Hotel de Paris History - Luxury, Legacy, and Monaco's Most Iconic Stay

When you think of Hotel de Paris, the legendary luxury hotel in Monte Carlo that has hosted kings, movie stars, and F1 champions since 1864. Also known as Grand Hotel de Paris, it isn’t just a building—it’s the heartbeat of Monaco’s elite nightlife and timeless elegance. This isn’t another five-star hotel. It’s the place where the Riviera’s glamour was first defined, long before yachts, red carpets, or private beach clubs became routine.

Its history ties directly to the rise of Monte Carlo as a playground for the rich. Built by the Société des Bains de Mer, the same group behind the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the hotel opened its doors in 1864 to serve visitors drawn by the new gambling hall. By the 1900s, it was the only place to stay if you were anyone—Tsar Nicholas II, Charlie Chaplin, and Coco Chanel all walked through its doors. Even today, the same marble halls, gilded mirrors, and silent staff that welcomed them still do. You won’t find flashy signs or loud music here. What you’ll find is quiet power—the kind that comes from over 160 years of being the standard others try to copy.

The Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo, a neighboring luxury property known for its understated sophistication and private access to elite spaces, often gets mentioned alongside it, but Hotel de Paris holds the crown for sheer historical weight. While places like Fairmont Monte Carlo and the Monte Carlo Beach Club offer modern luxury, Hotel de Paris offers something deeper: legacy. It’s where the Grand Prix after-parties began, where champagne flowed during the first film festivals, and where discreet meetings between billionaires and celebrities still happen over dinner in the private dining rooms. Even the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Louis XV, is part of its DNA—created by Alain Ducasse and still drawing global food lovers.

And if you’ve ever wondered why Monaco escorts, top models, and VIPs always seem to end up near this hotel, it’s because this is ground zero. The concierge doesn’t just book tables—they arrange private yacht dinners, secure last-minute F1 grandstand tickets, and connect guests with the right companions for the night. That’s not service. That’s influence. That’s history in motion.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve stayed here, dined here, and experienced the magic that only Hotel de Paris can deliver. From the secret jazz nights in the basement lounge to the morning coffee served on the balcony overlooking the harbor, these posts don’t just describe luxury—they show you how it’s lived.