The Fairmont Monte Carlo turns fifty with renewed elegance

The Côte d'Azur has no shortage of prestigious names and renowned establishments, many of which play the MICE card in the sun. But there are some names that resonate more than others with event organisers. Le Fairmont Monte Carlo is undeniably one of these benchmarks. Its location is no coincidence. Not only for Formula 1 fans - the hotel overlooks the 'Hairpin', the mythical bend in the no less mythical 'Grand Prix' - but also for racing fans. Monaco Grand PrixAnother major advantage for MICE customers. What's more, during the Grand Prix, the 'Hairpin' rooms can also be completely reconfigured (removal of the bed, etc.) to transform them into spaces suitable for hosting companies. But also for its proximity to the Grimaldi Forum. A good neighbour when it comes to attracting participants to an international event, even if during the works the proximity of the project Mareterra has proved problematic. Now, the Fairmont can count on an increase in the number of conventions. A godsend for Monaco's biggest carrier, which claims some 35% of the Principality's inventory.

But as location and capacity are not everything, it is also important to take care of the decor and keep it up to the highest market standards. And if the Fairmont can boast a long and rich history, it's impossible to do without regular makeovers. This has now been done, with the renovation of all 596 roomswhich has just been completed end 2024. The new decor features a palette of local colours, with blue and beige dominating, in a more refined, very 'riviera' atmosphere. The lobby is also completing its makeover. And the façade of the hotel could also benefit from a facelift in the near future.

" We're off to a new start" enthuses Alexandre Ariel, Managing Director of the establishment. We're very happy, we're writing a new page in the history of the hotel, which needed this major facelift. We enjoy an exceptional location in Monaco, so guests have expectations. We owe it to them to welcome them in a beautiful environment." .

MICE is playing a leading role in this new chapter at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. It already accounts for around a third of the hotel's revenue. And the outlook is promising following the investments made. " The year 2025 looks set to be a very good one, not only thanks to the renovation of the hotel, but also thanks to a much stronger commercial presence, particularly in two key markets, the United Kingdom and the United States, which will return to their levels in 2025. "says Liliana Leonori, the hotel's Sales and Marketing Director. The hotel's North American origins have ensured that its Monegasque address - the first in Europe - has gained a high profile on the other side of the Atlantic. Particularly when it comes to one of its pillars: MICE.

The Principality's biggest carrier started in pole position. The extension of the Grimaldi ForumThe hotel's position can only be strengthened by the renovation of its rooms and the development of its MICE offering. " It is the hotel with the largest capacity in terms of rooms and meeting rooms, including two ballrooms of over 1,400 m². If you compare this offer with Monaco's surface area of 2 or 3 km², the Fairmont Monte Carlo is a bit like the giant of the destination! "says Liliana Leonori.

The hotel could already count on Salle d'Or and its 1400 m². And there's no pillar on the horizon. " A dream for event organisers! "says Liliana Leonori. The closure of the casino will have benefited the Fairmont's MICE catalogue, in that the room has been converted for events. Visit Grand Salon has the same surface area as the Salle d'Or (1,400 m²), but has features specific to its original purpose, including a configuration that is isolated from the rooms and soundproofed, enabling it to host events that take place late in the evening... and are noisy. Night owls can party into the night!

In addition to the two reception rooms, the hotel has 18 meeting rooms to cater for events of all sizes. And that's what the new dynamic at the Fairmont Monte Carlo is all about: its ability to adapt to any request. The hotel was already able to overcome logistical constraints such as accommodating cars on its premises - a must in a destination like Monaco, where it regularly receives event bookings from the biggest names in motoring. Now it is adding new strings to its bow, as the hotel's sales and marketing director explains:
" We are opening up to new new market segmentsThe event is normally held in Switzerland. The event is normally held in Switzerland, but the new space provided by the Grand Salon has enabled us to host it here at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. ".

As well as renovating the rooms and converting the casino, the hotel has also given its gastronomic facilities a facelift. The rooftop restaurant, Amù ('Love' in Monegasque), opened its doors last May. It serves Mediterranean cuisine - and breakfast in the morning. The famous Nobu also reopened its doors in May, following a complete refurbishment. These are all strategic tools for the hotel's pool of MICE experts, brought together in the Grand Events Fairmont Monte Carlo team, enabling the hotel to approach its fiftieth anniversary year with renewed energy, in the image of the destination as a whole.