My First Impression: A Paparazzi Welcome in Monte Carlo
As your limousine approaches the Fairmont Monte Carlo, you might notice there is a throng of camera-phone-ready photographers outside the hotel. No, they are not waiting for Monaco’s royal family or a Hollywood celebrity. The hotel is right in front of the famous Fairmont hairpin from the iconic Formula One race. Ultra-high-spec cars frequently drive by this hairpin and get snapped by the assembled motor enthusiasts. It is the slowest corner in Formula One. It’s been virtually unchanged since the 1920s, when the first races started in the principality.
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The hotel was built in 1975 under the Loews brand and was acquired by Fairmont in 2004. From the external structure, you can guess it isn’t one of the newest hotels in town. However, in 2025, they completed an extensive renovation to celebrate their 50th anniversary. In the lobby, you will notice numerous shopping windows that highlight very upscale and bespoke brands. The unique location in Monaco means they get the best designer brands from both France and Italy. Unsurprisingly, one of their largest boutique stores at the hotel is the Ferrari shop, which offers refined casual wear.
Fairmont Monte Carlo Combines Formula One Legacy with Riviera Excellence
Fairmont Monte Carlo anchors Monaco’s legendary Fairmont hairpin, the slowest corner in Formula One racing virtually unchanged since the 1920s. This iconic luxury hotel completed extensive 50th-anniversary renovations in 2025, transforming 596 rooms featuring navy blue and cream palettes, marble bathrooms, and Le Labo toiletries. Guests choose between Côte d’Azur marina vistas showcasing Mareterra or city views overlooking the famous hairpin where ultra-high-spec vehicles navigate past assembled motor enthusiasts daily.
Rooms: Do you prefer the Monte Carlo marina or the city view?
With 596 rooms, it is one of the largest resorts in Europe. However, Fairmont Monte Carlo still manage to deliver on the intimacy with a unique six-sided ship-shaped structure. The recently renovated rooms have a soothing navy blue and cream palette. The main decision you need to make is whether you want to be facing the Côte d’Azur and Mareterra (the newest district in Monaco) or facing the iconic Fairmont hairpin. With the latter, you will also be facing towards the city and the picturesque mountains, as well as being able to spot countless luxury vehicles passing by.
The rooms start at 35sqm and go up to a very expansive 90sqm for the Grand Prix Suite. The latter is particularly sought after as it has three terraces. It includes both the marina and the city view. The artworks in the room hark back to a glamorous Monaco from yesteryear. The bathrooms are furnished floor-to-wall with stylish white marble. The rooms are stocked with the finest amenities such as handheld steamers, Nespresso machines, hypoallergenic pillows, and Le Labo toiletries.
Fairmont Monte Carlo’s Food & Drink: Immaculate views wherever you wine and dine
With five restaurants, you are spoilt for choice for your wining and dining options. For refined fusion fare, you cannot miss Nobu Monte Carlo. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has been winning plaudits the world over with his blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. They offer a special Monte-Carlo omakase menu, which you cannot experience at any other branches. Unique dishes include a scorpion fish, which can be poisonous if not handled with care by fishermen. The sushi platter includes the creamiest of fatty tunas in town. Whilst dishes are exquisitely presented, such as their strawberry shiso dessert.
Amù restaurant on their rooftop executes Riviera cuisine effortlessly. It strikes the fine balance between French and Italian influences. Dishes like vongole linguine sit comfortably beside a grilled sole that is deboned on a serving trolley in front of your table. Dishes are not overly complicated, but expect the finest ingredients to be used, such as on their truffle pizza.
For more casual fare, there is Amù by the pool and the Lobby lounge. The former is great for shorter lunches, such as a semi-cooked tuna salad whilst overlooking their refreshing pool area. Whilst the latter is open for 24 hours a day from Thursdays to Sundays, and with a short break from Mondays to Wednesdays. It has a menu that covers the full spectrum of needs from a light hummus snack to a three-course steak dinner with their Simmental beef filet.
Fairmont Monte Carlo’s Location: The perfect urban oasis in between Casino Square and the Riviera coastline
Most people visiting Monte Carlo for the first time will head to the Casino Square and snap a photo outside Casino de Monte-Carlo with the multitude of high-end cars parked outside the building. Fairmont Monte Carlo is just a short flight of stairs away from this vibrant hub of Monte Carlo. Yet, despite the closeness, you are in an oasis of serenity when you stay in one of the suites at the hotel. The rooms either overlook the coastline or the famous Fairmont hairpin, so it is the ideal location to soak in the beauty of the region.
Visit Highlight: It’s all about the scintillating views
The views from the Fairmont Monte Carlo are just breathtaking. Make sure you opt for outdoor terrace seating when you dine at Nobu or Amù restaurant. You will understand why the region is called “Côte d’Azur” when you gaze into the mesmerising deep blue waters of the sea. You might encounter some voracious-looking seagulls whilst dining on the terrace, but it adds to the charm of the hotel.
Final Thoughts: Live like royalty in the Principality
On their 50th anniversary, the Fairmont Monte Carlo have undergone a monumental revamp and have rightfully restored the hotel to one of the finest institutions in the principality. One to consider when you are visiting Monaco.
Book your stay at Fairmont Monte Carlo and experience it for yourself.
Looking for more riviera content? Why not check out my articles on the ultimate California road trip and why Hollywood is flocking to the American Riviera.
