Novotel Monte-Carlo: Your Dream Monaco Getaway Awaits!
Novotel Monte-Carlo: My Monaco Meltdown (in the best way possible!) - A Review for Real People
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Novotel Monte-Carlo, and let me tell you, I need a therapy session, a nap, and maybe another trip to Monaco! Seriously, this place… it's a trip. And here's the deal: I'm not a polished reviewer. I'm just someone who's willing to spill the tea, the espresso, and maybe a little bit of red wine all over this hotel review.
Accessibility: Navigating the Glam (and the Grind)
First things first: accessibility. Listen, Monaco is notorious for its hills. I'm talking steep hills. So, if you're relying on a wheelchair or have mobility issues, you NEED to know if this hotel is going to work for you. The good news? Yes! š„³ The Novotel Monte-Carlo boasts facilities for disabled guests that are clearly built in mind, not just tacked on. The elevator is a lifesaver, the ramps are well-placed (trust me, you need those in Monaco!), and getting around the property felt pretty painless. I didn't personally need it (I'm more of a "get lost in the maze of streets" type) but I saw plenty of people using the facilities and looking comfortable. That's a WIN. Though I'm gonna say, getting into the room sometimes wasn't seamless, my key wouldn't quite work the first time - but hey, happens to the best of us!
Internet Access: Staying Connected (and Avoiding Boredom)
In this day and age, wifi is not only a necessity, it’s also a vibe. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a MAJOR perk, especially if you are working remotely and want to be able to do some online shopping in the comfort of your luxurious robes. The Wi-Fi worked flawlessly, the internet speed for internet access was enough for me to do videos calls too. The only issue I had was trying to use the Internet [LAN] connection, but hey, I didn't pay to be connected to the LAN cable so no big deal. Wi-Fi in public areas was equally reliable. It was perfect too and I didn’t have to worry about feeling like I was missing out.
Cleanliness & Safety: My Anxiety? Soothed!
Okay, let's be real: post-pandemic, cleanliness is a HUGE deal. I'm a recovering germaphobe, so this section is IMPORTANT to me. The Novotel Monte-Carlo is basically an army of sanitizing ninjas. Seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. Hand sanitizer was EVERYWHERE. They even had sterilizing equipment on display! I mean, maybe it was overkill, but hey, I felt safe! And for someone with a history of travel anxiety… that's HUGE. I saw staff actively wiping down surfaces constantly, and the whole place just felt…fresh. The staff trained in safety protocol were always polite and helpful. The safe dining setup made me feel at ease, as did the cashless payment service. The hygiene certification definitely helped too. They even have the option to opt-out of room sanitation every day, which is a sustainable practice I can appreciate!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Paradise (and My Waistline's Ruin)
Alright, food. This is where things get interesting. Forget Michelin stars (although, Monaco, you know). I’m talking about real-life, how-it-tastes-when-you're-hungry reviews.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Oh. My. God. The breakfast buffet was epic. They are not kidding with this one. Breakfast [buffet] was the star of my morning. I’m talking about a full-blown Asian breakfast corner (hey, who doesn’t love a bit of noodles in the morning?!) complete with Asian cuisine. Then there was your standard Western breakfast with Western cuisine, which included pretty decent scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and croissants that tasted like a tiny slice of heaven. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was the perfect combo. I would totally get a bottle of water to stay hydrated and start the day. The breakfast service staff were lovely, always smiling, always refilling.
- Restaurants and Lounges: They have some great restaurants. They offer a A la carte in restaurant that is a must try, along with International cuisine in restaurant. I also had the chance to grab a salad and a soup, but also a dessert. They were pretty good - the desserts in restaurant were actually amazing! The cocktail bar serves up some amazing mixed drinks as well.
- Room Service: The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. I may or may not have ordered a pizza at 3 AM. Don't judge me. The breakfast in room was an absolute treat as well.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: My "Me Time" Mecca
Let's be clear: Monaco is intense. Glamorous, yes, but also, a lot. You need to find your chill zone. Luckily, the Novotel Monte-Carlo has got you covered:
- The Spa: Oh… the spa. I had a massage that was so good, I almost cried (in a good way!). They also have a sauna, a steamroom, and even a foot bath. The whole vibe is designed for maximum relaxation. The Spa/sauna was perfect for a couple's getaway.
- Swimming Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is, honestly, a total dream. Pool with view is definitely something you'll feel like you can actually enjoy and you can start your morning with. It's surrounded by loungers and a poolside bar, making it the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost!)
This hotel isn't just pretty; it's practical. They have a 24-hour front desk. Daily housekeeping. Dry cleaning and laundry service (thank goodness!). Luggage storage. A concierge to help sort everything out. There is a cash withdrawal option, currency exchange and a gift/souvenir shop. They even have a convenience store. You just gotta know where to find it. They also have some convenient options such as facilities for disabled guests and an elevator. Oh, and the doorman? Always polite and on the ball. I can't say enough good things about the staff, who are always friendly and willing to help.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
While I didn’t have any kids with me, I did notice a lot of families. Family/child friendly is definitely a priority here, with babysitting service available. I saw signs for Kids facilities and, of course, a Kids meal. I'm guessing this is a great pick for families wanting to visit Monaco.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (Mostly)
Okay, my room was a good size, with a seating area that was perfect for reading or planning the next day's adventures. The air conditioning worked like a charm, the blackout curtains were a godsend, and the soundproofing was impressive, considering how close the hotel is to the busy streets. The bed was beyond comfortable. I mean, I sank right into it. The bathroom was well-appointed, it had a bathtub, shower, and all the toiletries you could need. The Free bottled water was a lovely touch. While I didn't use them, having an ironing facilities ready to go was great. The alarm clock was reliable. The safe box allowed me to keep my valuables safe. The desk came in handy while working remotely.
My Anecdote: The "Lost in Translation" Dessert Debacle
This is where it gets embarrassing. So, I decided to treat myself to dessert in the hotel restaurant one night. I, confidently, ordered something that sounded amazing on the menu. What arrived, though, was…a mountain of something, covered in what looked suspiciously like…chili flakes? My face must have been a picture. I tried it. It burned. I'm pretty sure I set off the smoke alarm with my coughing. The very patient (and thankfully bilingual) server tried to explain what it was, but I only understood "spicy" and "not for you." Lesson learned: always ask about chili flakes! But hey, even a culinary catastrophe is a memorable experience.
The Verdict:
Novotel Monte-Carlo? Absolutely worth it. It's not perfect (no place is!), but it’s a solid, comfortable, and well-run hotel that caters to a variety of needs. I'm giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. The location is great, the facilities are fantastic, and the staff are top-notch. Yes, Monaco is expensive. But for what you get, the Nov
Ibis Budget Porte d'Aubervilliers: SHOCKINGLY Cheap Paris Stay?!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on my attempt at a glamorous Monaco adventure. Novotel Monte-Carlo, here I come… or will I actually come? Jury's still out, frankly. This itinerary isn't going to be all perfectly planned, Instagram-filtered perfection. Think more… chaotic, slightly hungover, and possibly involving a rogue pastry or two.
Day 1: Arrival & The First Fumble (aka, "Almost Lost My Passport")
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Nice Airport. Okay, first hurdle: finding the airport taxi that allegedly I pre-booked. My phone dies. Panic sets in. I swear, I’m not good at the logistics of travel. After an embarrassing amount of flailing hand gestures and a lot of frantic Google Translate, I finally spot a guy holding a sign with "Ms. [My Name] – Almost Late & Slightly Panicked." Bless his heart.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to Novotel Monte-Carlo. The views… breathtaking. Seriously. All that turquoise water and yachts bigger than my apartment. (I live in a shoebox, by the way.) I immediately regret wearing these incredibly uncomfortable shoes. Note to self: sensible shoes are a must. Monaco is NOT built for stilettos unless you're a supermodel.
- 12:00 PM: Check-in at the Novotel. The lobby is sleek and modern. I try to look sophisticated like the other guests. Failed. I trip over my suitcase. The front desk staff gives me a pitying look. My face is on fire. Then the hotel's computer glitches and I have to wait.
- 1:00 PM: Unpack (mostly) and survey the room. It's… decent. The view from the balcony sends me. That Mediterranean sun! It's at this point I realize I forgot my sunscreen. Facepalm.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch: A desperate search for food and a cafe. I find a creperie near the hotel, order a ham and cheese crepe. The crepe is good, but I'm still rattled from the passport episode.
- 2:30 PM: A Quick Nap. Jet lag is hitting me hard. After the nap, I'm in a better mood.
- 4:00 PM: A little bit of wandering around the area. I walk into a fancy shop, look at the prices of everything, and promptly back away slowly. My bank account weeps.
- 6:00 PM: Aperitivo at the hotel bar. After the day, I am feeling the need for some wine. I find out the hotel has a happy hour. The Negroni is delicious, and I find myself chatting with a friendly couple from Sweden. They have been to Monaco before and give me tourist tips.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant (convenience, baby!). I order the pasta. It's… fine. Kinda bland, actually. Sigh. The food here probably takes a backseat to the views.
- 9:00 PM: Stroll around, soaking in the atmosphere. People-watching is HIGHLY entertaining. I can only imagine what rich people do for fun. I find myself marveling at the Ferraris and Lamborghinis. My car is a… hatchback. Sigh.
- 10:00 PM: Back to the room. I try to do some research, but I’m zonked. Bedtime.
Day 2: The Casino Conundrum & Chocolate Regret
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Novotel. The buffet is… let’s say vast. I go for the pastries. Of course. I might have eaten three croissants. Zero regrets (yet).
- 10:00 AM: Heading to the infamous Casino! I try to dress the part, but I feel like I still look like a tourist. I set a strict budget because I am no James Bond.
- 11:00 AM: The casino is glamorous. I wander around, feeling completely out of my depth, before deciding on the slots. I lose 20 euros in about five minutes. I did not win. I should have expected that.
- 12:00 PM: The best part of the casino, I think, is watching the people. The people-watching is amazing. I can't help but wonder what all their stories are.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I am starving. I find a cafe outside the casino and order a sandwich and water. I am surprised by the bill, but it is okay.
- 2:00 PM: Wandering around. I take some photos near the harbor. The yachts are even more impressive up close.
- 3:00 PM: Chocolate shop visit. I have to. It’s Monaco! I walk into a high-end chocolatier. The aroma is intoxicating. I buy a few things, including a decadent dark chocolate truffle.
- 4:00 PM: Beach time. I go to a beach and watch other people enjoy the water. I am already feeling the sun burn on my. I may stay a while.
- 6:00 PM: I find a cafe, and I order a cocktail. The sun begins to set. It is so lovely.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I decide to order takeout, simply because I want to relax in my room. I got this excellent pizza.
- 8:00 PM: I ate the chocolate truffle. It was heavenly. Then I ate another one. And another. My face is covered in chocolate, and I feel slightly ill. Regrets? Maybe.
- 9:00 PM: Attempts to watch TV but I'm too tired from the sun.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: A Goodbye & A Promise
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Another croissant. No judgment, please. I'm going to miss this.
- 10:30 AM: Check-out. A bit sad to leave, but also a little relieved to be leaving the high-roller playground.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport. My flight is in the afternoon.
- 12:00 PM: Quick lunch before departing.
- 1:00 PM: Airport. I am very sad to leave.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive home. I had so much fun.
Final Thoughts:
Monaco is a place that's both ridiculously extravagant and strangely charming. It's beautiful, expensive, and full of characters. My trip wasn't perfect– it was messy and a little bit funny. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I’ll be back, Monaco. Maybe next time with a bigger wallet and a better understanding of how to use sunscreen. And definitely more sensible shoes.
Geneva's BEST Budget Hotel Secret Revealed! (Petit-Lancy Ibis Budget)
Novotel Monte-Carlo: Your Dream (Maybe a Little Messy) Monaco Getaway - FAQs!
Okay, so, Novotel Monte-Carlo... Is it *actually* a dream? Or just, you know, a hotel?
Alright, let's be real. "Dream" is a strong word. It's Monaco, so the *potential* for dreaminess is HIGH. The Novotel? Well, it's a very *solid* contender for making that dream a reality. It’s not the Ritz, okay? But it's got a killer location (seriously, walk out and BAM! Monaco), a nice pool (more on that later), and, importantly, doesn't require you to remortgage your house. So, dream *adjacent*? Definitely. Dream deferred because of a slightly wonky minibar selection? Maybe.
Location, Location, Location! Everyone always says that. What's the *deal* with this hotel's spot?
Okay, this is where the Novotel *wins*. I mean, seriously, the location is… *chef's kiss*. You're, like, a hop, skip, and a slightly sweaty walk (Monaco is hilly, people!) from the Casino. You've got Port Hercule basically on your doorstep. The shops? Oh, the shops… (My credit card still hasn't forgiven me). Seriously, walk around, soak it in. One evening, I remember just standing on the street, staring at the Casino, and feeling ridiculously posh. (Then I went back to the hotel and ordered room service because, let's face it, posh takes energy.) You can't beat it. Absolutely can't. It’s worth the price of a slightly overpriced coffee, even if the coffee machine in your room is questionable (more on THAT later, I promise).
The Pool! I saw the pictures. Looks amazing. Is it… actually amazing?
The pool… Ah, the pool. Okay, look. It IS amazing. Seriously. It's a lovely sparkling blue, surrounded by loungers (you need to get there early to snag one, though, like anywhere nice). The problem? I'm a terrible swimmer. Like, "doggy paddle until my arms fall off" kind of swimmer. But the *vibe* around the pool? Absolutely on point. People sipping cocktails, lounging in the sun, occasionally looking utterly fabulous. One lady, I swear, was wearing a diamond necklace *in the pool*. (I'm assuming it was real. I wouldn’t know. I was too busy trying not to drown.) So, yes, the pool is amazing. But prepare yourself to feel a bit inadequate if your swimming skills are… let's say, *aspirational* like mine.
What about the rooms? Are they… you know… *nice*?
The rooms are… perfectly acceptable. Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. They're clean, comfortable, modern-ish. The view from my room was a bit… unremarkable (mostly other buildings), but a friend got a room overlooking the pool and practically gloated. Take the view situation into account when you book. The aircon worked, which is crucial in Monaco, let me tell you. The bed was comfy enough, and the Wi-Fi, crucially, worked. (Picture me desperately trying to upload Instagram stories of my Monaco adventures. Essential.) I do remember the bathroom being a bit… compact. But hey, you're in Monaco! You're not going to spend all your time in the bathroom, are you? (I might have. It was hot.)
Speaking of essentials, the breakfast situation? Dish the dirt!
Breakfast. Okay. Here's the truth about hotel breakfasts anywhere: They can be a bit… hit-or-miss. At the Novotel, it’s a perfectly adequate continental buffet. You have your croissants (essential), your fruit (good for pretending you're being healthy), your scrambled eggs (sometimes a bit… *off*, honestly). The coffee, as I mentioned before, *could* be better. It's not the kind of coffee that makes you leap out of bed with joy. But it's coffee. And after a late night at the Casino (I lost spectacularly), coffee is a lifesaver. On balance, it’s fine. Don’t expect miracles, but you probably won't starve. And hey, you’re in Monaco. Go buy a proper coffee elsewhere!
The Staff? Are they friendly? Will they judge me for existing?
The staff were… generally very pleasant. They’re used to tourists, and they mostly speak English. I didn't experience any overt judgment of my (frankly, fairly basic) existence. They were efficient and helpful. One guy at reception even gave me some tips on the best way to get to the beach. (Pro tip: walk around the port, it’s lovely). Honestly, no complaints there. They were fine. Not the kind of staff who would, like, hand you a private helicopter if you look sad, but perfectly competent and polite.
Okay, I'm convinced. Anything I *shouldn't* expect? Any potential downsides?
Okay, here's the honest truth. Don't expect *luxury*. Don't expect super-duper-personalized service. Don’t expect a minibar overflowing with champagne at bargain prices. The minibar situation? Seriously underwhelming. (I’m still slightly traumatized by the lack of decent snacks.) Expect possible noise from the street at night, especially if your room faces outwards. Expect that the best view might not be yours (as I said, book carefully!). And, let's be honest, expect that Monaco is expensive. Like, *really* expensive. Don't blame the hotel for that. Budget accordingly! But overall… the location is the real winner. The location. The location. I'll say it again.
Would you actually recommend it?
Honestly? Yes. If you want to be in Monaco, you're on a reasonable budget (because, let's be real, Monaco and *budget* don’t often appear in the same sentence), and you’re not fussed about over-the-top luxury? Absolutely. It's a solid base for exploring Monaco. It's not perfect, and it has its quirks (that minibar!), but the location is worth it. The pool is worth it. The opportunity to, at the very least, *pretend* you're living the glamorous life is worth it. Go for it. Just… maybe pack some snacks. And a decent coffee maker.
Anything I *absolutely* need to know, like, a secret tip?
Okay, my super-secret, totally reliable tip? **Learn some basic French**. Okay, it's not a "secret", but it will earn you brownie points. More importantly,Stay Scouter
