If money is no object, make like a millionaire and escape to Monaco. Wedged between the Mediterranean, France and Italy, the bijou 1.7 square mile principality is home to more millionaires per square metre than anywhere else on earth which means they are quite neatly and densely packed in! Exuding glamour, Monaco has earned a reputation as a piece of paradise due to its tax free regime, glam Formula One Grand prix and glorious sunshine.
Highlights of the city include the ‘Grace Kelly’ trail for great panoramic sea views, the Grimaldis’ fairytale castle, the Musee Océanographique and its shark lagoon, as well as the legendary Café de Paris hotel and casino and the harbour with its ridiculously large yachts.
We checked into theHotel Metropole ‘en famille.’ Set in Monte Carlo’s very centre, the grandiose hotel has all the hallmarks of a luxury palace – from the fabulous ‘wedding cake style’ Belle Epoque façade which dates back to 1886 to its glitzy interiors, owed more recently to Jacques Garcia’s famously flamboyant hand. There is more cutting edge design at the very snazzy ‘Espa spa, not to mention the hotel’s new Odyssey pool area, created by none other than Karl Lagerfeld. Reserved for the hotel’s clientele, this haven of peace in the midst of the city, comes with delicious white pool cabanas, a sexy black and white striped theme, a heated salt-water pool, gardens and sundeck as well as a swanky bar, ideal for a cheeky Martini.
If budget really isn’t an issue, book the top floor Carre D’Or suite, which comes with a private access to the pool deck, an awesome 100m2 rooftop terrace and amazing Monaco views. Mere mortals are more likely to book into a ‘Deluxe’ or ‘Supérieure’ which are rather lovely too! Especially the huge marble bathrooms with family-sized bathtubs and Hermes products. Hmmm…
Little ones aren’t forgotten, with their own ‘Petit Prince’ bathing products, adorable pint-sized robes and slippers and even a lovely cuddly rabbit for night-time company! There’s no doubt that it’s those small details that really make one feel special. The real VIP treatment comes from those little original extras, and the tip-top service provided by the smiley staff who manage the tricky balance of friendliness and courtesy just right. No mean feat.
It’s also worth noting, the hotel has just opened the K kids Club for little travellers aged 4 to 12. The jungle-themed space is packed with games and entertainment to keep the kids busy during the daytime too.
At night, the Metropole also offers babysitters for parents who might like to make the most of the gourmet restaurants on site. With 3 Joel Robuchon eateries to choose from, it would be rude not to.
As well as the poolside Odyssey restaurant, and the more formal and tres chic ‘table de Joel Robuchon’ (where you can see the master in action) the hotel has its own Michelin-starred Asian inspired restaurant. Yoshi is dark and cosy, an intimate and sleek space all about great sushi (of course!) and, my favourite dish, the fabulous blackened cod. I also highly recommend the ‘mignardises’ miniature almond ‘financiers’ cakes and macaroons that come with coffee. The perfect end to any day.
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
4 Avenue de la Madone, 98000 Monaco, France
+377 93 15 15 15, metropole.com
Rooms from 490 Euros (approx. £398) room only.
A special family package is available for all guests staying within a suite offering 50% off on a second room. This offer includes a VIP welcome and access to the Odyssey pool area.
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