Port Palace

The principality’s history

Monaco, also known as “The Rock” or “The Principality”, is an independent country located on the French Côte d’Azur. Its history goes back to the Paleolithic era more than 300,000 years ago. Bones found in the cellar of an exotic garden date back to that period. The most important date in the history of Monaco however, is January 1297 when François Grimaldi seized the fortress on The Rock. Since that day, the Grimaldi dynasty has been inexorably linked to the principality of Monaco. It was under the reign of Charles the Third that Monaco became the haven of luxury we know today. He was responsible for the creation of the famous Monte Carlo casino, which to this day is a symbol of the economic growth of the country. He also did away with taxes in 1869. Monte Carlo, named after the sovereign, has become, over the years, Monaco’s most emblematic quarter, to the point that some people think Monte Carlo is an independent state with Monaco as its capital! It’s here that the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament takes place, as well as the Formula One Grand Prix and the famous Monte Carlo Rally. The world-renowned casino and the Opera are here as well, in addition to an establishment whose mission is to shake up the established norms of luxury and hospitality.

Facing the sea

The Port Palace is a luxury boutique hotel which, according to some, is the first and only one of its kind in Monaco. Opened in 2003, the hotel’s location is idyllic. Its 50 rooms and suites all have an uninterrupted view of the port of Monaco. It’s also located on the route of the Grand Prix formula One race held here every year. In addition to its ideal location, the Port Palace is more than just a luxury hotel, but a palace in its own personal manner. If you don’t find the historic charm or the flourishes of a palace, it’s because the Port Palace places the accent on the quality of its welcome and its services. As the philosophy of the hotel indicates: “A palace is not a qualification attributed by an administrative service based on a well-intentioned but bureaucratic regulation. A palace is a state of mind, an attitude, a value system and a project. A palace is above all a room, a bed and a bathroom. It’s also a view, a table, a sense of service and a certain relevance.” And to satisfy these goals, each room has a 42-inch plasma television screen, a view of the legendary marina, a Jacuzzi and a marble bathroom. But the Port Palace is more than that. The hotel was decorated in its entirety by Leila Menchari, the head decorator of the Hermes company. The great attention to the choice of materials includes Rubella silk in the curtains and Poltrona furniture, thus proudly accenting the Port Palace’s sense of luxury. Thanks to its in-house florist and numerous works of art on display, especially those using driftwood, the Port Palace is a haven of peace and comfort unequalled throughout the principality.

The hotel’s restaurant “La Mandarine”, directed by Chef Patrick Raingeard, possesses a star in the prestigious Michelin Guide and has permanent and temporary art expositions. In fact, everything is art here!