Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo – Belle Epoque Glamour in Monaco

Emyr Thomas visits the Principality of Monaco and checks-in to the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo, one of its most exclusive addresses.

I was recently on a visit of hotels in the South of France, which culminated at the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo.

The Principality of Monaco is one of those mythical places that has been a destination for movie stars, captains of industry and royalty alike for decades. It is a place to be seen, to wear your best outfits and to put it all on black at the casino.

The iconic Hotel Metropole is located right on the main gardens of Monte Carlo, close to the casino and the main square, yet sufficiently set back at the end of a long narrow driveway to keep the throngs of day tripping tourists from getting too close.

The Belle Epoque exterior of the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo

The ornate exterior of the hotel dates back to the Belle Epoque period and is in stylist harmony with the other grand buildings surrounding the main square, which gives the impression of an exclusive urban destination in the middle of a chic and vibrant area.

The interior of the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo

The interior holds a world of decadence in plush velvets set to a background of cool lounge music, all bearing the signature touch of world-renowned designer Jacques Garcia.

Our junior suite was spacious with floral prints and rich fabrics, which was more sedate and classic than the vibe that the communal areas create of the hotel.

A junior suite at the Hotel Metropole Monaco

The large bathroom featured an enormous shower with Hermes beauty products, and the bedroom windows opened to beautiful views of Monaco.

Global superstar chef, Joel Robuchon, overseas the Metropole Monaco’s three restaurants.

His eponymous two Michelin-starred restaurant is the hotel’s main restaurant with the chef’s classic Mediterranean style; and YOSHI, the hotel’s bright and contemporary Japanese restaurant with impeccably sourced fish (pictured below), also holds a Michelin star.

Joel Robuchon's YOSHI restaurant in Monaco

A recent addition to the Metropole Monte Carlo is the Karl Lagerfeld designed Odyssey pool and restaurant.

With a chic design of white, grey and blue, the pool feels like an urban oasis and the restaurants is the place for a healthy lunch. While the pool is exclusively for guests, the restaurant is open to all.

Odyssey restaurant and pool at Metropole Monaco

Service was impeccable throughout our stay, particularly at Odyssey, striking the ideal balance between being attentive, efficient and friendly.

If you need an injection of culture then a visit to the Palace is a major attraction, and Monaco’s many upscale shops are in prime position across the principality.

Monte Carlo is famous for its haute hotels, fine dining, the casinos and the nightclubs, and on our recent visit, it didn’t disappoint.

Where to Stay: Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo

Where to Eat: Alain Ducasse’s three Michelin starred Le Louis XV; YOSHI; Le Vistamar at L’Hermitage Hotel; Cipriani for global Italian food; Alan Yau’s Song Qi for high-end Chinese; Il Terrazzino for a casual Italian; Nobu at the Fairmont Hotel; Lunch at Odyssey.

If you are planning a visit to Monaco, contact Bon Vivant’s travel experts – the Metropole is a Virtuoso hotel, therefore any booking made through us will benefit from an upgrade, early check-in and late check-out subject to availability; complimentary breakfast; $100 to spend on food and drink.

For inspiration for other hotels in the South of France, read our review of Cap Estel in Eze-sur-mer and Le Mas Candille.

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