The Hôtel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Hôtel de Paris is the grand Belle Époque hotel on Casino Square in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Opened in 1864, it sits beside the Casino de Monte-Carlo and has long been the address for visitors who came to the principality for its gaming rooms, opera and society life.

The story behind it

The hotel was created by François Blanc, the businessman behind the Monte Carlo casino, at a time when the district of Monte-Carlo was only beginning to take shape. The idea was simple: if the casino was to draw an international crowd, those guests needed a place to stay that matched the ambition of the new quarter.

As the casino, the opera house and the gardens around the square grew up together, the hotel became part of a single ensemble. It gained a reputation for hosting balls and charity galas, and for receiving royalty, aristocrats and statesmen. It has been renovated many times since opening, yet it remains one of the best known luxury hotels in the world. Its restaurant Le Louis XV, run by chef Alain Ducasse, is a famous name in its own right.

What to look for

• The bronze equestrian statue of Louis XIV by the entrance, where passers-by traditionally touch the horse's leg for good luck.
• The ornate Belle Époque facade, with its balconies, sculpted details and rooftop ornament, which is best taken in from the middle of the square.
• The neighbouring Casino de Monte-Carlo, whose design echoes the hotel's grandeur and makes the two buildings read as a pair.
• The line of luxury cars parked outside, which says as much about the square's atmosphere as the architecture does.

Tips for your visit

• Allow 15 to 30 minutes to look at the exterior, the statue and the square. Longer if you also want to see the casino and the nearby gardens.
• Early morning is calmest for photos. Evening, when the facades are lit, gives the square its most glamorous mood.
• Viewing the exterior is free. Access to the interior is generally for guests and restaurant or bar customers, so check current opening hours and entry rules if you hope to go in.
• The Café de Paris, the casino and the Place du Casino gardens are all within a few steps, so it is easy to combine them in one stop.

See it on a quest

The Hôtel de Paris is one of the places you reach on foot during Monaco's Exploration Game, a self-guided route through the principality. The app tells you about the hotel as you arrive and sets a puzzle based on what is in front of you, so you look closely at the square instead of just walking past. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group.