If you’ve ever watched the Monaco Grand Prix on TV, you’ve probably wondered what it feels like to actually be there. The yachts, the champagne, the cars screaming past on those impossibly tight corners it’s a bucket-list event. But here’s the catch: once you decide to go, the real question isn’t just how to get a ticket. It’s where on earth you’re going to stay when the whole of Monte Carlo is packed to the brim.
Because nothing beats the bragging rights. Waking up at the Hotel de Paris with a balcony view of the circuit is about as close as you’ll ever get to living inside the race. The Fairmont Monte Carlo? It overlooks the most famous hairpin in Formula 1. Yes, the prices are eye-watering over a thousand euros a night but for some people, being in the heart of the action is worth every cent. It’s not just a hotel stay; it’s part of the experience.
Simple: Nice is cheaper, bigger, and only a short train ride away. You can grab a hostel bed if you’re on a budget, or book a stylish boutique hotel if you want something special. And the best part? Trains run every half hour straight to Monaco. So you get the Riviera vibe, better prices, and still make it to the track before the engines start. Honestly, it’s the most practical choice if you don’t feel like burning through your savings.
Not everyone needs a king-sized bed and room service. Some fans pitch a tent by the sea at campsites like Camping la Giandolla. It’s cheap, social, and surprisingly fun. Picture race talk around a campfire, beers in hand, with people from all over the world. Sure, it’s not glamorous, but it’s an experience that makes the weekend feel more like a festival than just a sporting event.
When Monaco feels too crowded or too pricey people escape to quieter spots. Menton is just down the road, offering a slower pace with charming streets and coastal views. Others cross into Italy for towns like Sanremo, where you can still soak in the Riviera vibe without the chaos. After a day of non-stop noise on the track, slipping away to somewhere calmer feels like the perfect reset.
Honestly? As early as possible. The best rooms are usually gone months in advance, sometimes even a year out. Regulars book the same hotels every season, while latecomers are left paying triple or settling for places far from the action. If Monaco is on your 2025 calendar, don’t wait. The earlier you book, the smoother and cheaper your race weekend will be.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.