As many times as we’ve set our feet on or dropped anchor in Monte-Carlo, the Hotel Metropole has always been a respite, a place to unwind or indulge. What’s nearly the most striking thing about this sanctuary is its central location. Whether it’s the Place du Casino and its lush gardens, a mere 50 meters away, that call to you, or the alluring boutiques adjacent. Ocean Drive is not more than 100 meters away, making the Metropole a welcoming, sheltering jewel. The Metropole excels in its status as Monaco’s smallest Five Star property, with just 126 rooms, over half of the inventory is suite product. This boutique remains at the heart of the Monegasque life.
Built on a former papal estate, this Belle-Époque palace that originally opened as a hotel in 1886, was a part of a well-known chain brand before management was taken over by its private ownership. They closed it in 2003 for an incredible one-year-plus, multi-million Euro refurbishment, taking it out of the old world and very much into the new, firmly establishing its place among the many competitors here. The design was led by Jacques Garcia, whose eye for minute detail and extravagance literally transformed the hotel into a masterpiece that continues to welcome guests and visitors with style, sophistication, warmth, and glamour. But he was not alone in this venture. What would one expect from a hospitality project designed to capture all the senses?
Food & beverage concepts by the inimitable Jöel Robuchon, including a rooftop pool and bar area that remains a legacy of Karl Lagerfeld’s distinctive style. Acclaimed architect-designer Didier Gomez lent his striking modern aesthetic to both Robuchon’s Yoshi restaurant as well as the hotel’s Givenchy Spa, one of only three in the world. The Metropole even has its own soundtrack, curated by musical stylist/composer Béatrice Ardisson, underscoring the action in the lobby, to soothe or enliven, depending on the time of day. Entering the lobby, its cool air is tinged with subtle floral aromas, deriving from literal, floral art installations. These captivatingly inspiring blooms, with the background scores, combine to form the “Monaco Moods” for which the hotel is popular. Designed to surprise and delight everyone, even regulars, the “Moods” are re-invented every three months.
It’s not even necessary to enter the Metropole to be captivated by its allure. The herringbone-paved drive, with a line of Mercedes-Maybachs and Maseratis along the straight private drive only enhances your own anticipation as you progress, almost as if you are arriving to a private estate. Exiting your vehicle, you catch a whisp of fragrant jasmine from the gardens, before the cool air of the lobby caresses your face as you enter. The Lobby and its bar are a fascinating juxtaposition of straight edges contrasted with seats so curvy that sitting in them is almost like being embraced by a dear friend. Light, fresh walls hung with tapestries, dark wood furniture, and the flower displays, of course, combine to keep you settled in and make you feel decidedly Monegasque.
| Words: Janine Devine