Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer hotels

In one destination, French Riviera & Monaco, with two hotels a few minutes apart in Monte-Carlo: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo on Place du Casino, across the square from the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Salle Garnier of the Opéra, with Port Hercule and the yachts down the hill; and Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo on the slope above Port Hercule, the harbor below its terrace, Place du Casino a few minutes' walk and the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo down the steps.

Each was admitted on its own merits, one hotel at a time, never by brand. The two are the company's own houses on its own square: the palace of 1864 with the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo as its spa; and the Belle Époque hotel above the harbor, with a winter garden under a glass dome. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo holds five-star standing; Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo holds four-star standing, and we list it at exactly that tier.

May, June and September are the weeks to aim for — warm enough to swim, the coast road not yet full, the evenings long. Two weeks in May fill Monaco years ahead: the Festival de Cannes along the coast in the middle of the month and the Monaco Grand Prix at the end of it, when Place du Casino sits inside the circuit; the Monaco Yacht Show does the same in late September. July and August are hot and crowded. Winter is mild and quiet, with the Nice Carnival in February along the coast — the concierge confirms what is open for your dates. The destination page carries its note on the months, and the concierge advises on dates for a specific hotel.

Search your dates on the hotel's page to see reference rates, then send the concierge a request. The concierge confirms exact rates and availability with you before anything is booked, and any payment and its timing are set out before you confirm.