Tucked along the beautiful French Riviera coast, the small country of Monaco is known for its fancy hotels. With the popular Casino de Monaco and the Monaco’s legendary Grand Prix circuit, this shiny little piece of land that’s just 2 square kilometers brings in wealthy visitors from around the world. But you don’t need to be super rich to find great places to stay here. From cozy boutique hotels full of old-fashioned elegance to dazzling tall hotels overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco has stylish hotels for all tastes and budgets.
Located just 22 scenic miles along the French Riviera, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport offers the closest air access to Monaco—with frequent 30-45 minute shuttles, trains or taxis transfers directly into the tiny principality’s luxury stays and elite attractions. Whether you admire the Mediterranean views whooshing past en route or arrive by helicopter, Nice Airport makes getting to the harborfront casinos, boutique hotels and Formula One allure smooth sailing and hassle-free.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Monaco 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: Columbus
- ✨ 5-Star: Metropole Monte-Carlo
- 🏨 4-Star: Monte-Carlo Bay
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Riviera Marriott
- 🌇 Best Views: Le Méridien Beach Plaza
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Quick Monaco Neighborhood Guide 📋
- 🍸 For Nightlife: Monte Carlo
- 👪 For Families: Fontvieille
- 🏖 For Beaches: Larvotto
1. Monaco-Ville – Best Place to Stay in Monaco for the First Time ✈️
Rich in history on narrow old streets, Monaco-Ville lets visitors experience true Monegasque culture. See famous attractions, taste local flavors, and enjoy how this area mixes historic sites with modern energy.
🏰 Historic hub: Landed on Le Rocher cliff, Monaco-Ville is home to top attractions like the Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III.
🤴 Royal residence: When the flag flies above the Prince’s Palace, it means the royal family is in residence. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard at 11:55 sharp!
🏛️ Cultural sights: It’s a mecca of museums here like naval history museum Musée Naval and the CoCat contemporary art gallery housed in a 17th century villa.
⚓️ Stunning sea views: With its excellent location way up on Le Rocher cliff, Monaco-Ville provides astonishing looks at mega yachts parked in the sparkling Mediterranean harbor down below.
Boasting royal history and iconic attractions amidst ancient alleyways, Monaco-Ville makes an atmospheric, quintessentially Monégasque base for visitors aiming to connect with Monegasque culture.
2. Monte Carlo – Where to stay for Nightlife 🕺
Showing off impressive 1800s building design mixed with lively modern vibes, attractive Monte Carlo shines as the top spot for shopping, gambling, arts and celebrity watching. Here, visitors can experience the fancy life across decorated hotels, cute cafes and important venues surrounding the famous Place du Casino central square.
🎰 Glitzy gaming house: The Monte Carlo Casino since 1863 has jaw-dropping decor with tables for poker, roulette and slots that visitors try beating while the rich and famous mingle inside this temple to chance. The intricate architecture and excitement of high stakes gaming make it one of Monte Carlo’s iconic must-see attractions.
🛍️ Majestic shopping plaza: The Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo for 80 years has featured shiny marble floors under painting ceilings and continues today selling luxury items from 80 fancy designer stores spread over 4 floors. Shoppers can browse the latest fashions from brands like Bally and Dolce & Gabbana before stopping for a drink at one of the chic cafes tucked inside.
🏞️ Relaxing garden oasis: Peaceful outdoor attractions like the Jardins de la Petite Afrique botanical garden and Café de Paris patio allow visitors to soak up pretty scenery amidst the energy. These open-air respites offer quieter alternatives just steps from the action in Place du Casino.
🎼 Esteemed concert hall: The Auditorium Rainier III venue hosts the prestigious Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra performing symphonic concerts in an architecturally stunning modern building. Music lovers flock to this state-of-the-art facility to experience exceptional acoustics and world-class musicians.
🚌Getting around: Tourists can easily walk Monte-Carlo’s roads or take convenient buses, trains and affordable taxis to attractions without needing rental cars. Transportation here caters smoothly to visitors aiming to navigate without private vehicles.
🚨 Extremely secure: With vigilant police patrols and ample lighting, Monte Carlo stays safe 24/7 for visitors enjoying both historic luxury sights and lively nightlife. You’ll have peace of mind strolling at all hours knowing this area invests heavily in safety.
Where to stay in Monte Carlo?
Expensive Hotels:
- Hôtel Hermitage – a luxurious historic hotel located on the beachfront overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its Michelin restaurant and luxury spa.
- Hôtel de Paris – an elegant hotel that has been a Monaco landmark for over 150 years. Features luxurious rooms, many with views of the Monte-Carlo Casino and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Hôtel Métropole – a chic hotel in the heart of Monaco, offering exquisite rooms, gourmet restaurants and a luxurious spa.
Mid-range price category:
- Fairmont – an elegant hotel with panoramic sea views. Features a spa and rooftop pool overlooking the harbor.
- Boutique Hotel Miramar – charming family-run hotel in an authentic building 15 minutes walk from the beaches and harbor. It has its own spa and bar-restaurant with ancient vaulted ceilings.
- Port Palace – a small hotel 100 meters from the sea with comfortable rooms and affordable prices. It has its own restaurant and bar.
Budget hotels and apartments:
- Novotel Monte-Carlo – modern hotel of the Novotel chain, 3 minutes walk from the Monaco train station. It offers comfortable and spacious rooms, perfect for family vacations.
- Very Central Suite Apartment – spacious 1 bedroom apartment near Monaco train station, 6 minutes walk from Casino de Monte-Carlo. A great option for self-catering accommodation.
- Beautiful Fully Renovated Studio – a fully renovated studio in the center of Monaco, ideal for one or two guests. Situated in a convenient location close to the main attractions.
3. La Condamine – Best Area to Stay on a Budget 💰
Sandwiched between noisy Monte Carlo and historic Monaco-Ville, this area often gets overlooked. But as a longtime local, I adore its winding lanes dotted with open-air cafés—that’s where real Monégasques live and dine!
💃🏼 Dinner theater
Old Wild West dinner shows pair western cowboy themes and Flamenco dancing with BBQ meals for spirited evenings out. Guests are invited to try line dancing and enjoy lively musical numbers between succulent brisket, ribs, and smoked meats at this one-of-a-kind frontier fantasy experience.
🚘 Royal car museum Admire the massive private vehicle collection of Monaco’s royal Grimaldi family at this fascinating museum. Car and history buffs shouldn’t miss perusing 100+ rare vehicles from carriages to concept cars spanning centuries that the ruling dynasty has amassed.
🛥️ Prestigious yacht club
The elegant Monaco Yacht Club overlooking Port Hercule draws affluent owners and crew along with onlookers admiring the stunning vessels. Those wanting to spot opulent boats find this private club near the palace an ideal vantage point.
🚶♂️ Very walkable As a central neighborhood between top destinations, La Condamine means relying little on transport to navigate by foot safely. Its compact community and charming alleyways encourage leisurely strolling to savor its local culture and cuisine.
Where to stay in La Condamine?
Expensive Hotels
- Hotel Port Palace – an upscale hotel with gorgeous rooms, stylish lounge areas on the picturesque garden rooftop terrace overlooking breathtaking Mediterranean Sea views.
- Hotel Ambassador Monaco – a boutique hotel with neoclassical style featuring harbor views, an outdoor pool and a Michelin-starred restaurant led by a celebrity chef.
Mid-Range Hotel
- Boutique Hotel Miramar – this small designer hotel offers cozy rooms with views of the yacht marina and a charming sun terrace just a 5-minute walk from Monte-Carlo.
- Hôtel de France – a 19th century historic hotel surrounded by exquisite gardens, it features elegant Louis XVI-style rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
4. Fontvieille – Where to Stay for Families 👨👩👦
Built on land reclaimed from the sea in the 1970s, the area of Fontvieille feels different from other flashy neighborhoods with its relaxed, small-town feel. But make no mistake – eye-catching building designs, green gardens, harbors full of fancy boats, and monuments honoring Princess Grace mean this place appealing to families quietly impresses too.
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: Low traffic areas and playgrounds make Fontvieille very safe for families to access sights by foot, bus or train without a car. With designated parks, green spaces, and no high-speed roads, this modern area caters smoothly to children and strollers.
🏟️ National stadium: Stade Louis II hosts soccer matches and big concerts in a modern venue that held the UEFA Cup finals. The stadium’s retractable roof and views of the sea and Prince’s Palace make it an architectural marvel in Monaco.
🎪 Circus venue: Chapiteau de Fontvieille has circus performances in a distinctive tent structure right on the water with views of superyachts. Circus lovers can catch acts from juggling to trapeze inside this eye-catching and family-friendly space at the harbor.
⚓️ Harbor district: The Port de Fontvieille marina welcomes luxury boats along with pleasant cafes and promenades to admire them. Yachting fans won’t want to miss visiting the promenade to glimpse the magnificent vessels and enjoy seaside dining.
🌹 Princess Grace garden: The Roseraie Princesse Grace rose garden celebrates Prince Rainier’s wife with statues surrounded by flower beds in a quiet park. This green space honoring the beloved princess lets visitors explore a thoughtfully designed paradise growing 4,000 beautiful kinds of roses.
Where to stay in Fontvieille?
Expensive Hotels:
- Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte De Monaco – a fashionable hotel overlooking the yacht marina, offering luxurious rooms, haute cuisine restaurants and conference facilities.
- Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton – an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Monaco, with panoramic sea views, fine dining and a chic spa.
Mid-range hotels:
- Studio NEUF - PORTES DE MONACO – comfortable apartments with all amenities and free wifi, ideal for longer stays.
- La Voglia Matta – a cozy family hotel with warm Italian hospitality, offering comfort at an affordable price.
5. Larvatto – Where to Stay in Monaco for Beaches? 🌊
Heavenly beaches and dazzling coastal life make chic Larvotto an icon for leisure and luxury along Côte d’Azur shoreline. Visitors indulge in stylish stays at properties like Le Méridien right on the imported sands of Larvotto Beach, or exclusive clubs like Monte-Carlo Sporting nestled along cliffs with ritzy restaurants overlooking sublime Mediterranean vistas.
🌊 Beachfront hotel: Le Méridien Beach Plaza overlooks Larvotto Beach with amenities like a private sand area, heated seawater pool and sea view rooms.
🤾♂️ Upscale leisure hub: Monte-Carlo Sporting features members-only tennis courts, pool and cliffside restaurants with hypnotic panoramas.
🏖️ Pristine beach: Larvotto Beach impresses with imported sand, calm waters and lounge chairs for incredible Riviera views.
🏛️ High-end shopping: The new One Monte-Carlo center near Larvotto offers luxury shopping and dining for deep-pocketed fashionistas and gourmands.
🛫 So accessible: Thanks to the convenient Princess Grace Tunnel connecting Monte Carlo’s casino to the beaches, reaching stylish Larvotto proves easy for visitors even without a car. This quick tunnel walk leads you straight from loud urban centers to lounge on Larvotto’s imported sand or under cabanas alongside locals escaping the bustle.
Where to stay in Larvotto?
Expensive Hotels:
- Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – a luxury beach resort with exquisite rooms, pools and views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Le Méridien Beach Plaza – an elegant waterfront hotel with chic rooms and restaurants, next to the Monte-Carlo Casino.
Medium price range:
- Monaco quartier Monte Carlo magnifique 2 pièces – spacious apartment in the heart of Monaco overlooking the yacht harbor.
- Luxueux Studio Neuf – modern luxury studio with private pool and parking on the border of Monaco.
Best Monaco Hotels on a Map 🗺
FAQs: Monaco for Tourists ❔
How much is one night in Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo?
The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo commands premium nightly rates averaging €1,000 ($1,100 USD) even in low season for basic guest rooms, though prices frequently run far higher. Staying in one of the lavishly appointed signature suites exceeds €20,000 ($22,000 USD) nightly.
Who owns Villa Leopolda?
The $750 million Villa Leopolda is owned by Lily Safra, widow of billionaire banker Edmond Safra. She inherited the giant fancy villa and still renovates it today after King Leopold II of Belgium first built it in 1902.
