan bitters, ensuring that every sip is as tantalizing as the décor itself.
The open-air terrace transforms into a lively venue offering a breathtaking view of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, while Cuban rhythms from live bands provide the soundtrack for unforgettable evenings. The crowning feature, however, is Amazónico’s perfect vantage point to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Historic Grand Prix races, sip on Champagne and feast on the energy as the race cars speed by below.
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