The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is Monaco's answer to the beach resort, and it is the best choice if you want a hotel where the pool, the garden and the sea are part of the stay rather than something you have to travel to. It stands on the Larvotto peninsula at the eastern end of the principality, away from the hills and the traffic of the old centre, and it is built around a large lagoon-style pool with a sandy beach area, tropical-style gardens and terraces facing the Mediterranean. The rooms and suites are generously sized for Monaco, most with a balcony or terrace and many with a sea view, and the resort has several restaurants, a spa and a casino of its own, so it is easy to spend an evening without leaving the property. The surroundings are as appealing as the hotel itself: the Japanese Garden, the Grimaldi Forum, the Larvotto public beach and the seafront promenade are all a short walk away, and the resort feels more like a holiday than a city break.
The setting suits families and longer stays. The lagoon pool and its sand edge are what children remember, and the gardens give space to wander in a country where open ground is rare. For adults, the spa, the on-site casino and the evening bars give the stay some glamour, and the nearby seafront promenade is excellent for a morning run or an evening walk.
Because the resort is flat and self-contained, it is also a good choice for visitors who find Monaco's hills tiring, although Monte-Carlo and Casino Square are a bus or taxi ride away, or a reasonable walk along the coast for those who like to walk.
Practical points
The resort is a few kilometres from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport by road, and transfers can be arranged through the hotel. The nearest railway station is in Monte-Carlo, so allow time for a bus or taxi if you are arriving by train. Check the room categories carefully, because sea view, garden view and balcony size all affect the price, and ask whether breakfast, beach or pool access and parking are included.
In summer and on Grand Prix weekend the resort fills up and prices rise sharply, while November to March can offer much better value, although the outdoor pool and the beach are then less useful.
Who it suits
Families, couples who want a swim and a sea view, and travellers who like a resort atmosphere with Monaco's polish. It is less ideal if your priority is to stroll out of the lobby onto Casino Square or if you plan an early start on the Rock every morning, since the hotel is on the other side of the principality.
The hop-on hop-off bus and local buses stop nearby, and the harbour and the old town are a short ride away. If you are choosing between the Casino district and Larvotto, pick the first for ceremony and nightlife and the second for space, water and quiet.
Why stay here
- ✓Lagoon-style pool with sand beach area
- ✓Seafront gardens and terraces
- ✓Sea-view rooms with balconies
- ✓Spa
- ✓On-site casino
- ✓Several restaurants and bars
- ✓Walk to the Japanese Garden and Larvotto beach
- ✓Airport transfers on request
Good questions
Where is the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort?+
On the Larvotto peninsula at the eastern end of Monaco, beside the sea and a short walk from the Japanese Garden, the Grimaldi Forum and Larvotto beach.
Is it good for families?+
Yes, the lagoon-style pool, the gardens and the flat seafront setting suit children, and Larvotto beach is close. Check pool access and children's facilities when you book.
How far is it from Casino Square?+
It is a bus or taxi ride, or a longer walk along the coast, from Casino Square. The hotel also has its own casino for evenings without leaving the property.
