CdM Travel Guide: A Luxury Getaway at the Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo

 Monte Carlo, Monaco is the perfect weekend getaway whether you are on an cross continental European vacation or you're just on a quick trip in France or Italy this picturesque seaside kingdom is a must see stop. Monte Carlo is famous for luxury and excess in all things from the Grand Prix in the spring to the Yachts that fill the harbor in the summer. Of course the most famous landmark is probably the famous Casino in the heart of the city. That is why I decided to stay at the Hotel Hermitage which is literally right across the street from all the best shopping, food and of course the casino Monte Carlo. Location is everything and this hotel has the perfect spot for your luxury getaway. Monte Carlo is also an extremely small city after all the whole country of Monaco is less than 500 acres. With everything being so close it is easy to sight see and take in all the experiences Monte Carlo has to offer in one weekend. Here is my guide to getting a taste for the good life in this beautiful city. 

 

The Hotel Hermitage is located in the heart of Monte Carlo and has everything you need to indulge during your stay. 

The suites are decorated with beautiful wallpaper and have amazing views of either the inner courtyard or the ocean. 

You can have anything delivered for room service and they have so many delicious bars and restaurants to choose from. They also have afternoon tea offered on certain days in the hotel lobby. I enjoyed a light snack and signature cocktails at the bar overlooking the gardens my first night in town. I would also highly recommend breakfast on the terrace at the restaurant next to the pool. It offers amazing views of the ocean and is the perfect way to start the day. Speaking of the pool that is definitely a spot you'll want to visit during your stay. Take a dip and relax in the amazing indoor pool and then head out to the hot tub for a relaxing soak. The hot tub is one of the best features at the hotel hermitage and perfect for capturing vacation photos. It overlooks the bay and the ocean in Monte Carlo with backdrops of the mountains dotted with mansions. It is a view like none other and all from the comfort of the relaxing hot tub. 

If you walk outside the hotel you will walk straight into the high end boutique shopping district of Monte Carlo. Past stores like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and more so it is a great spot for shopping too. After exploring the boutiques I headed into the gardens in the center of Monte Carlo right out front of the Casino. I loved exploring the beautiful fountains and flowers and then headed down to the Casino for more great views and photo ops. Behind the casino is a beautiful deck area that overlooks the ocean and is a great place for more pictures. In the evening I headed over to the casino to get a look inside the opulent building. Inside is just as beautiful and decorative as the outside and is filled with gold decor and chandeliers. It was a great way to experience Monte Carlo nightlife. through the Hotel Hermitage I got a discount pass to use inside the casino. I sat at the bar and sipped a drink while people watching and taking it all in. Then headed back to Hotel Hermitage where I enjoyed a dessert before heading to bed. 

The next day I headed into the city for sightseeing. I decided to start at the National Oceanography museum which houses historic artifacts from the royal ships used by Monaco throughout the ages. It also has a great aquarium showcasing Mediterranean sea life. After spending the morning at the museum I went to the nearby Royal Palace. I hiked up the stairs to the top of Monte Carlo where the palace sits. It was a beautiful day and I got to take in some beautiful views of the ocean and the city. It was a great way to end my trip to Monte Carlo. This is a great stop to make if you are exploring the French Riviera and is easily accessible from France and Italy by train.