There are certain times and places when it’s all about location — and when it comes to a stay in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, it doesn’t get much better than Fairmont Monte Carlo’s prime positioning.
Set in the heart of the neighborhood’s action, the luxury hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the iconic hairpin turn of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix on the other. It’s also just steps from one of the destination’s best-known attractions, the Casino de Monto-Carlo, along with an abundance of top restaurants, high-end shopping outlets, public gardens and more.
It’s an ideal spot for clients who want to lean into Monte-Carlo’s glitz and glamor, both on property and off. Adding to its appeal, the hotel — which originally opened in the 1970s — is hot off a 2024 renovation that refreshed the guestrooms, lobby and restaurants. Here’s what guests can expect during a stay.
Guestrooms and Suites
The 2024 renovation project included a complete redesign of the Fairmont’s 596 guestrooms and suites, all of which feature private terraces. Views range from interior gardens to the sparkling Mediterranean and even the hairpin turn or the casino.
The hairpin turn, a well-known feature of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix’s route, can be seen from the hotel.
Credit: 2025 Kelly RosenfeldMy husband and I stayed in a Deluxe Sea View Room, outfitted with a private balcony (perfect for yacht-spotting), a king-size bed and a comfy seating area, all with a clean and calming beige-and-blue color scheme. The spacious bathroom featured white marble walls and flooring, as well as an oversized shower with a rain showerhead.
Numerous categories of larger suites are also available, including four exclusive Grand Prix Suites, complete with three private balconies that overlook the race route and the marina.
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Guestrooms were fully redesigned in 2024.
Credit: 2025 Fairmont Monte CarloOn-Site Restaurants
The hotel’s most significant dining option is Nobu Fairmont Monte Carlo, a gleaming outpost of famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s renowned restaurant that was refreshed as part of the hotel’s recent renovation.
Dinner there did not disappoint. My husband and I sampled a stellar lineup of both raw and cooked dishes, starting with thinly sliced yellowtail topped with shaved rounds of jalapeno and a delicate dollop of caviar. A trio of melt-in-the-mouth sushi bites followed, along with Nobu’s signature miso black cod and beef tenderloin toban yaki, a sizzling plate of tender meat, mushrooms and asparagus in a super-savory, soy-based sauce. The meal ended on a sweet note with the whisky cappuccino, which is a layered dessert of coffee creme brulee, milk ice cream and whisky foam, served in a cappuccino cup.
Yellowtail topped with jalapeno and caviar at Nobu
Credit: 2025 Kelly RosenfeldFor something a bit more casual, there’s the Lobby Lounge Restaurant & Bar, where diners can bask in the property’s Mediterranean views via floor-to-ceiling windows (this spot was also recently refreshed). An expansive menu aims to please all palates, offering everything from smaller snacks to salads, pastas, burgers and sandwiches, pizzas and larger-scale fish and meat dishes. We went with a variety of smaller plates, including a refreshing Riviera veggie salad, falafel bites and barbajuan, a local specialty. Unsurprisingly, the latter was the standout of the meal; this delightful Monegasque delicacy is a bite-size fried pastry pocket filled with Swiss chard and ricotta cheese, a must-try during any Monaco trip.
Guests won’t want to miss the rooftop Amu Monte Carlo, an airy, light-filled space decorated with an abundance of flowers and greenery. The restaurant was added to the property last year and captures the spirit of the region, blending the flavors and traditions of the French and Italian rivieras. Clients who like to start the day with a hearty breakfast will benefit from the expansive morning buffet spread, where we sampled fresh breads and pastries, cheeses, made-to-order omelets and more.
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Amu is the Fairmont’s rooftop restaurant.
Credit: 2025 Anthony ParkinsonRooftop Pool and Other Amenities
Undoubtedly, one of the Fairmont’s most fabulous spaces is its rooftop pool deck, which is guaranteed to make guests feel like part of Monte-Carlo’s exclusive jet-set scene. From the year-round heated pool and its plush loungers, travelers can soak up both the sun and the panoramic city-and-sea views.
The seasonal Nikki Beach Monte Carlo was renovated in 2023 and serves as the deck’s restaurant slash beach club from April to September. The club features international fare, signature cocktails and mocktails, all set to live music. A second pool also opens in the high season.
Additional amenities include a spa and a fitness center, though I didn’t have time to stop by either during my short stay.
Through all these offerings, Fairmont Monte Carlo captures the spirit of its location exceptionally well. Clients seeking easy access to Monte-Carlo’s main attractions, a see-and-be-seen atmosphere and upscale dining options will find it all here.
