FAIRMONT MONTE CARLO
1. OVERVIEW
In a period of making hay in the luxury hotel market, where
it seems like new properties are opening daily, Fairmont Monte Carlo has stood
as one the world’s most unique hotels since it debuted more than 40 years ago
when Princess Grace cut the ribbon. With 602 rooms, including 27 suites across
four categories, it is built in part on pillars approximately 50 ft. high above
the Mediterranean Sea below, its seven story high structure seemingly zig
zagging along the cliffs on Monagasque hillside it hugs. The result is cruise
ship like views out to the Med, while and on the landside its location is above a
key stretch of the Grand Prix, making it one of the most desired spots to watch the race. Either way, if you have ever seen a postcard of the Principality you will be able to pick out this iconic building.
The hotel is one of the city-state’s top hotel choices for business or leisure, with a strength towards business
meetings and special events with the largest hotel ballroom along the Cote
D’Azur. It can accommodate up to 900 for seated dinners. Its rooftop pool
which hosts Nikki Beach during the summers and additional space for private
events provide stunning natural backdrops that would be hard to beat for even
the most creative meeting planner.
The hotel is a five minute walk from its rear entrance to the famed
casino and has its own casino. There is also a Nobu, which like most public
areas and restaurants has spectacular views: You can see the coast and
mountains of Monaco, France and Italy from in one Instagram moment. The large lobby and
design of public areas have a 1970 chic feel, while the guest rooms and
hallways are nautically themed to replicate a cruise ship, including faux
portholes on guest room doors.
The joke is in Monaco you have a selection of 3, 4, and
5-star hotels all at 5-star prices, and while Fairmont positions itself as
4-star, service during my stay was fine. There were no plugs close enough to
the bed for my iPhone or laptop, but they quickly brought me an extension
chord.
Also of note is the hotel’s extensive rooftop fitness center
and spa. One of the first hotels in Europe to have a fitness center when it
opened, even today the space is state of the art. All treatment rooms have
private terraces overlooking the Med.
From Trip Advisor complaints center around expensive parking
– 60 Euros a day – come to New York, that’s a bargain – and small rooms – which
is true, the standard at 375 sq. ft. is tight for a luxury hotel. Rooms also have a bit of an odd flow
due to the hotel’s design hugging the cliffs and also that it was one of the
first buildings in the region subject to then new and higher standards for
earthquake protection. Yes, Monaco is along a fault line.
On a side note, for all you engineers, the hotel is entirely heated and air
conditioned by a sophisticated system which draws water from the Mediterranean
at a depth of 130 ft. where the temperature fluctuates between 53 and 68°
fareheit all year round.
2. ACCOMMODATIONS:
Commodore Suites (3)
At 990 sq. ft. the three Commodore Suites are the largest in the hotel and also have the most open floor plan design. With light woods, carpet and furnishings they approximate Summer in the Med, and each offers spectacular multi-angle views both to land and out to the sea. All suites feature minibars, free WiFi, safe deposit box and hair dryers. Of course, the reason to stay are first the views and secondly a stylish, modern take on luxury in the Principality.
Grand Prix Suites (4)
There are four Grand Prix Suites, each named for a famous
driver (Sir Sterling Moore, David Coulthard, Ayrton Senna and Jean Alisi), and decorated with personal effects and mementos. You can specify the
one you want. At 915 sq. ft. they are second the largest of the hotel’s suites, and
feature separate bedroom and living room, two full bathrooms, hallway entrance
to both the living room and bedroom, plus three terraces, one overlooking the
track and two with sea views.
In the living room is a sofa, coffee table, breakfast table,
armchairs and a working desk, Both marble bathrooms provide a separate bathtub
and walk-in shower and a separate bidet and water closet. The suites also
feature two interactive televisions with integrated internet system, and a
radio-CD player.
Riviera Suites (15)
At 754 sq. ft. Riviera Suites feature a separate bedroom and
living room with a sofa, coffee table, armchairs and a working desk. Two
private terraces provide deck chairs and a breakfast sitting area. The suites
offer a marble bathroom with bathtub/shower combo and separate bidet and water
closet, as well as one guest toilet. The suites also feature two interactive televisions with integrated internet
system, and a radio-CD player.
Garden Suites (5)
At 700 sq. ft. Garden View Suites with King Bed feature a
separate bedroom and living room with a sofa, coffee table, armchairs and a
working desk. Two private terraces offer deck chairs and a breakfast sitting
area. The suites provide a marble bathrooms with bathtub/shower combo and a separate
bidet and water closet. The suites also feature two interactive televisions
with integrated internet system, and a radio-CD player.
3. DINING and BARS
There are restaurants and bars ranging from Italian and Mediterranean cuisine
at Horizon to French cuisine of the Saphir 24 or the unique
offerings of NOBU.
With bay windows overlooking
the sea Saphir is in the heart of the action. Offering a relaxed
atmosphere and spectacular views, it serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktail and Sunday Jazz
Brunch. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa, the acclaimed and
highly influential celebrity Chef mixes traditional Japanese dishes and South American spices and aromas. Daily from 6pm to 11.30pm. Friday and Saturday 6pm to midnight.
Located on the 7th floor it offers the 360° views of the Principality against a backdrop of the renowned Riviera and
the azure splendor of the Mediterranean. From October 16th, from Monday to
Saturday, it is open from noon to 3pm.
Nikki Beach is situated around the pool on the 7th floor of the hotel starting again March 29th,
2018 and throughout the summer with DJ music and theme parties. Advanced reservations both for the
restaurant and the pool area are suggested. Hours of operation: Daily from 9am until late.
SUN CASINO
The Sun Casino, onsite at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, provides
a discreet atmosphere for guests to enjoy all the activities. With American
style games, the casino is open every day from 2p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
4. SPA and FITNESS
FAIRMONT SPA
Situated on the 7th floor and directly connected with
the Fitness Center the 10,000 sq. ft. Spa and eight treatment rooms with natural light. There are couple’s treatments as well
FITNESS CENTRE
The fitness center features ‘Technogym’ equipment, a special room for aerobic, stretch and yoga classes, Hammam and Sauna. Hours of Operation: 6.30am to 10pm. There is a heated rooftop pool open year-round. From here, you can gaze out on the Mediterranean Sea, Monte-Carlo's Belle Époque Opera and
Casino and the celebrated Fairmont Monte Carlo Grand Prix hairpin curve. Hours of Operation: 8am to 5pm in winter time and
from 6.30am to 10pm in summer time. The opening hours change upon
the season. The pool will be exceptionally closed from February
11th to 26th, 2018 for maintenance.
5. MEETINGS and EVENTS
Salle d’Or can accommodate up to 900 for seated dinners and you can hold receptions for up to 1,000. In total, there are over a dozen different meeting and function rooms in addition to being able to take over all or parts of the 7th Floor roof deck.
