At just over two square kilometres in size, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. But it’s arguably one of the world’s most glamorous countries. For its size it has a lot of Michelin stars, a lot of five star hotels and a lot of very fancy cars and super-yachts. It also gets a lot of sunshine. And has beautiful views of the Mediterranean. And a spectacular position running down from the mountains into the bay. And the best places to stay in Monaco benefit from all of these elements. But at a price.

Monaco’s glamour isn’t particularly affordable, but it’s romantic and beautiful, and there are lots of ways to make a stay here really special. Of course, most of the best places to stay in Monaco are just gorgeous, and that really helps, but a number of our recommendations come with complimentary helicopter transfer from Nice Airport, or the option to be taken around town in hotel cars of the ilk you’d usually expect to see the Queen riding in.

Where to Stay

The whole of Monaco is just over two square kilometres in size, so this question is less pertinent here than for other destinations.

• The mid-section of Monaco is the real heart of Monte Carlo and includes Port Hercule and La Condamine, and of course the area around the casino. This is where you’ll find some of Monaco’s most luxurious hotels, some of the most glamorous boutiques, the most impressive restaurants and the most exclusive bars and nightclubs. There are also a lot of expensive cars parked on these streets…
• To the east of Monte Carlo you’ll find the beachier resorts, along with the only public beach in Monaco.
• To the west of Monte Carlo is Fontvieille, which is quieter, probably because it’s quite a rocky walk into town from here, around the Port de Fontvieille and over the Rocher de Monaco (the rock). Fontvieille is where you’ll find the Princess Grace Botanical Gardens and more rows of luxurious yachts.
• This might be controversial, but it’s worth noting that if you’re finding the prices in Monaco a bit unnecessary you might want to consider Menton and Roquebrune Cap Martin, just over the border, on the Cote d'Azur.

Don't forget that the best places to stay in Monaco will be incredibly busy during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee your room, make sure you book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Monaco

Monaco’s Best Grand Dame Hotels

• The Hôtel de Paris is iconic and gorgeous, a five-star beauty with incredible ocean views and indulgent, very Parisian design. The restaurant has three Michelin stars, you’re right next to the Monte Carlo casino and the decor is classic plush.
• The Hotel Metropole offers the kind of decadence Monaco is known for: marble floors, chandeliers, multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, abundant floral displays and a general Belle Époque era opulence. It’s romantic as well as beautiful.

In Port Hercule

• The Port Palace is a 50 suite hotel overlooking Port Hercule. All the rooms are individually styled, but they’re similarly airy and full of light. They’re also not fussy: elegant more than luxurious. You’re steps away from the yacht club and the Grand Prix circuit and there’s an excellent spa and wellness centre.

For a Beach Break

• The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel is a much larger affair, with 334 rooms and around ten acres of exclusive land in this tiny, exclusive country. The views from the Lego pink towers are incredible, the chic interiors are done in warm, Mediterranean pastels and there’s a super pool as well as direct access to the bay. This is another hotel with a Michelin star.
• Le Meridien Beach Plaza is another luxurious hotel on a private beach. There are almost 400 rooms, all of them beautiful in the contemporary style, but some have private balconies with unbeatable sea views. There’s a chic bar.

The Most Romantic Places to Stay in Monaco

• The Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel is a stunning hotel in a listed, 1930s building complete with murals, romantic arches and a terracotta facade. These 40 rooms enjoy a private beach, as well as a large pool and lush gardens. The decor has been inspired by Matisse and Cocteau and the restaurant has a Michelin star.

For The Best Value

• Monaco isn’t known for being affordable, but the Columbus Hotel is well priced and offers a great seafront location with bags of style and excellent views of the Mediterranean. The contemporary, Riviera-style rooms are bright and airy, but if you want even more space, and a private balcony, you can upgrade to a suite.

Prefer an Apartment or Private Villa?

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Ideally, you’ll be arriving in Monaco on your yacht. But if your yacht is having her keel overhauled or suchlike you can also fly. Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport is closest, and it’s a large airport with good links to the UK and other European destinations. From there it’s about 15 miles along the coast, and you can easily hire a helicopter to take you. Or a taxi. Or for approximately €4 you can take the train.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• Monaco’s Mediterranean weather is one of its crowning glories, as well as being beautiful and wealthy it gets about 300 sunny days a year. In winter it’s mild and still sunny, and in summer it’s not even too hot, with maximum daily highs in the mid 20s celsius between June and August. Basically there’s no bad time for a visit.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search a tiny bit and consider all the best places to stay in Monte Carlo?
• or venture just beyond the border and consider the best places to stay in Roquebrune Cap Martin? or the best places to stay in Menton?
• or expand your search to include the best places to stay on the Cote d’Azur?
• or head the other way along the coast into Italy and consider some of the best places to stay in Liguria?
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.