Monaco

Rainier and Grace, republished as Grace of Monaco, by Jeffrey Robinson. An account of the lives of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, intertwined with the history of the country. The author knew Rainier and Grace personally, and he interviewed members of the royal family for the book.

The nearest airport is at Nice, 1 Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE IATA) in Alpes-Maritimes, which is around 40 km (25 mi) away from the city centre. It receives daily flights from nearly all of Europe's main cities, such as London and Paris.

E-hailing from the airport to Monaco is available for example by Uber and Bolt. For the way back to the airport check the e-hailing section.

Taxis are always available outside the terminal buildings, but make sure a fee is agreed in advance or the meter is switched on at the start of the journey, as shady taxi drivers are notorious for charging tourists whatever they see fit.

You can take a tram from the airport to Grand Arénas and change there to the train to Monaco for about €6 (Mar 2024).

An express shuttle, route 80, links the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and Menton with multiple stops near all major hotels throughout Monaco, not just the ward of Monte Carlo. A bus leaves every half hour and a single ticket costs €19.50 (Mar 2024).

2 Monacair, Heliport de Monaco, Av. des Ligures, ☏ +377 97973900. The sole operator of regular helicopter transfers between Nice Airport and the Monaco Heliport. After collecting your luggage at the Nice airport, present yourself at the Monacair reception desks (in terminals 1 and 2). A ground crew will carry your luggage and drive you to the heliport. The flight along the coast is beautiful and only lasts 8 minutes. When arriving at the Monaco heliport along the water's edge, a chauffeur will take you directly to your hotel. When leaving Monaco, a partnership with airlines allows for a direct transfer to the boarding gate with your cabin luggage. Check with the company if these benefits are applicable to your airline. Rates start from €210/person for one-way transfers and can go up to €11,600 for a private twin-engine helicopter, which can seat up to 6 passenger. During major events this price can increase significantly. (updated Nov 2022)

The train stopping in Monaco operates along the coast from Cannes in France to Ventimiglia in Italy. The train also stops for example in Menton, Nice and Antibes and is run by SNCF. There are 2-4 services per hour. There are also occasional high-speed TGV services (via Nice to Paris, 6 hr 30 min). The sometimes still mentioned Intercity/Thello services to Italy no longer exist.

From Genoa and Milano you can take a direct train to Ventimiglia and change there to the train to Monaco. In Ventimiglia, it is easier not to use the Trenitalia counters or machines. Go to the travel agency (the only one) inside the station, which is marked with the sign of SNCF (French Railways). Return tickets not tied to a specific train are also available. Remember to validate your tickets just before boarding using the machines on the platforms.

3 Monaco-Monte-Carlo railway station (Gare de Monaco-Monte-Carlo), Place Sainte Dévote. The principality's only railway station and operated by the French railway company SNCF. It is about 300 m back from Port Hercule, the layout is somewhat confusing as the station has been built underground with an adjacent huge parking garage - the main entrance is by elevator from "above". There are ticket vending machines and few food outlets, including a Starbucks. (updated Sep 2022)

Monaco is easily accessed by its land borders from France or Italy by a network of highways, most commonly used of which is the A8 which runs west from Monte Carlo to Nice and Marseilles, and east towards the Italian border.

Between Nice and Monaco, there are also three more scenic roads: the Basse Corniche (Low Coast-Road - Highway 98), along the sea, the Moyenne Corniche (Middle Coast Road - Highway 7), going through Eze-Village, and the Grande Corniche (Great Coast Road), going through La Turbie and Col d'Eze (Eze Pass). All are pretty drives offering spectacular views over the Coast line. For an extra-special treat, rent a convertible sports car from the many airport rental services and take in the French Riviera in style.

Parking is plentiful in Monaco. There is very little street parking, however, garage parking is easy to find. Check Monapass App for availability.

Common ride sharing apps available in France such as Uber or Bolt can be used to go to Monaco from nearby French cities such as Nice. However, these apps are not legal in Monaco: drivers can drop you in Monaco but cannot pick you up in Monaco. To leave Monaco with these apps you can walk to France (for instance to boulevard des Moneghetti in Beausoleil) and order an Uber from France. You can also stay in Monaco but select a pick up location in France and add a stop in Monaco where you are. Make sure you call or text the driver to inform them that no one will be at the first location. This is legal as drivers can stop for rides started outside the territory of Monaco.

Regional buses 600 (along the coast, every 15 min) and 602 (over Eze Village, every 2 hours) connect Monaco with Nice, bus 600 continues to Menton (both 2,50€). There is no bus station in Monaco. Instead, the regional buses stop at various points throughout the city.

Flixbus does not stop in the country. The nearest stops are in Nice and Ventimiglia, where you can change to the train to Monaco.

Monaco's two ports are no strangers to private yachts. 4 Port Hercule is exceptionally beautiful and offers mooring and anchoring possibilities for up to 500 vessels, some of which are extremely large and elegant (in fact, many tourists often take time out of their day to simply have a drink by the water and admire the fantastic super yachts). The 5 Port of Fontvieille, integrated into the new district, can receive as many as 60 vessels of at least 30m in length. Both are large and well-equipped.

Monaco also serves as an embarkation port and port-of-call for cruises, so large cruise ships can often be spotted sailing in or out of Port Hercule.

In close proximity, the 6 Port of Cap d'Ail is also a choice destination for pleasure-boats.

A pleasant way to arrive in Monaco is to walk on the "7 Sentier du bord de mer (from Cap d'Ail)" (seaside trail), about a 3 km (1.9 mi) and 45-minute walk on a concrete path in a natural and peaceful setting. Take the train and stop at the Cap d'Ail train station (the last before Monaco when coming from Nice; not all the trains stop there). Outside of the train station, follow the road a few meters and take the stairs on the left to pass under the tracks. Once you reach the small road, turn left and walk a few meters, then take the stairs on your right next to the restaurant "La Pinède" to join the trail. If you want to do the route from Monaco to Cap d'ail station, go to the west of Fontvieille ward, cross to the French border to join the Cap d'Ail port and follow the seashore. After a few minutes you will arrive to the "8 Sentier du bord de mer (from Monaco)" just after a final parking lot. It can be dangerous and closed in case of bad weather. In this case you will have either to go back and take the train, or walk on the road. There is no lighting at night.

Walking is by far the best way to get around Monaco; however, there are some areas, such as the Exotic Gardens, that require a large change in elevation and therefore make for rather strenuous hikes. There are also seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help negotiate the steep slopes of the city. If you find yourself afoot and wanting to reach the opposite bank of Port Hercule, look for the small 9 Bateau Bus, a pedestrian-only ferry that runs each 20 minutes or so during daylight; it costs €2.

Monaco has an urban bus service, operated by the Compagnie des Autobus Monaco, through the city's five bus routes (labelled 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) which serves 143 stops. Each stop has the bus numbers that stop there, and most stops feature a real-time display showing waiting times for the next service. Each stop has a name and a network map. The service usually starts at around 06:00 and runs right through until about 21:00. Tickets can be purchased on board the buses (€2) or at many news vendors and shops throughout the city and at auto ticket machines at the bus stops (€1.50) — often it will be advertised as to where you can do this. A daily pass allows you to use the buses all day for €5.50 (2016) and can also be purchased on board the bus. A night bus service operates in a circular route from 22:00 until 04:00.

In 2025 and 2026, Monaco is providing free bus service around certain big events such as the Yacht Show and the Grand Prix.

You can easily rent a motor scooter in Nice and take a short trip east along the sea into Monaco. The views are beautiful and the ride is fun along the twisty seaside road. There are plenty of places to park for free. Theft is not a concern, as there are cameras throughout and police everywhere. To rent one whilst there, you must be at least 16 years old.

Cycling is definitely a good option to get around in Monaco, but the traffic in high season can be intimidating. Also, be aware that the city state is rather steep, so unless your condition is very good an E-bike might be preferable.

MonaBike. Monaco's official bike rental scheme. Credit card and mobile data needed. €3/24h. (updated Aug 2023)

10 The Bike Shop by Philippe Gilbert, 7 Rue des Açores, ☏ +377 97974935. Rents out e-Bikes and road bikes (updated Aug 2023)

11 MonecoBike, Les Jardins d'Apolline, 1 Prom. Honoré II, ☏ +377 99902404. Rental of e-Bikes. €45/day (less if booked for multiple days). (updated Aug 2023)

Private cars are singularly useless for getting around Monaco, as you'll spend more time trying to park than if you walked or took a taxi instead.

International rental car companies do have offices at the airport in Nice and also in Monte Carlo city. These include Avis, Gare Monte Carlo, Europcar and Hertz - drivers must have held a national driving license for at least one year and it is usually requested that the cost is paid for with the driver’s credit card. Driving in the city center can be intimidating in Monte Carlo with heavy traffic - however, it is often worth this to drive alongside the more expensive vehicles in the city! Make sure to request a car with an automatic gearbox if you are not used to driving manual.

Taxis cannot be hailed on the streets (they won't stop) and there are two main taxi stands open around the clock at the Avenue de Monte Carlo and the railway station, although it is always best to agree a fee beforehand or make sure the meter is running. Most hotels will provide taxis or courtesy drivers. The best is to get the taxi service phone number to be able to call a taxi wherever you are.

Uber, Bolt and other ride sharing apps are banned in Monaco.

22 Monaco Grand Prix (Grand Prix de Monaco), ☏ +377 93 15 26 24, location@formula1monaco.com. Monaco's streets hosts the best known Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is also one of Europe's premier social highlights of the year. The Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM) organizes this spectacular race each year in late May, with the next on 5-7 June 2026. The Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometers of Monte Carlo's most narrow and twisted streets. The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires and determined drivers also makes the Monaco Grand Prix one of the most exciting races in the world. There are more than 37,000 seats available for sale on the circuit ranging from €310 (at Boulevard Albert 1er) to €600 (at Casino Square) for a ticket on race day. Monaco residents often rent out their terraces for the event with prices ranging from €8,000 to €140,000 for the four days. During the rest of the year (except during the Historic Grand Prix and the ePrix; see below), it is possible to walk around the circuit. Tourist office maps have the route clearly marked on their maps, although devotees won't need them! For those who can afford it, you can also take a ride around the track in a performance car. (updated Jun 2025)

Historic Grand Prix of Monaco (Grand Prix de Monaco Historique), ☏ +377 93 15 26 24, location@formula1monaco.com. The famous Grand Prix isn't the only race on Monaco's streets. The ACM also organizes the Historic Grand Prix, held two weeks before the Grand Prix in even-numbered years, featuring a series of seven races that spotlight historic Formula 1 cars from all eras from pre-World War II to 1980. The races use a shortened version of the famous circuit, and tickets are less expensive than those for the Grand Prix.

Monaco ePrix (ePrix de Monaco), ☏ +377 93 15 26 24, location@formula1monaco.com. In odd-numbered years, the Historic Grand Prix is replaced by the Monaco ePrix, also organized by ACM and part of the international Formula E series. If you enjoy auto racing but can't handle the engine noise, this is the racing series for you—Formula E cars are electric. Since 2021 the cars race on the same circuit as the F1 cars.

23 Festival International du Cirque (International Circus Festival), 5 Avenue des Ligures, ☏ +377 92 05 23 45. This extraordinary circus festival takes place every year in January. The world's best performers in their field take part. €30-190. (updated Jul 2018)

24 Monte Carlo Tennis Masters, ☏ +377 97 98 70 00, info@smett.mc. This tournament is held end of April each year at the Monte Carlo Country Club just outside of Monaco in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Rafael Nadal is the record holder. Single day tickets vary between €25-185. (updated Sep 2016)

25 Top Marques Monaco, 10, Avenue Princesse Grace (Held in the Grimaldi Forum), ☏ +377 97 70 12 77. An exhibition, which features luxury aircraft, automobile, banking, boat, footwear, handbag, jewellery, real estate and wine products. The exhibition itself is less of an attraction than what actually happens on the street during the show. People bring their tuned sports cars from all over Europe to drift and rev their cars on the streets while being photographed by hundreds of car spotters. Held every third week of April each year. €36-50 for adults, €18-25 for children. (updated Sep 2016)

Rallye Monte Carlo, ☏ +377 93 15 26 00, info@acm.mc. Maybe the most famous rallying event in the world. The stages of the rally run in the area around Monaco and the French Riviera. The cars gather on the day before the first stage in the "tire fitting zone" at Casino Square. Held every year in late January. (updated Sep 2016)

26 Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), Route de la Piscine (Entrance close to the swimming pool), ☏ +377 93 10 41 70, info@monacoyachtshow.mc. Held every year in September at Port Hercules this is considered one of the biggest superyacht shows in the world with around 130 boats on display. Walk along the harbourfront on the blue carpet and marvel at yachts with a combined net worth of about US$3 billion. €690 (day pass. Just make sure you have that extra few million on hand if you want to buy anything.). (updated Aug 2020)

27 Monte-Carlo International Show Jumping, Route de la Piscine, ☏ +377 97 70 24 14. End of June every year. Attracts some of the best riders in the world. The course is considered very tight and challenging. (updated Aug 2020)

Like its neighbour, France, Monaco uses the euro. Currency exchange is readily available for a wide range of currencies. ATMs are commonplace.

For coin collectors visiting Monaco, its euro coins are issued in limited amounts for general circulation and are perfect souvenirs to bring home.

Shopping in Monte Carlo is usually quite exclusive and is certainly no place for a budget holiday. There are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe's high rollers. The chic clothes shops are in the Golden Circle, framed by Avenue Monte Carlo, Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Allées Lumiéres, where Hermès, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada all have a presence. The area on and around Place du Casino is home to high-end jewellers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Chopard. You will find, however, that most tourists will simply enjoy wandering the area and window shopping, even if you don't buy anything. The normal shopping hours are from 09:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 19:00.

For a more cultured take on shopping in Monte Carlo, try the Condamine Market. The market, which can be found in the Place d'Armes, has been in existence since 1880 and is lively and attractive - many hours can be spent simply wandering around, bargaining for souvenirs from the many tiny shops, boutiques and friendly locals. If however, your shopping tastes are more modern, just take a short walk along the esplanade to the rue Princess Caroline pedestrian mall.

The Fontvieille Shopping Centre is also a more "normal" shopping experience with 36 shops selling electronic goods, CDs, furniture, and clothes as well as a Carrefour supermarket and McDonald's. The tourist office also issues a useful free shopping guide to the city.

1 Le Métropole Shopping Center, 17 Avenue des Spélugues, ☏ +377 93 50 15 36, contact@ccmetropole.com. M-Sa 10:00-20:00; Su off. 80 shops in a beautiful ambient. The chandeliers are amazing. (updated Sep 2016)

Some stores to browse or buy:

Fred Boutique, 6, av des Beaux-Arts, Monte Carlo. Located on the exclusive avenue of des Beaux-Arts, this is one of only a handful of Fred boutiques in the world. An official jeweller of Monaco's royal family and a favorite of celebrities, you may not be able to afford much in this boutique, but it's worth a jaw dropping visit. If you go to Monte Carlo, you shouldn't miss this.

Boutique du Rocher, 1, av de la Madone, Monte Carlo. Opened by Princess Grace in the 1960s, visitors still come for the best in souvenirs. Choose from hand-carved frames and mirrors, ceramics, homewares and toys. Prices are moderate and all proceeds go to local charities.

Davidoff, 17, av des Spélugues, Les galeries du Métropole, Monte Carlo. High end cigar and cigarette store, where you are assisted by staff that know their product well.

Galerie Moghadam, 23 & 41, bd des Moulins, Monte Carlo. Award-winning speciality shop that offers superb hand woven tapestries and carpets.

There is a variety of restaurants and cafés in the city with a moderate price tag and excellent food. A few simple cafés exist along the marina-side, more like beach bars than anything else, serving simple meals such as pizza, salads and hotdogs throughout the day. These can be good for sitting back during the hot midday with a cold beer or glass of wine, a snack to recharge your batteries from exploring the city, and the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean (and often the roar of supercars) in your ears. Most of these restaurants are equipped with water-misters in the ceilings that gently cool and refresh the clientele.

1 Chez Roger (In the market hall east of Place d'Armes), ☏ +377 93508020. M-Sa 09:45-13:30. Try the typical food of the region. Socca (chickpea pancakes) for €3 and Pissaladière (caramelized onion and anchovy tart) for €2 (Aug 2020). The Monégasque speciality Barbajuan, which is a kind of fritter stuffed with spinach and other ingredients, can be bought in the shop to the right of Chez Roger's. (updated Aug 2022)

2 Mickey’s Pizza, 10 Rue de la Turbie, ☏ +377 97987664, contact@mickeyspizza-monaco.com. M-F 11:00-14:00,18:00-22:00; Sa 18:00-22:00. Good quality pizza. Topped pizzas from €11, pizza lunch menu for €11.50 (August 2019). (updated Aug 2022)

3 Cooks Monaco, 10 Bd Princesse Charlotte. Brilliant Italian pizzas and great service. They also have a rotisserie corner with a wide choice. For real honest good food in Monaco here is the place to go. (updated Aug 2022)

4 Lo Sfizio Street, 14 Av. Saint-Charles. Yummy pizzas. The dough and the filling is quite exceptional. The service is with a smile and you can even eat quietly on the tables on the terrace on the pedestrian street. (updated Aug 2022)

5 Maison des pâtes Saint-Charles, 14 Av. Saint-Charles. Good fresh made pasta with best Service. The pasta, gnocchi and ravioli are very good, the sauces varied and well cooked. You will only find extraordinarily delicious takeaway products here. And the welcome is always warm. (updated Aug 2022)

6 Café de Paris, Place du Casino, ☏ +377 98 06 76 23. Daily 08:00-02:00. The nerve centre of Monte Carlo, where people go to see and be seen, buzzing with the feel of old time Monte Carlo, circa early 1900s. Menu items change frequently, as do the waiters, who seem intent on rushing patrons through their meals. For people-watching, you could try a diet Coke for €6, glass of beer for €14 and ice cream for €16 (June 2017). Reservations to dine are recommended. (updated Aug 2022)

7 Beefbar, 42 Quai Jean-Charles Rey, ☏ +377 97770929. Daily 14:30-00:00. Quality cuts of beef on offer, attached with high, though surprisingly worthwhile price tag. Small cups on puree are available for the meat, though an additional cup (one is far too small), costs €8.5 (Aug 2020). Wine selections are paired perfectly with the red meat. Chic atmosphere and the staff are extremely attentive. (updated Aug 2022)

8 L'Express, 22 Rue Comte Félix Gastaldi. Good pizza and pasta as well as other dishes. Try the delicious "Farandole Monégasque", a sampler plate of local Monégasque dishes. Vegetarian options. (updated Sep 2025)

Dining in Monaco can be a very sobering experience to whomever is paying the bill. Perhaps the most exclusive and famous restaurants in the city are the Louis XV Restaurant and the Le Grill de L'Hotel de Paris, both centered on the very exclusive Hotel de Paris. You are more than likely to be seated next to a member of the rich and famous, and the gourmet food is simply out-of-this-world although the experiences come with a rather hefty price tag.

9 Louis XV, Hôtel de Paris - Place du Casino, ☏ +377 98 06 88 64, adhp@sbm.mc. Sa Su 12:00-13:45, Th-M 19:30-21:45; Tu W off. In one of the finest hotels in the world, run by one of the finest chefs in the world (Alain Ducasse) this Michelin 3-star rated restaurant serves dining perfection among luxurious glitterati. The level of sophistication for all dishes is hard to be surpassed, the sea bass with Italian artichokes regularly reaches a score of 19/20 by restaurant critics. The restaurant contains the world's largest wine cellar: 250,000 bottles of wine (many priceless) stashed in a rock cave. Reservations are essential, as are jacket and tie for men. Á la carte from €200 (not including drinks), set lunch for €180/person (Aug 2020). (updated Aug 2022)

10 Le Grill (Le Grill de L'Hotel de Paris), In the Hôtel de Paris, place du Casino, ☏ +377 98 06 88 88, legrill@sbm.mc. 12:00-14:00,19:30-21:45. Although often overlooked by the famed Louis XV, look above to the Hotel de Paris' rooftop for its equally elegant contender. Less intimidating than the Ducasse citadel downstairs, Le Grill offers every imaginable sort of grilled fish, and meat that come from the nearby Alps. The selection of 600,000 wines are the perfect accompaniment to every dish, and the service is impeccable. Dining on the rooftop affords you stunning, panoramic views of Monte Carlo, and in the summer, a blanket of starry sky. A la carte approximately €60-80 (neither drinks nor starter included). Set menu for lunch €65 (Aug 2020). (updated Aug 2022)

If you're on a budget, Monaco is not the best place to be. A better option is to stay in one of the towns outside of Monaco:

Nice – 20 min away by cheap and frequent trains from Monaco. Or you take the bus along the coast. The city also offers hostels.

Menton – 10 min by train, a French beach town. Buses to Monaco have multiple stops in the town.

Ventimiglia – 30 min by train, which is an Italian sea-side town situated near the French border.

The Monaco Tourism center staff will also sit down and make phone calls to assist walk-ins in finding accommodation. Even if you ask for "cheap" lodging.

Better priced mid-range hotels you find in the city of Beausoleil, directly bordering Monaco.

1 Hôtel de France, 6 rue de la Turbie, ☏ +377 93302464. Simple and modern hotel that is well-priced given the hotel's location. €150 double. (updated Aug 2020)

2 Columbus Hotel, 23 Avenue des Papalins (Just by the heliport, and about 200 m from the Stade Louis II.), ☏ +377 92 05 90 00. This 3-star hotel was co-owned by successful Glaswegian hotelier Ken McCulloch, designer Amanda Rosa and British F1 racing driver David Coulthard (all Monaco residents today). There is an excellent restaurant and the lobby is a great spot to relax on the comfortable sofas. Rooms are modern. From €250. (updated Aug 2020)

3 Hotel Ambassador, corner of ave Prince Pierre, ☏ +377 97 97 96 96, info@ambassadormonaco.com. Surprisingly standard mid range hotel that is good value for business travellers and those watching their euros. Rooms are kitted out with the usual TV, mini bar air con, with Wi-Fi access and cable making it a nice touch. From €135. (updated Aug 2020)

4 Hôtel de Paris, Place du Casino, ☏ +377 9216 30 00, fax: +377 9216 26 26, resort@sbm.mc. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Offering a level of sophistication that has awarded itself as one of the world's most famous hotels. Featuring marble pillars, crystal chandeliers, Louis XVI chairs, and sumptuous carpets, it's a vision of luxury and a favorite among the world's travellers. Rooms are simply enormous with marble and brass furnishings and the hotel is home to the country's two finest eating establishments, the Le Grill de l'Hôtel de Paris and Le Louis XV. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the de Paris' guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa. €400-€940 double; from €1995 suite. (updated May 2021)

5 Hôtel Hermitage, Square Beaumarchais, ☏ +377 98 06 40 00, hh@sbm.mc. Perched on a clifftop, the Hermitage offer idyllic living at its best. The majority of rooms have balconies, so guests can have stunning views from their rooms. While the hotel is quite old, all amenities and features and modern and elegant in their styling and a stay here is truly well deserved. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the Hermitage's guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa. double €320-€528; junior suite €568-€792; suite from €1596. (updated Jul 2017)

6 Hôtel Métropole, 4, avenue de la Madone, ☏ +377 93 15 15 15, metropole@metropole.com. It was built in 1886 and has 126 guest rooms, including 64 suites. It was designed by Hans-Georg Tersling. Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark died there in 1944, and American television host Mike Bongiorno died there in 2009. (updated Jul 2017)

7 Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, 40, avenue Princesse Grace, ☏ +377 98-06-02-00, fax: +377 98-06-00-03, resort@sbm.mc. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. Awe impressive 4-hectare (10-acre) resort. The high price reflect the quality of stay. Only about 500 m (1,600 ft) from the sandy beaches of Larvotto, more than 3/4 of rooms open onto sea views. Marble bathrooms feature flat screen tvs with cable ties, the hotel pool has an indoor pool covered with an ornate glass dome, and the hotel bar is none other than Jimmy'z's. The furnishings are sandstone floors, soft Mediterranean pastels and sleek modern amenities. The service to detail is outstanding, different shampoos and towels on different days, and the staff are polite and attentive without being intrusive. The SBM's Carte d'Or does not offer the Bay Hotel's guests access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel or Les Thermes Marins. The Bay Hotel is rather self-contained, but lacks a beach. €300-€800 double; €750-€1400 suite. (updated Jul 2017)

8 Port Palace Hôtel, ☏ +377 97979000, reservation@portpalace.com. 4-star hotel with relatively reasonable prices compared to places of similar quality in the Principality. From €370. (updated Jul 2021)