Fairmont Monte Carlo

Typical of hotels built in the 1970's, this Fairmont has an uncompromising concrete exterior; and, in keeping with its size, a cavernous lobby that has enough dark wood and marble to give it a classy, contemporary look. The clientele funneling through is comprised of business and leisure travelers, with the latter group including not only racing fans, wedding parties and garden-variety vacationers but also a large contingent of young guests. Since Fairmont is a family-friendly brand, the presence of children isn’t surprising (babysitting services, special menus and more cater to their needs); however, following the 2015 launch of Nikki Beach Monaco (the buzzy beach club), they’re now joined by raucous 20-somethings each summer, which is good news or not depending on your tolerance for noise.

Projecting into the water on pilings, this Fairmont offers easy access to the holy trinity of local activities -- gambling, shopping, and racing. The vintage Casino de Monte-Carlo and the boutiques of the Carré d'Or (Golden Square) are a mere seven-minute walk away; moreover, the hotel overlooks the most famous hairpin on Monaco’s Formula One circuit. Beach-bumming is another possibility: May to September, a dedicated beach concierge coordinates reservations, free shuttle transportation and such. If you want to go farther afield, top destinations on the French Riviera are in day-tripping distance: Eze, Menton, and Cap-Ferrat, for example, can be reached in half an hour or less (guided tours may be booked on-site). Guests arriving by air should note that the nearest international airport lies about 42 minutes southwest in Nice. Ground transfers can be arranged through the hotel. If you’re coming by car, pricey on-site parking is available.

• Seven-minute walk to Casino de Monte-Carlo
• Seven-minute walk to Carré d'Or shopping
• Six-minute drive to Monaco/Monte Carlo Train Station
• 23-minute drive to Eze
• 26-minute drive to Menton
• 30-minute drive to Cap-Ferrat
• 42-minute drive to Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport

Accommodations -- ranging in size from 377- to 969-square feet -- are notable for their subtly themed decor. Many have a nautical vibe that extends from the blue-tone color palette to the accents (say a framed photo of wind-filled sails or a pillow embroidered with a ship’s wheel). Others underscore the Grand Prix connection: The Sir Stirling Moss Suite, for instance, is named for a famous Formula One driver and decorated accordingly. But all come with air-conditioning, tea/coffee-making equipment, minibars, digital safes, interactive flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi (though the last of these is only free for President's Club members). Furnished balconies or terraces overlooking the city, gardens, or sea are also standard; suites add living areas with sleeper sofas or separate living rooms. Across the board, the rather dated looking marble bathrooms include tub/shower combos, bidets, bathrobes, and posh Le Labo toiletries. 

The guest list here is pretty much evenly split between corporate types and tourists. A business center and 18 conference spaces cater to the former; most features have broader appeal, however, including the dining options. Nobu -- serving innovative Japanese dishes with a South American twist -- is the most renowned and recognizable; Horizon, with its stunning deck and Champagne bar, highlights Mediterranean cuisine (and 360-degree Mediterranean views), while the sophisticated Saphir24 bistro, lounge, and bar offers casual contemporary fare. There are multiple ways to relax on-site, too. Depending on your definition that might mean time spent in the posh shopping arcade or Sun Casino; alternately, you can retreat to the award-winning spa and adjacent fitness center with saunas, steam rooms, and Technogym equipment. In summer, guests who’d rather amp it up can ascend to the heated rooftop pool, which has its own Nikki Beach branch. Like the original Miami Beach club, it’s a hip all-white spot where drinks flow and music plays (many would say pounds) morning through night. Other features include a 24-hour reception desk with multilingual staffers; concierge, laundry/dry-cleaning and turndown services; round-the-clock room service; and free Wi-Fi for all guests in public areas.