Hôtel Hermitage

Monte Carlo
Europe

The Experience

The name is Bond... Or at least it was, in a classic film scene set in a fictionalized version of Monte Carlo's iconic casino. Fortunately, the reality of the casino and its adjacent sister properties is every bit as enchanting, and Hôtel Hermitage offers a dazzling combination of elegance, variety and comfort--right in the heart of cosmopolitan Monaco.

The Rooms

Spacious, gracefully appointed and equipped with nearly every known amenity, including rock-solid wifi and international TV in nearly a dozen languages. Little touches abound; the bedding is firm yet lush, the decor subtly mixes classic and modern design, and the marble bathroom floors are gently heated, making your toes just that much more comfortable. A five-year renovation completed in 2007 added two entire floors so seamlessly that you can scarcely discern which part of the building is a full century older. The top end: eight new harborview apartments, one of which ("Le Roof") includes an upstairs outdoor Jacuzzi area and a spectacular panorama.

The Service

Exemplary. Your room key doubles as a gold card granting you entry to the casino, the Monte Carlo Beach Club and reduced rates at the Monte Carlo Country Club. Les Thermes Marin, a spa connected to the Hermitage by an underground tunnel, offers nine different massages, plus wraps, peels and treatments galore; a heated seawater swimming pool, a seaview relaxation room and a gourmet lunch at the L'Hirondelle restaurant are also on offer. For dinner, Le Vistamar chef Joël Garault's exquisite fish dishes are prepared with catch taken hours earlier from the Mediterranean and served on a terrace so serene that every footfall of the waitstaff is gently audible. To unwind, there's even a golf practice area on the Terrasse Midi, where netting allows you to drive a few directly toward the harbor below.

The Highlights

The building itself is a marvel. The Limún Bar's flooring is so perfect that it quite literally sparkles, the belle époque ballroom was Princess Grace's favorite and the glass dome over the Winter Garden was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. When evening falls, Casino Square is a five minute stroll away, and depending on season, you'll find opera, ballet, jazz, art exhibitions and live sports on offer. If you're feeling especially suave, slip on a dinner jacket, order up a martini and roll those classic dice.

 

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»