· Open -

Opened in 1890 but didn't become a hotel until 1900.

· 1st Owner -

Bought in 1898 by Vincent Benoist an Englishman who had it completely rebuilt.

· Stars - *****

· Guests -

Kings, Queens and Pavarotti

· History -

Originally an inn and then a restaurant.

In 1928 the hotel became a property of the Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer. It has been consistently modernised and renovated through its history.

Completely redesigned and renovated in 2011

· Signature -

Discretion

The stained glass dome roof over the Winter Garden designed by Gustav Eiffel - father of the Eiffel Tower

· Rooms -

277 including 89 suites in 3 classes @ $650 - $7,127

· Tales -

The facade of the hotel was inspired by the Prince of Monaco's Palace.

The world's largest wine cellar was expertly disguised during WWII. Winston Churchill officially reopened them in 1945.

· Claim to Fame -

The largest wine cellar in the world - labyrinth constructed in 1874 under the garden

One of Europe's top spas - linked by underground walkway to the state of the art 4 storey, 7,000 square metres Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo Spa - beauty , slimming and relaxation , Hammam

· Innovations -

Commitment to sustainable development

Side entrance for discreet arrivals

Over 50% of rooms are adjoining

· Features -

Iconic location with iconic views

The Presidential Diamond Suite

Louis XV style furniture

Jacuzzi on the balcony

· View -

Sea views, City or Courtyard

· High Tea -

In Le Limun - British Style Tea Time formulas - also with champagne

· Facilities -

Monte-Carlo Beach Club with heated salt water swimming pool / Winter Garden / fitness centre / free shuttle service / Sun terrace

· Unique -

Set in a Palace listed as a Historic Monument

· Restaurants -

Le Limun - in a lush garden resembling the top deck of a cruise liner. All day tea / coffee and finger food.

L' Hirondelle - healthy dishes in the spa restaurant - sea view terrace

Yannick Alleno a l'Hotel hermitage Monte-Carlo - Michelin starred and named after the head chef. Large menu of local seasonal products on a sea view terrace.

14 meeting and banquet rooms for up to 340 people

Belle Epoque Room - up to 300 people for dinner

Themed Sunday Brunch - Chic Champagne Brunch under the cupola - 12pm - 3pm all the champagne you can drink, live music

· Bars -

Le Crystal Bar - Champagne and signature cocktails, terrace and sea view - also serves food

· Sights -

The Monte-Carlo Golf Club opened in 1911

Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix

Walk the GP track

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Princes Palace

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Monaco Cathedral

Boutique shopping

·Visas

Monaco is one of four de-facto Schengen Countries allowing for visa-free entry for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for certain nationalities, such as those from the US, UK, NZ, Australia and Canada for tourism or business. Click here for more information.

• You will have to fill out an online ETIAS ( European Travel Information and Authorisation System) visa waiver form however. There is a fee for this and you will need to have a valid passport, a working email address, and a valid credit or debit card at the time of their application.

• When you arrive you may need to show

1. A return plane ticket

2. Evidence of onward travel

3. Proof of sufficient funds for your stay

4. Appropriate health insurance coverage

 Extra -

See France in 'Countries' and Rome 2 Rome in 'Journeys'