The Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is in Fontvieille, the district built on reclaimed land below the Rock of Monaco-Ville. Expedia lists it as a three-star property about 0.9 miles from the Monte-Carlo district, and the position is its main attraction: the area is flat, quiet by Monaco standards and set beside a small marina, with Fontvieille Park, the Princess Grace Rose Garden and the Prince's Car Collection close by. The old town and the Prince's Palace are above you, reachable by lift or a short bus ride, and the Casino district is a few minutes away by bus or taxi. For a stay that mixes sightseeing and downtime, Fontvieille is a sensible place to base yourself, and this hotel is the best-known address in it. It is a good mid-priced alternative to the great palace hotels for visitors who care more about convenience, space and a calm evening than about a Casino Square postcode.
Getting around from here is easy. Fontvieille is the most walkable part of Monaco for anyone who dislikes hills: the park and the marina are on the level, the Rock is a short ride up by public lift, and the hop-on hop-off bus stops at the Rose Garden. Monte-Carlo and the Casino are reached by bus along the coast, or by a taxi that takes only a few minutes. The railway station is on the far side of the principality, so factor in a short transfer on arrival.
What to know: rooms in this category of hotel are generally sized and priced for the principality, which is to say compact and costly compared with the rest of France, so look at room type and view when you book. Ask about breakfast and parking at the time of booking, since both are priced separately at many Monaco hotels, and check whether you want a quiet room away from the road or one facing the marina. The hotel's own facilities, such as restaurants, bar and any pool or fitness room, should be confirmed on the booking page, as they were not verified for this guide.
Who it suits: families who want the park and a playground nearby, travellers combining the Rock, the gardens and the Car Collection, and anyone who prefers a calmer base to the casino district. It is less suited to visitors who want to step out onto Casino Square after midnight, or to those who need a swimming-pool-and-spa resort experience. Prices rise around the Grand Prix in late spring and during the summer, and are often kinder in November and in winter, so compare dates before you commit.
Why stay here
- ✓Curio Collection by Hilton
- ✓Fontvieille location
- ✓Walk to Fontvieille Park
- ✓Near the Car Collection
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Bus link to Monte-Carlo
Good questions
Where is the Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo?+
In Fontvieille, the flat district below the Rock, about 0.9 miles from the Monte-Carlo district. The park, the marina and the Car Collection are nearby.
Is it close to the Casino?+
Not within walking distance for most people, but the Casino district is a short bus or taxi ride along the coast. The old town on the Rock is close above.
Who is it best for?+
Families and travellers who want a calm, flat base close to the park and the Rock. Those who want to be on Casino Square may prefer the Hôtel de Paris or the Novotel.
