The best hotels in Monaco: nine places to stay, from Place du Casino to the harbour

The palace on the square

Hôtel de Paris opened in 1864 and stands next door to the casino on Place du Casino. A rebuild lasting several years added new suites and rooftop terraces. Alain Ducasse's Le Louis XV has three Michelin stars, and the wine cellar is said to be one of the largest in the world.

This is our pick for a first visit, for the location and the history. It is among the most expensive hotels on the Riviera, and the lobby fills with sightseers taking photos. Guests have access to the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa close by.

Belle Époque with a sea view

The Hermitage sits on the ridge above the harbour, a couple of minutes' walk from the casino, in a Belle Époque building. The salon beneath its glass dome is the signature space, and many rooms have balconies facing the harbour and the Prince's Palace.

It suits you if you want a classic stay near Place du Casino that is a little calmer than Hôtel de Paris. Prices are lower, though still high. Ask for a room facing the harbour, as those on the street side are darker.

The garden behind the square

The Métropole sits just above Place du Casino, behind a garden that shuts out the traffic. The Odyssey pool area was designed by Karl Lagerfeld, and food has long been one of the hotel's great strengths.

It suits couples and anyone who wants luxury without staying in the middle of the crowds. Most rooms have no sea view. The shopping street Avenue des Beaux-Arts and the casino are a few minutes away on foot.

The hotel on the hairpin

The Fairmont sits down by the sea below the casino, at the famous hairpin bend on the Formula 1 circuit. It is the largest hotel in Monaco, with a rooftop pool, several restaurants and rooms with balconies over the sea.

This is our pick for the Grand Prix, as the cars race right past the building. The rest of the year it is a practical and cheaper choice, though big and busy. Book a sea-view room, as the others face the town.

The lagoon on the peninsula

Monte-Carlo Bay stands on a peninsula in Larvotto, with a sand-bottomed lagoon and several pools among the palms. Most rooms have a balcony, and many look out to sea.

This is our family pick, with space, pools and the beach close by. It feels more like a resort than a city hotel, and it takes about fifteen minutes to walk to Place du Casino. The lagoon is open from spring to autumn.

A beach of its own

Le Méridien sits right on the water in Larvotto and has its own sandy beach, which few hotels in Monaco can offer. The hotel is large and modern, with a pool and rooms looking out to sea.

It suits you if you want to swim right outside the door without paying for a beach club. It is a big hotel and busy in summer. Take the steps up to the Larvotto promenade for dinner.

Right above the harbour

Port Palace is a small hotel directly above Port Hercule, with rooms looking down on the boats. It is small and personal, a contrast to the big names around the casino.

It suits you if you want to watch harbour life from your room and stay somewhere more private. Rooms are smaller than at the big hotels. From the hotel you can walk along the harbour to the market on Place d'Armes.

The best-value choice

The Columbus sits in Fontvieille by the rose garden and the small marina, with modern rooms and a pool on the terrace. The Prince's Palace and the old town on the rock are a fifteen-minute walk away.

This is our value pick, if you want to stay in Monaco without paying Place du Casino prices. It is quiet in the evening, and you will need the bus or a walk to reach Monte-Carlo. Rooms facing the marina are the best.

The view of Monaco

The Maybourne Riviera opened in 2021 on a cliff above the sea, with every room facing the Mediterranean and Monaco. Its restaurant Ceto is run by the chef Mauro Colagreco, and the pools sit on terraces above the water.

This is our romantic pick, for anyone who would rather look at Monaco than stay in the middle of it. The hotel is in France, and it is about fifteen minutes by car to Place du Casino. Plan on taxis into town.