I spent a great Friday night here recently. The hotel is as grand as you would expect and everything about it screams "special". The room was big (although it was a bit outdated) and it had a nice balcony, the amenities were great, the lobby was opulent and the location is right in the middle of everything. It is not cheap though, but you do not come to Monte Carlo on a budget! The Bar American is the best though with a classic cocktail lounge feel, jazz band, great drinks and super snacks. If you are headed to Monte Carlo, give your self a treat and stay here.

Opening:

Grace Kelly, the Rainier Family, Casinos, Formula One racing, nose jobs, purely disgusting wealth, glamour, gloss, tackiness, splendor - associate Monaco with what you will, for me it is a place representing all of this things. In two square miles there is more eye candy (girls, sports cars, architecture, shopping) than almost anywhere in the world and the Hotel de Paris sits in the middle of it all in the Golden Square.

Location:

Monaco is ideally situated on the French Riviera just 45 minutes by taxi or 10 minutes by helicopter from Nice airport - out of interest, a seat on a private helicopter from the airport (very easy to book and access) flying direct into Monaco will cost the same as a taxi from the airport!! (Take the chopper!) Monaco has sits on the coast nestled between the sea and the mountains. Temperature is best from April to September, but in truth is stunning all year round.

The Checkin:

Unquestionably one of the best in the world. You will drive into the Golden Square and be faced by the exquisite facade of the Casino (dead ahead), the Cafe de Paris (to the left) and the Hotel de Paris (to the right). Greetings from the bell staff are welcome, uniforms are spotless and traditionally stylish. Walk up the stairs and through the classic maple doors of the hotel and you're already in 'movie star' mode - such is the instant feeling of exclusivity the hotel gives its guests. When walking through the lobby, LOOK UP!! The architecture and detail of the lobby roof is incredible. Make sure to rub the right leg of the horse as you walk through for luck... Staff are welcoming, very professional and will have you escorted to the room in record time - impressive.

The Room:

Rooms here are classic bell epoque. White walls, high ceilings, soft carpeting, beautiful solid finishings, brass light fittings and ample in size. Let me through in a few criticisms here which I believe could take these rooms to my personal number one in the world: use duvets not blankets and sheets. If Virgin Airlines uses duvets instead of blankets on its upper class flights (receiving big kudos for it for that matter), then surely its time for most five star hotels to do the same. Second, the bed comforters are a wonderful fabrique and quality, but a 'little' 70's. I would bin them and go with something more simple. Furnishings are all classic and in perfect condition. Plasma TV's fit in nicely with the classic decor. All in all, beautiful, particularly at night time where the lighting is soft and elegant.

Bathroom:

Heated floors, bold chrome finishings, solid white marbles throughout, huge showers, the majority with whirlpool baths, double sinks and huge mirrors in all of them. Hermes toileteries are a classic touch. Towels are super fluffy and there are about a week's supply in the bathroom so you'll never run short. Classy.

The food:

Best room service in the world if you like fresh salads, pastas, risottos, fish and soups. The 'salade compose' literally translating to "DIY Salad" is an inspired touch to the room service menu. Imagine; you've been on a plane for 9 hours, you're tired, grubby and need refreshment. You clean yourself up then custom make a fresh salad from a huge variety of delicious ingredients, sparkling mineral water and something sweet which arrives in 15 minutes - lets face it, it'll make you feel good right? Champagne risotto here is to die for, as are most of the fish choices. Prices are on the high side, but get used to it, you're in Monaco and most of all, its worth it for the speed, service and taste! On the restaurant side, snacks and light main meals are served in the American Bar (a landmark and must see, particularly from 6pm to 8pm - the people watching is fabulous - make sure to wear at least a jacket for gents). Alain Ducass has won three michelin stars for his exquisite cuisine and service in the Louis XV restaurant - try and reserve a table on the balcony overlooking the golden square - amazing. Finally 'Le Grille" upstairs is where you get your steaks, drink your red wine and suck in the atmosphere from eight floors up - must see all of these restaurants, sure you'll leave 20 pounds heavier, but they'll be guilt free...

Concierge:

A little snooty, but it's Monaco, so you don't take it the wrong way. These guys have seen it all in their time. Most of them are in their mid 40's and have probably had some of the more 'exotic' requests made of them then I could possibly slip by the censors at trip advisor..! Lets just say this: "All you have to do is ask".

Conclusion:

This is the classic of classics. There is no where better on the Riviera, no where. At least once in your life, stay here for two or three days, stuff yourself with some of the best food in the world, slurp in the environment and get some sun. It really is a place which is special and should be experienced.

Prognosis:

The Grande Dame of hotels, simply the best. I've stayed here around eleven times and will not stay anywhere else.

Where instead:

If you were pushed, I mean really pushed and refused to stay here, then try the recently renovated "Hermitage" across the street. Owned by the same group and in bell epoque style, it is a wonderful hotel with some more modern cuisine options (asian fusion etc) if that's more to your taste.

We recently traveled to Europe for our honeymoon and Monte Carlo was one of our stops. I chose this particular hotel b/c my parents stayed there and liked it and it is made famous by the adjacent Casino where James Bond 007 movies have been filmed. First of all, Monte Carlo is very expensive and not for the spend thrifty We knew that going there and knew the hotel would be pricey. This hotel is a chain that offers guests use of their other hotel facilites, restaurants, and pools. The pool/sauna at Hotel De Paris was awesome, the pool is indoors and shaped like a giant clam shell. I enjoyed the spa facilities very much. The room was very modern and decorated stylish. The bathroom was the best part, with dual shower heads and Hermes brand toiletries and quite large at that. One aspect we liked about the room, was that the bedroom was in a spereate area with a door that closed, so we were unable to hear people opening and closing their hotel room doors at night. I have never encountered this type of room before. I would stay with this hotel chain again if we visit, but might stay at another one of their properties instead.

Honestly if you don't enjoy your time in this beautiful city and luxurious hotel, it's probably your issue. However, with that said, considering how spectacular Monaco is, the hotel is not the best I've ever been to in the world.
Location is fabulous and grounds are beautiful. I have stayed there twice and would probably not stay anywhere else when visiting MonteCarlo. Everything is right there ---great restaurants, casino, great spa, shopping, gorgeous views from common areas (pools, exercise room, spa, restaurants). I think it's the best place to stay in Monaco.. The downside? Rooms were not That great...very spacious, but we had an unimpressive view. The casino is fun but they could open up more tables and make it a bit more luxurious. But it's definitely nice and if I traveled to Monaco again, I don't think I would stay anywhere else.