Review: Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monaco

I would like to give an in-depth review of my recent stay at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo but alas my visit was too short, before attending the ILTM Cannes tourism conference. But here it is… founded in the early 1900s, this Belle Époque style hotel was designed by artist Nicolas Marquet, with contributions from Gustave Eiffel (creator of the Eiffel Tower). It enjoys a prestigious history and has hosted a number of discerning visitors over the years, from celebrities to royalty.

The hotel is part of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), a prestigious Monaco-based tourism and entertainment group that owns and operates a number of hotels and other entertainment venues, including the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Carlo and Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo.

Acceptance

I was met at Nice Côte d’Azur airport and taken to the hotel before being warmly greeted by Deni on arrival, while the porter looked after my luggage. Check in was quick and Deni showed me to my room.

On the way to the room, we passed by Limùn restaurant, perfect for lunch or afternoon tea.

The corridor was decorated with Christmas trees as we also passed the entrance to the Pavyllon, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

The room

I stayed in room 739, one of ‘Los Apartamentos’ on the top floor of one of the historic wings of the hotel. It features an entrance hall surrounded by Neoclassical half-moon console tables. To the right is the master bedroom with a coffered ceiling and a neutral palette. The bed is as wide as it is long and the room, bathed in sunlight when I arrived, enjoys views of the magnificent port of Port Hercules and the Mediterranean Sea, where you can marvel at the array of yachts and superyachts.

A digital intercom system and an iHome clock radio with wireless charging can be found on either side of the bed. Home reading material comes in the form of an Assouline Monte Carlo hardback coffee table book and a copy of the Monte Carlo Society magazine.

There is a large TV and minibar inside the unit under it, as well as a desk area, home to an additional intercom system and an EOH Malongo coffee machine, a separate dressing table, a Dyson hair dryer and chair, and additional chairs. I noticed that there is also a connecting door which means that this room can be connected to the room next door to create a larger space, making it ideal for families.

In front of the entrance hall is a walk-in closet with Hôtel Hermitage branded clothing, an umbrella and yoga mat, as well as a safe and laundry.

The bathroom

To the left of the door is the bathroom, with a free-standing circular bathtub in the middle. There is also a walk-in rain shower with additional jets from the wall, two basins and a WC and bidet.

There is a simple but stunning houseplant on display as well as an abundance of Acqua di Parma toiletries.

Resources

Sadly my stay was too short to do justice to the hotel’s many facilities, which include five restaurants and access to the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa.

We dined next to La Môme Monte Carlo, the latest addition to the La Môme Group started by twin brothers Ugo and Antoine Lecorché. A few months earlier, it was the restaurant of choice for Cristiano Ronaldo – and his partner Georgina Rodríguez – when they visited Monaco for the UEFA Champions League group stage.

This exciting restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight the flavors of the region, and has a bar that serves creatively crafted cocktails.

As part of our press dinner, we indulged in a delicious first batch – creamy houmous piquillos, tuna tartare with vegetables, truffled arancini, beef tartare and stracciatella cream, and a sucrine flower salad with mustard vinaigrette, -truffle and parmesan. Mains include black Angus tagliata served with a peppery roquette salad, seared tuna a la plancha, gnocchi with tomato and basil (pictured) and an enticing variety of side dishes.

For dessert, there was a selection of waffles with toppings, tiramisu and irresistibly delicious cookies that were to die for!

Location

Hôtel Hermitage is approximately 25 kilometers (30 minutes) from Nice International Airport, enjoying a central location in the heart of Monte Carlo, and overlooking Port Hercules and the Mediterranean.

Just a stone’s throw away from the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo where Christmas is celebrated with unparalleled beauty and splendor!

Another nice touch

They really know how to make you feel special at the hotel. In addition to the fact that there were fresh flowers in the room, there was a gift from the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer when we arrived – a beautiful candle from the Hôtel Hermitage and a wine bottle cap. Cakes and mandarins were delivered to my room an hour or so after I arrived and there was a turndown service.

Costs

Superior Queen rooms start from 525 euros per night.
The Princely Diamond Suite starts at 22,000 euros per night.

The best beat

Sadly I didn’t have enough time to get to know the hotel well so it’s hard to pick my favourites, but the stunning design, decor, and quality of the facilities and fittings really stood out. My room was immaculate, spacious and I enjoyed a beautiful view of the harbor and the Prince’s Palace of Monaco beyond.

Final decision

Hôtel Hermitage is the perfect example of luxury done right. Everything is finished with meticulous attention to detail. The attitude of the staff and their attentiveness is amazing – every team member I met in the corridors, regardless of their role, made eye contact and smiled. This level of care highlights the hotel’s commitment to excellence and the importance it places on good training.

Disclosure: Our stay is sponsored by Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is the Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He is the winner of the Innovation in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog was also voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best in luxury” by The Telegraph.