Where to Stay in Monaco: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)

If you’re planning a trip to Monaco, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to stay there or use Nice as your base instead.

I stayed in Nice and visited Monaco as a day trip, and honestly, I’d do the same thing again. Monaco is tiny, the train from Nice takes around 25 minutes, and hotel prices are on a completely different level. Unless staying in Monaco itself is part of the experience you’re looking for, I think most people get much better value staying in Nice.

That said, staying in Monaco does have its advantages, especially if you’re visiting for the luxury hotels, casino, or nightlife.

In this guide, I’ll help you decide whether Monaco is actually worth staying in, the best areas to stay, and the hotels I’d recommend for different budgets.

Quick Answer: Where to Stay in Monaco? Monaco vs. Nice

If you just want the short answer:

• Best overall: Stay in Nice
• Best luxury area: Monte Carlo
• Best for nightlife: Monte Carlo
• Best value: Nice
• Best budget option: Nice
• Best base for exploring the French Riviera: Nice
• Best if you’re only visiting Monaco for a day: Nice

My recommendation? Unless you’ve always wanted to stay in Monaco or you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the casino or luxury hotels, I’d stay in Nice. It’s cheaper, there’s a much bigger choice of accommodation, and getting to Monaco couldn’t be easier.

Should You Stay in Monaco?

The answer really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.

If staying in one of the world’s most famous luxury destinations has always been on your bucket list, then yes, spending a night in Monaco is a pretty unique experience. You’ll be able to walk everywhere, enjoy Casino Square after the day-trippers have left, and experience Monaco in the evening when it feels much quieter.

The downside is the price. Hotels in Monaco are some of the most expensive on the French Riviera, and you’re paying a premium simply because you’re staying in Monaco. On top of that, it’s a tiny country. Most people only need one full day to see the main attractions, so unless you’re planning to enjoy the luxury hotels, casino, beach clubs, or restaurants, you’re unlikely to get much extra value from staying overnight.

Personally, I stayed in Nice and visited Monaco as a day trip. After seeing how easy it was to get there by train, I’d make exactly the same decision again.

Should You Stay in Nice Instead?

For most people, I’d say yes.

Nice is only about 25 minutes from Monaco by train, with frequent departures throughout the day, so visiting Monaco couldn’t be much easier. At the same time, you’ll have a much bigger choice of accommodation, from hostels to luxury hotels, and prices are generally much more reasonable.

I also think Nice is a better base overall. There are far more restaurants, cafés, bars, and things to do in the evenings, and it’s much better connected if you’re planning to explore other places on the French Riviera like Menton, Cannes, Antibes, or Villefranche-sur-Mer.

That’s exactly why I chose to stay there. I spent the day exploring Monaco, took the train back to Nice in the evening, and never felt like I was missing out by not staying overnight. Unless your main goal is to experience Monaco’s luxury hotels or nightlife, I honestly think Nice gives you much better value for money.
Best Areas to Stay in Monaco

One thing worth knowing before choosing where to stay in Monaco is that the country is tiny. You can walk from one side to the other in well under an hour, so choosing an area is less about transport and more about the kind of trip you want. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, a quieter atmosphere, or somewhere close to the beach, here’s what you can expect from each part of Monaco.

Where to stay in Monaco

Monte Carlo: Best for First-Time Visitors & Luxury

If it’s your first time deciding where to stay in Monaco, Monte Carlo is probably the area you’ve been picturing. It’s home to Casino Square, luxury hotels, designer shops, and some of the most famous streets in the principality.

This is the best area if you’re visiting Monaco for the luxury experience or want to be within walking distance of the casino, high-end restaurants, and nightlife. Just keep in mind it’s also where you’ll find some of the highest hotel prices.

Best for:

• First-time visitors
• Luxury stays
• Casino nightlife
• Shopping

Monaco-Ville: Best for History & Views

If you’d rather stay somewhere quieter, Monaco-Ville is my favourite part of the country. This is the historic Old Town, sitting on top of the rock above the harbour, with narrow streets, viewpoints, the Prince’s Palace, and Saint Nicholas Cathedral.

There aren’t many hotels here, but if you can find one, you’ll be staying in one of the most picturesque parts of Monaco.

Best for:

• History
• Walking everywhere
• Quiet evenings
• Great views

Fontvieille: Best for a Quieter Stay

If you’re looking for where to stay in Monaco away from the busiest tourist areas, Fontvieille is a good option. It’s a modern district with a marina, waterfront restaurants, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than Monte Carlo.

You’ll still be within walking distance of the main attractions, but it feels noticeably quieter, especially in the evenings.

Best for:

• Couples
• Quieter hotels
• Marina views
• Relaxed atmosphere

Larvotto: Best for the Beach

If spending time by the sea is your priority, Larvotto is the best area to stay in Monaco. It’s home to the city’s main public beach, several waterfront restaurants, and some of Monaco’s most modern hotels.

It’s a good choice during the summer months if you want to combine sightseeing with a few hours at the beach.

Best for:

• Beach holidays
• Families
• Summer trips
• Seafront hotels
• Best Hotels in Monaco

If you’ve decided that staying in Monaco is the right choice, these are the hotels I’d recommend depending on your budget and travel style.

Best Hotels in Monaco

One thing I quickly realised while planning my trip is that there aren’t actually that many hotels in Monaco. Unlike Nice, where you have hundreds of options, Monaco only has around a dozen proper hotels, and most of them fall firmly into the luxury category.

If you’re set on staying in Monaco, these are the hotels I’d be looking at.

Best Overall Hotel in Monaco

Fairmont Monte Carlo

If I had to pick one hotel for most people, it’d probably be the Fairmont. The location is hard to beat, just a short walk from Casino Square, and it has everything you’d expect from a Monaco hotel, including sea views, a rooftop pool, restaurants, and easy access to the main attractions.

→ Check prices for Fairmont Monte Carlo

Best Luxury Hotel in Monaco

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

This is the Monaco hotel. If you’ve seen photos of Casino Square, you’ve seen Hôtel de Paris. It’s one of the most famous hotels in Europe, and if money isn’t a concern, this is the ultimate Monaco experience.

→ Check prices for Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Best Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel Miramar

If you’d rather stay somewhere smaller than Monaco’s famous palace-like hotels, Boutique Hotel Miramar is a great option overlooking Port Hercules. It has a much more intimate feel while still putting you within walking distance of the main sights.

→ Check prices for Boutique Hotel Miramar

Best Hotel with a Beach

Le Méridien Beach Plaza

One thing that makes Le Méridien stand out is its private beach access, something that’s surprisingly rare in Monaco. If you’re visiting in summer and want to mix sightseeing with some time by the sea, this is one of the best options.

→ Check prices for Le Méridien Beach Plaza

Best Hotel for Couples

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

If you’re celebrating something special, Hôtel Hermitage is probably my favourite after Hôtel de Paris. It has beautiful Belle Époque architecture, a quieter atmosphere than some of Monaco’s larger hotels, and is still only a few minutes from Casino Square.

→ Check prices for Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Best Value Hotel in Monaco

Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo

Let’s be honest—there isn’t really such a thing as a cheap hotel in Monaco. That said, Columbus Hotel is often one of the more affordable options while still offering four-star comfort and excellent reviews. If staying in Monaco itself matters to you, this is probably where I’d start looking.

→ Check prices for Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo

Other Hotels in Monaco Worth Looking At

If none of the hotels above are available for your dates, these are also worth considering:

• Novotel Monte-Carlo – A good all-round option close to the train station.
• Port Palace – Ideal if you want harbour views overlooking Port Hercules.
• Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – One of Monaco’s best resort-style hotels with pools and direct access to the waterfront.
• Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo – One of Monaco’s most luxurious five-star hotels, just steps from Casino Square.

→ See all Monaco hotels here

Best Hotels in Nice for Visiting Monaco

If you’re still deciding where to stay when visiting Monaco, I’d honestly recommend Nice for most travellers. That’s exactly what I did, and I never felt like I was missing out.

The train takes around 25 minutes, runs frequently throughout the day, and you’ll have a much bigger choice of accommodation at almost every budget.

Here are the hotels I’d recommend depending on your budget.

Best Hostel in Nice

SLO Hostel Nice

This is my recommendation if you’re backpacking or simply trying to keep costs down. It’s modern, well-rated, and only a short walk from Nice-Ville station, making day trips to Monaco incredibly easy.

Best for:

• Backpackers
• Solo travellers
• Budget trips
• Best Budget Hotel in Nice

Best Western Alba

If you want a private room without spending Monaco prices, this is a solid option. It’s close to the train station, comfortable, and usually much better value than anything you’ll find across the border.

Best for:

• Couples
• Budget-conscious travellers
• Easy train access
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Nice

Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden

If you’re looking for a bit more comfort without jumping into luxury prices, this is one of the best value hotels in Nice. It’s within walking distance of both the beach and the train station, making it an excellent base for exploring the French Riviera.

Best for:

• Couples
• Longer stays
• Exploring the Riviera
• Best Luxury Hotel in Nice

Hotel Le Negresco

If you’re planning to splurge, I’d do it in Nice rather than Monaco. Hotel Le Negresco is one of the city’s most iconic hotels, right on the Promenade des Anglais, and you’ll still spend less than many of Monaco’s top hotels.

Best for:

• Luxury stays
• Special occasions
• Beachfront location

Where to Stay in Monaco: My Recommendation

If you’re visiting Monaco as part of a French Riviera trip, I’d stay in Nice every time. That’s exactly what I did, and I’d make the same decision again.

Not only will you save a significant amount on accommodation, but you’ll also have far more restaurants, cafés, and things to do once you get back in the evening. Add in the 25-minute train to Monaco, and I honestly don’t think there’s a better base for most travellers.

The only time I’d recommend staying in Monaco is if you’ve always wanted the experience of sleeping there, you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the casino or luxury hotels, or you’re celebrating a special occasion and don’t mind paying the premium.

Practical Information

Getting to Monaco

If you’re flying in, you’ll arrive at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is the closest airport to Monaco. From there, you can reach Monaco by train, bus, helicopter, private transfer, or rental car, though the train is usually the easiest and cheapest option.

→ Read: How to get to Monaco from Nice

→ Find train tickets here

→ Find Private airport transfers here

Getting Around Monaco

One of the best things about staying in Monaco is that you won’t need a car. The country is tiny, and you can walk between most attractions in under an hour. There are also plenty of public lifts and escalators to help with the hills, making it much easier to get around than it first looks.

Parking in Monaco

If you’re driving, parking is available throughout Monaco, but it isn’t cheap. Most hotels charge extra for parking, and spaces can fill up quickly during the summer and major events like the Monaco Grand Prix.

Unless you’re planning a road trip around the French Riviera, I honestly wouldn’t rent a car just for Monaco. Between the trains and how walkable the country is, it’s more hassle than it’s worth.

Booking Hotels in Summer

If you’re visiting between June and August, I’d book your accommodation as early as possible. Monaco doesn’t have many hotels compared to other destinations, so prices increase quickly once the best options start selling out.

If you’re travelling during the Monaco Grand Prix in May, book even earlier. Hotel prices can be several times higher than normal, and many properties sell out months in advance.

FAQs

Is it better to stay in Monaco or Nice?

For most travellers, I’d recommend staying in Nice. Hotels are much more affordable, there’s a wider choice for every budget, and Monaco is only around 25 minutes away by train. Unless your goal is to experience Monaco’s luxury hotels or casino nightlife, Nice is the better base.

Is staying in Monaco worth it?

It can be, but it depends on your trip. If you’ve always wanted to stay in Monaco or you’re celebrating a special occasion, spending a night there is part of the experience. For most people, though, a day trip from Nice is enough.

What is the best area to stay in Monaco?

Monte Carlo is the best area for first-time visitors thanks to its luxury hotels, Casino Square, restaurants, and central location. If you’re looking for something quieter, Monaco-Ville and Fontvieille are good alternatives.

How many nights should you stay in Monaco?

One night is enough if you want the experience of staying in Monaco. If you’re only interested in sightseeing, you don’t need to stay overnight at all—one day is enough to explore the main attractions.

Is Monaco walkable?

Yes. Monaco is one of the easiest places I’ve visited on foot. It’s tiny, and although there are plenty of hills, public lifts and escalators make getting around much easier than it looks.

Is Monaco safe to stay in?

Yes. Monaco is one of the safest places I’ve visited in Europe. Police and security are highly visible, and I never once felt uncomfortable walking around, even on my own.

Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Monaco

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Monaco, I’d keep it simple. Unless spending a night in Monaco has always been part of your trip, I’d stay in Nice.

That’s exactly what I did, and I’d make the same choice again. Nice gives you far more hotels, better value for money, and plenty of restaurants and things to do after a day exploring Monaco. With trains taking around 25 minutes, visiting Monaco couldn’t be much easier.

If, however, staying in one of the world’s most famous luxury destinations is part of the experience you’re looking for, then spending a night in Monaco can absolutely be worth the extra cost.

Hopefully this Where to stay in Monaco guide has helped you decide where to stay in Monaco and made planning your trip a little easier.

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