WARNING! SCAM HOTEL. Me and my mother were staying in Monaco from the 30th of august to 2nd September as we arrived early we thought we check in, and we were greeted by a woman with a attitude who claimed you canât check in early, the room isnât ready. We thought ok we just got here we are on holiday thatâs not argue, so we patiently waited outside, then towards check in time we went back in to check in. We were greeted again by the same woman with a attitude and to our shock she says we need to pay a âguarantee feeâ which both me and my mum have never even heard of nor is it stated on the website or booking. The woman was standing there claiming it is compulsory to pay this fee, without even explaining fully what it actually is, the other lady at the reception who was standing next to the woman with a attitude was saying you can just pay half of the fee which was very confusing. In the end my mum paid the fee in full which was almost the same amount as the ROOM WE WERE STAYING IN (so not only we paid for the room in advance we paid the same amount again). The next day my mum asked to speak to the manager to discuss this matter as she was highly frustrated and ruined the start of our holiday. We spoke to the deputy manager who claimed this fee works as credit for example if you eat at one of the other hotels which are under the same umbrella as Monte Carlo bay and resort, such as hotel hermitage or hotel de Paris etc you can charge it to the credit instead of paying with cash or card and if you donât charge it to your credit you will be fully refunded. The thing is me and my mum like to pay everything in cash as we donât like paying with cards or credit. So if this fee is a credit the customer should be able to opt out of this and not be told itâs compulsory. So to our shock once again, once we came back home from Monaco, the hotel sent a email to my mum stating that the fee wasnât compulsory and also sent another two emails with two different receipts and one of the receipts said departure 10th of September when we checked out on the 2nd of September which I found suspect. The email also stated we are only refunding you ÂŁ170 out of the ÂŁ1030 which they charged as a âguarantee feeâ so on top this fee, my mum is charged exchange fees from taking out money for the fee and another for the refunding of ÂŁ170 when it should of been the whole amount of ÂŁ1030. Today which is now the 6th of September the hotel decided to respond with another two receipts stating tax which was 30 euros per day which was fine and the words âcarter bancaireâ next to 1000 which is English for bank card. That is not a response to my mumâs query of WHY HAVE YOU CHARGED 1000 ON TOP OF ANOTHER 1500 SOMETHING FOR THE ROOM. Writing bank card 1000 is not a itemise billing, and if it was charged for something like they claim it was and are refunding 170 from the 1000 which THE HOTEL NEVER REFUNDED EITHER then in the billing you should put 860. All these receipts donât make any sense and none of them actually itemise this 1000 fee. To sum things up this hotel promotes a room on their website stating itâs on sale, enticing people to book and pay for it and then to wait for them to arrive at the hotel and charge them a hidden fee masked as a âguarantee feeâ which costs almost the same amount you paid for your room. They claim they refund you when you go back to your home country and once you arrived home then they claim that we only refunding a part of it which they never do and your sitting in your house angry and frustrated thinking you need another holiday to recover from this holiday in which you canât because your ÂŁ1000 less off because a hotel stole your money. Hotel is committing false advertising and fraud. People go on holiday to be relaxed not to be a victim of a SCAM. Vile...
   Read moreHi folks!
We had spontaneous trip through Switzerland and Italy towards Monaco. We are absolutely in love with Monte Carlo vibes.. Plenty of accommodation options around, make sure to book your stay in advance during major events, such as Monaco Yacht Show.. because places will be sold out quickly.
Lots of restaurants and bars around Port Hercule area.. You can have a drink or dinner on top of Hotels during summer, which is creating an extra atmosphere of comfort.. (not all of them of course)
Monaco Yacht Club is well worth a visit as well as famous Casino Monte Carlo or Cafe de Paris.. fabulous park nearby (if) you need to rest or read a book in privacy.
I won't mention luxury shops because they are everywhere, but don't be pushed away (if) this is not your budget, fall in love with the vibe and special atmosphere of surrounding architecture.
The culture of slow driving on roads is absolutely fantastic. Multinational culture is mostly friendly, the only barrier is language (sometimes) when you ask for direction, etc.. but as they say (if) you arrive in France, you should have the basics of French language :)
I would suggest to have a car and drive around to feel the vibe. Most Hotels have a special valet team, so you can have your car ready in front of Hotel when needed. Doesn't cost you much and will be even cheaper (if) you drive in and out from Hotel all day long :) underground Hotel parking is another option and based on flat rate. (for example 24 euros)
Plenty of public underground parking locations, way cheaper compared with Dublin in Ireland. (1st hour is free of charge)
You can look at Monaco from the top of mountain, just set up your navigation to Tete de Chien and enjoy your drive as well as panoramic view :) (Many Thanks to Stephanie from Hotel de Paris for direction..) (if) you end up driving to the top.. not looking at road signs, due to excitement by the beauty of landscape :) don't worry, gate is closed but not locked :) French Police is very nice to tourists.
(If) you like nigh life then central location of Monte Carlo is the way to go.. (If) you prefer more relaxed and calming atmosphere then Monte Carlo Bay area (Larvotto) is your home :) with fantastic promenade, restaurants and beach of course..
Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort was perfect choice for a couple of nights.. You've got Blue Bay restaurant here.. Blue Gin bar, Spa and swimming pool.. Morning breakfast outside is a must with never ending blue :) That's why they call it: Blue :)
(If) you are Financial Times reader, you will get your newspaper here.. (If) you need to send a letter or postcard, you can get it sorted with concierge..
Japanease garden is very close (if) you need to go back to zen (or) re-focus your attention.
Keep in mind that, Monaco is always expanding, so construction works are in progress, make sure to get room with sea view (if) you notice site work around your Hotel, but obviously you won't be there during the day :)
Nice Christmas and florist shop is called: Narmino..
You can get your Christmas, Birthday.. cards (in English and French) from Hallmark in Larvotto area..
Make sure your roaming will work in Monaco (Monaco Telekom network). Car built-in navigation will be fine as long as you know address..
And don't forget to get lost a bit in Monaco, you will end up happy and renewed :) Let your magic shine :)
Cheers from Ireland, Swav.
PS Pictures attached from Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Bay area...
   Read moreMy recent stay at the Monte Carlo Bay Resort was, once again, an absolute pleasure. This luxurious destination has certainly maintained its charm and continues to impress in many ways.||||The resort is still in very good shape, and the attention to detail in maintaining its elegance is evident throughout. The rooms, lobby, and pools are as beautiful as ever, and it's clear that the property is not showing its age.||||The service at the Monte Carlo Bay Resort remains exceptional. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience, and it's always a pleasure to be in such capable hands.||||However, during this visit, I did notice a few changes that seemed to reflect some cost-saving measures. For instance, the delightful "Monte Carlo Bay" biscuits were no longer a room amenity. It was a small but charming touch that was missed.||||The main pool, which used to have extended hours, now opens at a later time and closes earlier. While it's understandable to have specific pool hours, it was a change from what I was used to during previous stays.||||Another change was the relocation of breakfast and brunch to a new room where the casino used to be. Although the quality of the food was still very good, the room itself and the view were not as impressive as the former location in the Blu Bay restaurant which overlooks the sea. The view, on the outside building, faces a wall, which was a bit disappointing. Inside, it is beautifully decorated but the layout does not feel 4/5*. It is just way too busy inside.||||It's important to note that these comments are a reflection solely on the breakfast experience and have nothing to do with the exceptional quality of the 2-Michelin-starred Blu Bay restaurant currently being refreshed .||||In conclusion, our stay at the Monte Carlo Bay Resort was, as always, a memorable one. It remains a beautiful and well-maintained hotel, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway. While there were some minor changes, they did not overshadow the overall positive experience, and we look forward to returning for our...
   Read more