Alfred Hotels Monaco, formerly known as the Forum, is a renovated three-star hotel on Avenue d'Alsace in Beausoleil, the French town that sits directly on the hillside above Monte-Carlo. It is not inside the principality, but the border is a matter of streets rather than kilometres, and the walk to Monte Carlo station takes only about four minutes. For visitors who find Monaco prices daunting, this is a classic way to stay close to the action and keep the budget under control.
Location and getting around
From the hotel, Monte Carlo railway station is about four minutes on foot, the Prince's Palace and Monaco Harbour about nine, the Circuit de Monaco and the Casino about eleven and the Grimaldi Forum about eighteen. Those walks are downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back, so expect to feel the slopes.
Trains along the coast run from the station to Nice, Menton and Italy, which makes the hotel a handy base for the whole Riviera. Because Beausoleil is in France, you cross into Monaco on foot without any formality in normal circumstances, though it is sensible to carry identification.
Facilities
The hotel is renovated and offers a rooftop terrace, a bar, a coffee shop and an on-site restaurant called Le Forum, with room service and a 24-hour front desk. Free WiFi, air conditioning and an elevator come as standard, and the hotel also offers free bicycle rentals, a free crib and pet-friendly rooms.
Parking is offsite and charged by the day, so confirm the arrangements when you book if you are driving. Breakfast is available for an extra charge per person. Room types include standard doubles, superior doubles or twins and a family triple, so travellers in a group of three have a clear option.
Who it suits
Couples and solo travellers who want to see Monte-Carlo, the harbour and the Grand Prix circuit without paying principality prices, families who need a triple room, and rail travellers who want an easy base for day trips along the coast. It is less suited to visitors who want to be inside the principality for late-night events, although the walk back is short.
Grand Prix weekend, the yacht show and the summer peak push prices up even in Beausoleil, so book early. In winter, the hillside is mild and quiet, and walking is pleasant.
Making the most of a stay
Start with a walk down to the harbour and the Prince's Palace on the Rock, spend the afternoon at the Casino gardens, the Japanese Garden or the Oceanographic Museum, and watch the sunset from the rooftop terrace. A short train ride takes you to Menton for lemon festival season, to Nice for the old town and the Promenade des Anglais, or to Eze for the hilltop village. Dress for the evening if you plan to visit the Casino, bring comfortable shoes for the slopes, and compare rates with and without breakfast when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Bar and coffee shop
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Room service
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Free bicycle rentals
- ✓Air conditioning
Good questions
Is the hotel inside Monaco?+
No, it is in Beausoleil, France, directly on the border. Monte Carlo station is about four minutes on foot.
How far is the Casino?+
About eleven minutes on foot, downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back.
Is parking available?+
Parking is offsite and charged by the day. Confirm the details when you book if you are driving.
