Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo:Luxury and romanticism in the French Riviera .

An attraction itself,this 278-room legendary hotel is a “Belle Époque” landmark.Centrally located,near Promenade’s Monte Carlo ritziest boutiques,the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo and the Monte Carlo Casino,

Hôtel Hermitage is about as luxe as Monte Carlo gets.Part of the Leading Hotels of the World chain,it definitely is a sparkling French Riviera gem.

Overlooking the picturesque Monaco Harbour,this 1900 inn,now a glamorous hotel,promises “every modern luxury”.Its glorious facade is a gateway into a rich lobby full of sleek pieces of furniture,fresh flowers and a big,glittering crystal chandelier.The adjoining Limùn is a stylish bar with plush light green sofas,yellow armchairs and flowered carpets that serves snacks,salads,wine and fruity cocktails.It also serves afternoon tea and homemade pastries from 4pm every day.

Along with Limùn,a second bar,the Crystal Bar adorns the hotel.It offers a fine selection of French wines,vintage champagnes,cigars as well as healthy snacks and desserts.Step in to the Crystal Terrace for a small bite or a pre-dinner drink and you’ll never want to leave.It’s not just the delicious ice cream and rosé champagne that will grab you but its flavour and flair.

Limun Bar.

The Beaumarchais Lobby leads to the atmospheric Salle Belle Epoque.All eyes naturally fixate on this masterpiece,which was designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes,the one who designed the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris!). Properly listed as a monument,this hall has undeniable charm amid its mostly gold ceiling full of striking artwork,museum-quality furniture and luxurious textiles.Salle Belle Epoque is the ideal venue for special events and large gatherings.It consistently receives stellar reviews for the extraordinary cuisine and the first-rate service.Its terrace wows visitors with spectacular views of the port and the famous Rock of Monaco. 

Right next to Limùn Bar there is an other lobby,the Jardin d’Hiver.The name means winter garden and you will feel it when you step through the door.This salon comes in an uplifting palette of colours.It is a combo of bright white walls,red-coloured carpets,vibrant green houseplants and pomegranate red sofa and chairs.Lounging comes naturally at this chic retreat.The aristocratic stairs lead to the glorious Eiffel Mezzanine Terrace,the hotel’s second masterpiece.Its royally appointed seats beneath the majestic Gustave Eiffel Dome remind of a palace straight out of fantasy.A true landmark of Eiffel design, this is one of the most impressive places i have been in my travel life and yes,daydreaming under the coloured glass skylight never felt so worthwhile.

Jardin d'Hiver Lobby.

Jardin d'Hiver Lobby.

Gustave Eiffel Dome.

Lucky Hermitage’s guests can have breakfast here,and fortunately,I was twice one of them.

Culinary ambitions are great:A large buffet bulging with omelettes,freshly cut fruit and vegetables,tarts,butter croissants and other temptations.Plus,staff that serve everything with a heartfelt smile and pay extraordinary personal attention to every guest.

Breakfast at Eiffel Mezzanine Terrace.

Fitness freaks will be thrilled to hear that Restaurant L’Hirondelle helmed by culinary genius Jean-Claude Brugel offers delicious,healthy meals of around 500 kcal per menu,while foodies will enjoy 5-star gourmet cuisine choosing from an upscale menu that features Mediterranean favourites at the Michelin 1-star Le Vistamar Restaurant.Here the wine lists are impressive and the views at the terrace outstanding.

Hôtel Hermitage boasts 190 spacious,lushy decorated rooms featuring classic style furnishings,plush bedspreads and drapes and multiple pillows on the bed.

Some rooms access garden terraces while others overlook the city or the courtyard.However,the real treat is the sea views.If you like a suite,the Hermitage’s Junior Suites(54) and Suites(22) come with larger balconies/terraces and private jacuzzis and there are 12 truly grand offerings: the Diamond Suites.

The courtyard.

Sea views-Exclusive room with balcony.

I stayed at the “Exclusive Room-sea view with balcony” and the experience was amazing,a bit over the top.

Done up in purple tones,this comfortable room features a king size bed with fluffy duvets,bright white stylish furnishing,lavender carpeting and wears some unique decorative touches such as a floral fabric wallpaper,Belle Époque chairs and a beautiful boudoir.

It offers every amenity one would expect: wifi,flat screen TV,safe box,a fully equipped mini bar,a wardrobe with loads of space and so on.

In the large full-marble bathroom you can pad around in an ultra soft bathrobe before stepping into the soaking bathtub.You can pamper yourself with Bulgari amenities.

In sum,you will love -yes,i did!- the room’s lavishness,high thread-count linens and glossy amenities until you open the drapes and step onto the balcony.Cozy seats will let you sit and gaze across the city.Believe me,you won’t ask for more!Hardly a view in Monte Carlo can compare this one.From here Hercules Port is at your feet while the views of Monaco Princes’ Rock are simply unbeatable.Enjoy a glass of champagne and admire the sweeping vistas.Experience the in-room dining service.Savour world-class cuisine in the privacy of this magnificent room.Have your pick of many Mediterranean and Western delights on the menu.

Exclusive Room offers direct access to the Thermes Marins Monte Carlo,the hotel’s wonderful spa scene.A day of treatments in this 7,000 square metre complex might include time in the hammam,swimming in the heated,seawater pool,cryotherapy in an especially designed area or anti-ageing and slimming services with La Prairie products.

Room views.

Room views.

French champagne over Hercules Port.

In-room dining.

In-room dining.

All pictures belong to my personal collection.I used Nikon D5200,Sony Cyber-shot and iPhone 5.