Monte Carlo Beach

A glittery seaside landmark since the 1920s, the hotel Monte Carlo Beach, set back in lush exotic gardens, has undergone a massive contemporary makeover, directed by star designer India Mahdavi (who also designed New York's On Rivington). Behind the original rounded terracotta façade, the hotel now offers 26 rooms and 14 suites ultra-stylishly revamped in a subdued nautical melange of sea blue, white, brick red and beige, all with gleaming marble bathrooms with porthole windows and many with individual terraces and stunning sea views. There's also a brand new terrace restaurant, named Elsa in tribute to a frequent guest, the notorious American "hostess with the mostest" Elsa Maxwell. The ever-changing menu focuses on light lunch fare and Mediterranean classics for dinner. Even if you are not a hotel guest, the posh Beach Club is well worth the splurge for a day of sea, sand and sun, with old-fashioned tent cabanas, a huge seawater pool and a lively bar, the Sea Lounge, for cocktails after sunset and a friendly, festive atmosphere.

A room at the hotel Monte Carlo Beach.

Avenue Princesse Grace, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, 04.93.28.66.65. Doubles from €305, suites from €530. Beach Club day rates: €60 weekdays, €75 weekends. website

Originally published in the July/August 2009 issue of France Today.

See our complete hotel guide

View Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel in a larger map