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The Monaco of Today - beyond glam, glitz and old glory

Ioana Jago travelled to Monaco and here are her impressions.

Monaco is excellent for a short incentive programme “Three countries in one long week-end!” – Monaco, France and Italy. Helicopter rides, luxury boat cruises, excellent dining, short haul, great hotels, high and consistent standard of accommodation with excellent meeting space at hotels or the Grimaldi Forum. Should you want to negotiate competitive rates outside the F1 weekend and the high season (June-August), the end of April and early May seem like a suitable time.

With more world class hotels that one can count on a square mile and polished service, one can be forgiven for thinking that a cocktail by the sea and sunbathing in the soft Mediterranean sun by the hotel pool is a goal in its own right! In fact, Monaco’s Old Town is lovely and clean, similar to San Marino and Ibiza Town. Great for watching the change of guards, the Cathedral, sipping a coffee on a small alley and wandering around for 2-3 hours at leisure. A treasure hunt could lend itself well to the Old Town. The Marine Museum and the Prince Rainier Automobiles Museum can be hired out for themed functions. Equally, within a 3 minute drive from the Old Town, the harbour awaits you with boats for exclusive hire. You have endless possibilities with cocktail receptions, cruises around the coast line, cocktails at sea and some water sports activities.

  • All 5* hotels in Monaco have a 4 star (deluxe) rating for taxation purposes
  • Hotels can be split in three categories: The Grande Dammes (located in the Casino Square: Hotel de Paris, Hotel Hermitage, Metropole), beach hotels (Le Meridien and Monte Carlo Bay Hotel) and boutique, located close to the harbour (Port Palace and Columbus). The cross-over hotel is Fairmont which is only 2 minutes from the Casino Square, yet offers a resort feel and sense of space which bring it closer to the beach hotels.
  • Nice - Monaco helicopter transfers: The flight takes only 7 minutes but you have to walk across the entire airport to reach the helicopter check-in area, this is then followed by a 5 minute minibus transfer to the helicopters (capacity varies between 5-7 passengers per helicopter). On arrival in Monaco, another short transfer to the hotel is required.
  • Having experienced a helicopter transfer and a road transfer, I can recommend the helicopter transfer for the novelty of the experience and the views for small groups (up to 15 pax). Otherwise, the waiting time for boarding and the transfers to the helicopters will offset the flight experience.

    Please also see our Monaco Incentive case study for further inspiration.