I've Stayed in All of Monaco's Top Hotels-This Newly Revamped Icon Is My Favorite

"Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo's perfectly manicured Mediterranean gardens have changed little in the century-plus since they inspired Edith Wharton's novel "The House of Mirth," but the 125-room hotel-the only family-owned five-star property in the principality of Monaco -has heralded in a few new chapters since. When maximalist French interior designer Jacques Garcia (behind Hôtel Costes in Paris and La Mamounia in Marrakech) was approached to redesign the hotel more than 20 years ago, he wanted to accentuate a "spirit of timelessness," as he puts it."

""Rethinking an address that could be, and in my opinion should be, a flagship for the spirit of the Riviera also meant preserving the historical dimension of the property," says Garcia, who envisioned noblemen, politicians, and art collectors roving through the spaces. He was careful not to compete with the neighboring Hôtel de Paris, so he took inspiration from belle époque architecture, infusing these elements into the hotel's textures and materials."

"The Egyptian columns on either side of the arch at the entrance were relocated from the designer's 17th-century château in Normandy, and the four figures above the doors were crafted from the original mold used for Louis XIV's brother's statues. Decor throughout the public spaces is a blend of design styles and eras, from replica vases modeled after those Napoleon brought back for Josephine to the bar's 19th-century black marble busts, which are also featured at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris."

Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo maintains its manicured Mediterranean gardens and historic character while undergoing staged renovations. The 125-room property is the only family-owned five-star hotel in Monaco. Jacques Garcia led a long-term redesign focused on a spirit of timelessness and preservation of the hotel's historical dimension. The redesign draws on Belle époque architecture and incorporates relocated and repurposed antique elements such as Egyptian columns from a 17th-century château and sculptural figures cast from historic molds. Public spaces mix periods and styles, including replica Napoleonic vases and 19th-century black marble busts. Recent interventions include a refreshed fine dining venue and a wood-paneled cigar lounge; guestroom renovations are forthcoming.

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