Need for speed: Hôtel de Paris

Experience a superlative Grand Prix weekend at Monte-Carlo's Hôtel de Paris

Travel and Wellbeing 16 Mar 2020

Hôtel de Paris, Monaco
The terrace of the Prince Rainier III suite, overlooking the roofs of the Hôtel de Paris
The iconic facade of the Hôtel de Paris
2019 Formula One World Championship happening adjacent to the Hôtel de Paris

When it comes to adrenaline-fueled weekends, it doesn’t get more thrilling or glamorous than the Monaco Grand Prix. Renowned as one of the most demanding Grand Prix circuits in the world, due to the tight, twisting streets that make up the track, it is one of the last ‘circuits of men’, where spectators can get closer to the action than any other Formula One race.

Monaco was the second circuit in history to receive Formula One World Championship status in 1950, but since the first motor race took place in Monte-Carlo in 1929, Hôtel de Paris has been the most prestigious location to experience the races.

Located on Casino Square – one of the most famous sections of the circuit – the iconic hotel was originally built with 100 rooms in 1864 to accommodate gamblers who came from Europe to visit the Monte-Carlo Casino. It has undergone numerous renovations in the past 156 years, but after its latest four-year revamp it reopened fully in 2019, including the launch of Ômer, a new Mediterranean restaurant by Alain Ducasse, and the spectacular Prince Rainier III suite, which overlooks Place du Casino from the top floor of the hotel.

The exterior view of Hôtel de Paris
The exterior view of Hôtel de Paris

Known to be Princess Grace’s favourite hotel, the property’s interior retains the same air of refined elegance that has attracted the international jet set for over 150 years, with Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra and Roger Moore among its past frequent guests. Yet its contemporary overhaul has breathed new life into the classic decor, with more natural light throughout the hotel and features including white marble floors, sleek wood furniture, bronze fabrics and Murano glass chandeliers and lamps adorning each room.

The iconic Casino Square itself is due to be refurbished this spring, creating more space for pedestrians with a new palm-tree esplanade designed by landscape architect Michel Desvigne. At the centre of the square, a water fountain will also be integrated with existing artwork by Anish Kapoor.

During the Monaco Grand Prix weekend – which usually takes place at the end of May, but dates are subject to change this year so keep an eye on the official information – the Société des Bains de Mer ‘Golden Pass’ will get you access to exclusive vantage points such as Casino de Monte-Carlo’s VIP patio, the Paddock Lounge at Hôtel Hermitage, and the Park Patio at Hôtel de Paris.

The Pincesse Grace Suite at the Hôtel de Paris
The Pincesse Grace Suite at the Hôtel de Paris

As the drivers complete 78 explosive laps of the track – that’s around 162 miles – the Salle Empire restaurant is a magnificent spot to enjoy lunch on the terrace as the cars soar past the casino and its gardens. Then, to enjoy the most memorable post-race celebrations with some of the drivers themselves, head to COYA Monte-Carlo for dinner, before partying at Jimmy’z to end a weekend you’ll never forget.

However, if the exhilaration of the racing leaves you looking for a more relaxing way to end your stay, head to the eminent Thermes Marins spa to indulge in one of its many revitalising treatments, from a deep-tissue massage to a seaweed body wrap or a soothing facial. One thing’s for sure, from first-rate motoring action to world-class wellness, Hôtel de Paris is a superlative base from which to experience the best of it all.

From €14,250 for a two to four-night stay at Hôtel de Paris with the Golden Pass; montecarlosbm.com