Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo feels like a private club, with Lagerfeld's Odyssey pool terrace and personal service, for couples and food-led weekends; Fairmont Monte Carlo, the cheaper, has nearly 600 rooms and Nikki Beach on its rooftop deck in summer, for race week and groups.
The intimate oneGrand-hotel standards, a more private feel, and a pool terrace that people book it for.
€€€€From about €400 a night
Choose Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo if
The catch
Entry rooms are on the small side and some look onto the road or neighbouring buildings.
The F1 oneSix hundred rooms on the Grand Prix hairpin. Big, busy and unbeatable for Monaco's central action.
€€€From about €250 a night
Choose Fairmont Monte Carlo if
The catch
Rooms and public areas vary; unrenovated categories feel dated for the price.
| Best for | Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo | Fairmont Monte Carlo |
|---|---|---|
| Best family hotels in Monaco | On the list | On the list |
| Best design hotels in Monaco | On the list | Not on the list |
| Best spa hotels in Monaco | On the list | On the list |
| Best central hotels in Monaco | On the list | On the list |
| Best hotels for food and drink in Monaco | On the list | Not on the list |
Hôtel Métropole Monte-CarloFairmont Monte Carlo
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo
Fairmont Monte Carlo
The verdict
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo feels like a private club, with Lagerfeld's Odyssey pool terrace and personal service, for couples and food-led weekends; Fairmont Monte Carlo, the cheaper, has nearly 600 rooms and Nikki Beach on its rooftop deck in summer, for race week and groups.
Questions people ask
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo feels like a private club, with Lagerfeld's Odyssey pool terrace and personal service, for couples and food-led weekends; Fairmont Monte Carlo, the cheaper, has nearly 600 rooms and Nikki Beach on its rooftop deck in summer, for race week and groups.
The most personal of Monaco's grand hotels and the one with the best pool terrace, for couples who prefer discretion to display. The warmest of the grand addresses, with a design-led interior, a real pool terrace and a spa people cross town for. It trades harbour views for intimacy.
It has an outdoor pool. There is no beach; the nearest is a drive away.
For Grand Prix weekend or a central base with a rooftop pool, book it. For anything romantic, look further along this edit. Big, busy and right on the hairpin, with a rooftop pool over the sea. It runs on energy rather than charm, which is exactly the point in race week.
It has a rooftop pool. A public beach is within walking distance.