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Monaco and the Hotel Metropole, Monte-Carlo

by Arie Boris, CruiseGourmet.com Editor-in-Chief

As our helicopter descended, the view of Monte-Carlo was thrilling! What a spectacular way to arrive in this locale, fabled for its wealth and royalty. Thanks to our membership in Monaco’s “Le Club Diamante Rouge de Monaco” the helicopter transfer from Nice Airport was included. Participating hotels offer the membership which includes a variety of values and special rates for shopping, dining, beauty & Spa treatments and complimentary admission to the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the opulent gambling house so often frequented by James Bond.

For more photos (scroll over photo’s for captions):

It is a clever promotion, even if this is one of the most expensive destinations anywhere. Let’s face it, everyone loves a “special”! It reminds me of when we were kids and my nine year old sister bet her friend she couldn’t guess what our mother’s favorite three words were (Mom was famous for wearing a mink and diamonds while loading the dishwasher before an evening out in Manhattan.) The little girl confidently replied: “I love you.” My sister blithely responded, “Reduced for Clearance!”

Monaco is truly a “special” in its own right! It is not for the mass market crowd, but it does offer the finest and most luxurious hotels, dining, spas and exclusive shopping. It is also one of the most beautiful settings of any city in Europe. This small Principality offers quite a lot of unique and interesting activities for tourists. The changing of the Guard, with all its pomp and circumstance, is actually quite charming. You can wander the old city center and visit the Church where Princess Grace is buried. I especially enjoyed the Exhibition of HSH, the Prince of Monaco’s Collection of Classic Cars. This remarkable collection brings together almost a hundred automobiles of all ages belonging to Prince Rainier.

I simply fell in love with the Hotel Metropole! It is the kind of hotel that you just don’t want to leave. The staff, the accommodations, the “small” touches are all so inviting. After undergoing a complete refurbishment, the hotel reopened its doors just two years ago. Internationally renowned architectural and interior designer, Jacques Garcia, has painted an interior design “canvas” adding a modern twist to the property’s classic design.

Joel Robuchon’s epicurean restaurant, “Joel Robuchon Monte-Carlo,” is beyond belief. Executive Chef, Christophe Cussac and his staff prepare exquisite fare in a dramatically designed open kitchen. The terrace looks out over the Mediterranean. Each course is a “feast for the eyes,” and our meal matched the stunning view. The Lamb Robuchon was beyond delicious!

The ESPA Spa located in the hotel was so opulent and appealing. The quiet stylishness of the facilities created a naturally meditative environment. This, coupled with the gracious and gentle attendants, made this spa experience unforgettable.

A visit to Monaco and a stay at the Hotel Metropole is a bit indulgent, but after all, we are worth it!

For more information contact the Monaco Government Tourist Bureau at www.visitmonaco.com or the Hotel Metropole at www.metropole.com