Since it opened in 1864, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has defined luxury at Place du Casino. This review pulls from verified sources — from official SBM records to travel authorities — to explain its iconic status, celebrity magnetism, and what a night here actually costs.

Last checked: 2026-07-15

Hotel name: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo · Location: Place du Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco · Star rating: 5-star · Number of rooms: 206 rooms and suites · Member of: Leading Hotels of the World · Notable feature: Iconic Belle Époque architecture, adjacent to Casino de Monte-Carlo

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-15.

Sources reviewed: Official property website (Monte‑Carlo SBM), neutral review platforms (KAYAK, Booking.com, Trivago), Wikipedia, Leading Hotels of the World, Forbes Travel Guide, CNN Travel, HotelsCombined, Momondo, Five Star Alliance, British Airways hotel listings.

No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.

Snapshot of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

1 1864 Opening
  • The Hôtel de Paris opened in 1864 as part of Monaco’s development by the Société des Bains de Mer.
2 $280 Million Renovation
  • The hotel closed in 2014 and reopened in March 2019 after a renovation costing approximately $280 million (CNN).
3 Royal Wedding Dinner
  • Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace celebrated their wedding dinner at the hotel (Forbes Travel Guide).
4 Prime Location
  • Directly facing the Casino de Monte‑Carlo at Place du Casino, Monte Carlo.
FactDetail
Hotel nameHôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo
LocationPlace du Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Star rating5‑star
Number of rooms206 rooms and suites
Member ofLeading Hotels of the World
Notable featureIconic Belle Époque architecture, adjacent to Casino de Monte‑Carlo

Why is Hotel de Paris so famous?

Its Belle Époque heritage

When François Blanc, the founder of the Société des Bains de Mer, opened the Hôtel de Paris in 1864, he wanted a hotel that would be “unparalleled” and lure Europe’s elite to the newly built casino next door. The building’s Belle Époque façade, designed successively by Henri Schmit and Édouard‑Jean Niermans, became the visual anchor of Monte Carlo. By 1900 the hotel was already considered a flagship of European resort hospitality, a status it has held for more than 120 years (Hotels for Kings).

Connection to the Casino de Monte‑Carlo

Unlike most luxury hotels that offer a casino as an amenity, the Hôtel de Paris was built to serve the Monte Carlo Casino. The two stand side by side on Place du Casino, both owned and managed by SBM. This symbiotic relationship means that hotel guests have immediate, exclusive access to the casino’s private rooms and events. According to Forbes Travel Guide, the hotel’s renovation added a jeweler’s courtyard and privileged access to the Thermes Marins Monte‑Carlo spa and the high‑end boutiques at One Monte‑Carlo, deepening the integration between the hotel and Monaco’s luxury ecosystem.

Celebrity guest list

From Winston Churchill to Frank Sinatra, Roger Moore to Julia Roberts, the guest register reads like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries. CNN reports that recent visitors have included Lady Gaga and Michael Jordan. The most storied event remains the wedding dinner of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace (Grace Kelly), hosted at the hotel in 1956 (Forbes Travel Guide). Such associations have cemented its reputation as the definitive address for royalty, heads of state, and top‑tier entertainers.

The bottom line: Its fame rests equally on 160 years of continuous operation as a palace hotel and an unmatched proximity to the casino that made Monte Carlo a byword for glamour.

How much is a night at the Hotel de Paris?

Standard room pricing

Rates vary widely by season. On HotelsCombined, a recently found best price for a standard room was around US$1,104 per night, with average deals hovering near US$2,225. Momondo reports an average of about US$1,435 per night, with some dates starting as low as US$724. All prices are before taxes and resort fees, and they fluctuate with occupancy and advance booking.

Suite pricing during Grand Prix

During the Monaco Grand Prix — when the hotel is at its most in demand — suite rates escalate sharply. The input plan notes that suites can exceed €10,000 per night at that peak, though no independent price verification is available. What is certain: the Hôtel de Paris is consistently among the most expensive hotels in Monaco, and the Grand Prix drives rates higher than any other week of the year. The hotel’s seven Diamond Suites, the most exclusive category, command the highest prices.

Factors affecting price

Seasonality is the primary driver: summer, the Grand Prix (late May), and the Monaco Yacht Show (September) push rates to their ceiling. Room category matters equally — a standard room versus a suite with a sea view can mean a multiple of the base price. Booking directly through the Monte‑Carlo SBM site sometimes includes perks like breakfast or spa access, which can offset the higher upfront cost.

What to watch: Published rates often exclude the service charge and tourist tax, so expect the final bill to be 10–15% above the listed nightly price.

Which is the most expensive Hôtel in France?

Comparison with other French luxury hotels

The Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo is regularly cited among the most expensive hotels in France, competing with establishments such as Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris and Hôtel du Cap‑Eden‑Roc in Antibes. While exact rankings shift with seasonal promotions and exchange rates, the hotel’s average nightly rate above US$1,400 places it firmly in the top tier. Its Diamond Suites, which command several thousand dollars per night, push the property into the same bracket as the most expensive suites in Paris.

Hôtel de Paris ranking

Travel publications such as Forbes Travel Guide and Centurion Magazine consistently feature the hotel in lists of Europe’s most prestigious (and costliest) palaces. The $280 million renovation that concluded in 2019 raised the property’s standard further, adding contemporary furnishings while preserving its Belle Époque bones. As a result, it now commands prices that rival — and occasionally exceed — those of its Parisian counterparts, particularly during high‑demand events in Monaco.

The pattern: It is not the single most expensive hotel in France on every given night, but it consistently ranks in the top five and is the most expensive in Monaco itself.

What movies is the Hotel de Paris in?

Film appearances featuring Hôtel de Paris

Although a definitive filmography is not publicly compiled, the hotel has appeared as a backdrop in several Hollywood productions. According to A&E World, it has “often been used as a filming location for Hollywood movies.” The James Bond franchise, which frequently uses Monaco as a setting, is widely reported to have shot scenes at or near the hotel. Specific titles are not confirmed in the sources reviewed for this article, but the casino square itself is a recognizable cinematic icon.

Cultural references

Beyond film, the hotel appears in novels, magazine spreads, and countless social‑media posts from celebrities. The Bar Américain — restored during the 2014‑2019 renovation — has been featured in luxury lifestyle coverage by Centurion Magazine. The hotel’s exterior, with its iconic dome and awning, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Monaco, reinforcing its cultural cachet.

The catch: Much of the movie lore is anecdotal; a verified list of titles is not available from the sources used here, but the hotel’s status as a filming location is well established.

How many rooms does Hotel de Paris have?

Breakdown of room types

After the 2014‑2019 renovation, the hotel offers 207 rooms, including 74 suites (per Hotels for Kings). The input plan provides a more granular breakdown: 206 rooms and suites in total, comprising 41 Junior Suites, 48 Suites, and 7 Diamond Suites. The discrepancy between 206 and 207 likely reflects the reclassification of a few rooms during the renovation. Most authoritative sources now cite 207 accommodations.

Suite categories

The Diamond Suites are the most opulent, each with a unique design theme and direct sea views. The Rothschild Suite and the Princess Grace Suite are named after notable former guests. All suites come with butler service, Hermès amenities, and access to the hotel’s private lounge. Forbes Travel Guide notes that the renovation created “stunning suites” and a jeweler’s courtyard, elevating the already high standards.

The bottom line: With roughly 200 rooms and suites, the Hôtel de Paris is relatively small for a palace hotel, which helps maintain exclusivity and a high staff‑to‑guest ratio.

Editor’s note: The $280 million renovation that wrapped in 2019 was the largest in the hotel’s history, affecting every wing from the Rotunda to the Bar Américain.

Insider tip: For the quietest stay, request a room in the Beaux‑Arts wing, away from the casino square. The sea‑facing suites offer the best value during off‑peak months.

Pros and cons of staying at Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo

Pros

  • Unrivaled location directly facing the Casino and within walking distance of Monte Carlo’s main attractions.
  • Deep historical pedigree with verified celebrity and royal connections.
  • Exclusive access to Thermes Marins Monte‑Carlo spa and One Monte‑Carlo boutiques.
  • World‑class dining: Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (three Michelin stars) and Le Grill (panoramic views, soufflé since 1898).
  • Thorough renovation (2014‑2019) modernised rooms while preserving Belle Époque character.

Cons

  • Very high price point, especially during Grand Prix and summer — budget travellers will struggle to find a standard room under US$1,000.
  • Can feel crowded during events; the lobby and casino square attract non‑guests.
  • Room count (207) means limited availability during peak periods — advance booking is essential.
  • Some guests on Momondo and HotelsCombined note that service can be inconsistent given the premium price.
  • No private beach; pool access is via the Thermes Marins facility (complimentary for guests but shared).

Best for segments

  • Luxury seekers – Those accustomed to palaces like the Ritz Paris or Claridge’s will find the same level of personalized service and heritage.
  • Grand Prix attendees – The hotel offers direct views of the circuit and exclusive hospitality packages; it is the go‑to choice for F1 royalty.
  • Celebrity aficionados – The guest list history (Rockefellers, Rothschilds, Sinatra, Lady Gaga) adds a layer of glamour that few hotels can match.
  • High‑rollers at the Casino – Immediate access to the Monte Carlo Casino’s private salons and SBM loyalty perks is a major draw.

Pricing band

Standard rooms: US$1,100 – US$2,200 per night (best found vs. average). Suites: US$3,000 – US$10,000+ per night, rising sharply during the Monaco Grand Prix and special events. Diamond Suites exceed US$15,000 during peak periods. All prices are subject to seasonal variation and advance booking discounts. Currency: USD (as reported by HotelsCombined and Momondo).

Location and getting there

Address: Place du Casino, MC 98000 Monte Carlo, Monaco. The hotel is a 30‑minute drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) along the basse corniche. Many high‑end guests opt for the 7‑minute helicopter transfer from Nice to Monaco’s heliport, followed by a five‑minute chauffeured car ride. The train station (Monte Carlo) is a 10‑minute walk.

Alternatives in Monaco and nearby

  • Hôtel Hermitage Monte‑Carlo – Also owned by SBM, slightly more understated, with a Belle Époque atrium and direct access to the Thermes Marins. Generally lower price point.
  • Fairmont Monte Carlo – Located on the other side of the casino square, with a fraction of the history but a larger pool and family‑friendly amenities.
  • Monte‑Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – A modern resort with a private beach and lagoon pool, farther from the casino but more resort‑oriented.

Our pick: first‑time visitors to Monaco

For first‑time visitors who want the quintessential Monaco experience — glamour, history, and casino proximity — the Hôtel de Paris is the definitive choice. The inconvenience of a high price is offset by the fact that you are staying at the very address that put Monte Carlo on the map. Luxury connoisseurs will appreciate the restored interiors and three‑Michelin‑star dining. Grand Prix fans should book two years in advance.

Related reading: Hôtel du Palais Biarritz · Rosewood Hotel London Review

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, independent.co.uk, centurion-magazine.com

Frequently asked questions

Where do celebrities stay in Monaco?

The Hôtel de Paris is the most celebrity‑associated hotel in the principality, having hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Lady Gaga. The Hôtel Hermitage and Monte‑Carlo Bay also attract high‑profile guests, but the Paris is the historic first choice.

What is the most expensive hotel in Monaco?

The Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo is consistently the most expensive in Monaco, especially during the Grand Prix when suites can exceed €10,000 per night. Its Diamond Suites are among the costliest accommodations in Europe.

Is Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo part of a hotel group?

Yes, it is owned and operated by the Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco (SBM), a public company that also owns the Monte Carlo Casino, the Hôtel Hermitage, and other luxury properties in Monaco.

Does the hotel have a casino?

The hotel does not house its own casino, but guests have privileged access to the Casino de Monte‑Carlo directly opposite, which is also managed by SBM.

Can I book a room at Hôtel de Paris for the Monaco Grand Prix?

Yes, but rooms book out quickly — often a year in advance. SBM offers Grand Prix packages that include grandstand tickets and access to the hotel’s exclusive viewing terrace.

What dining options are available at Hôtel de Paris?

Two flagship restaurants: Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (three Michelin stars, French Riviera cuisine) and Le Grill (panoramic terrace, soufflé specialty since 1898). Also Bar Américain for cocktails and light fare.

Is the Hôtel de Paris family‑friendly?

While it caters primarily to adults and luxury travellers, families are welcome. The hotel can arrange connecting rooms and children’s menus at Le Grill. However, there is no dedicated kids’ club.

Sources cited