Going to MONACO, need advice!!! | FerrariChat

Going to MONACO, need advice!!!

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by JSinNOLA, Mar 27, 2005.

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  1. JSinNOLA

    JSinNOLA F1 World Champ
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    Mar 18, 2002
    18,776
    Denver, CO
    So I have a wedding in Southern France to go to the weekend of the Monaco GP, so unfortunantly I can't go until AFTER the wedding! :(

    But...I still have yet to go to Monaco, so I want to spend the night on Friday June 3rd.


    What are my options? I figure it shouldn't be hard to find a room since I will be going AFTER all of the fun stuff.

    I need a room with 2 beds just for that Friday night.

    Where have you stayed? Where would you stay? What are some price ranges? Etc...

    I can get a room for free at the Marriot which is supposedly somewhere near Monaco, but I don't know if it is worth the advantage miles I have to use in order to get the room.

    Help a brother out! :D
     
  2. JSinNOLA

    JSinNOLA F1 World Champ
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    Mar 18, 2002
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    Ok, here is what I found out about the Marriott...

    Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco:
    Facing the yacht harbour of Cap d'Ail next to the beach with a splendid Mediteranean Sea view.The Riviera Marriott Hotel is located just a few minutes walk from the heliport, the Palace and the Monaco business district. Complimentary private shuttle to Monte Carlo is available to enjoy the great sporting and cultural events Monaco has to offer. Next door to Monte Carlo, business and leisure become pleasure !




    Worthwhile? Still confused :confused: since I don't really know much about the area.
     
  3. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Don't really know either but I'd be opting for the freebie :)
     
  4. JSinNOLA

    JSinNOLA F1 World Champ
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    Mar 18, 2002
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    After looking into is some more it appears that the room at the Marriot would only run me about $220 for the night, so now I fear the miles could be better spent elsewhere...
     
  5. VROOM!!!

    VROOM!!! Formula 3

    Feb 11, 2004
    2,495
    Los Angeles
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    Armen
    Your so lucky!!!! Be sure to take some pictures for us.
     
  6. whart

    whart F1 Veteran
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    Dec 5, 2001
    6,485
    Grandview NY
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    Herr Prof.
    Some of my knowledge may be a little dated, but here goes: the central attraction of Monaco is the Hotel de Paris and the Casino, which figure prominently in those James Bond movies. You can actually see people wearing those tuxedos with sashes and monocles. If you go to the Casino, you must go to the 'Salon Prive.' The restaurant in the hotel is first rate, and while the grill room was not, it's got spectacular views, and a roof that opens in good weather.
    My take on Monaco is that it's a sort of Beverly Hills of the South of France- yes, i know it's not technically France, but you are right there; it's pretty glitzy, lot's of more modern condos, some charm, but built up and like alot of the Riveria, but more so.
    The interesting places to me would be in other parts of the French Riveria, a little bit of a drive from there, but well worth it, especially if you want to spend the money to do it in style: Hotel du Cap, in Cap D'Antibes, is one of the best hotels in the world, and you will pay for the privilege. There is also Chateau Eze, at the pinnacle of Eze, with a grand view of everything thousands of feet below- restaurant, luxe accomodations, like a crow's nest in the cliffs.
    Colum d'Or in St. Paul Du Vence- charming, filled with old modern artwork, perched next to the outer wall of an old provencal town; not tres cher and charming. There are some newer, super lux hotels up that way as well- you are in the countryside above the Riveria, so it is more like provence than the Riveria, which can have a "Vegas" quality.
    Also, in Nice, there is the famous Negresco, recently refurbished. Old Riveria.
    There are also some amazing restaurants in that neck of the woods: Moulin de Mougins used to be great, it recently changed chefs, so i can't vouch for it.
    You will be in one of the most chic, heavily travelled parts of the world, so you have to be selective. But, if you do it right, you can make it a memorable experience. Unfortunately, the exchange rate is terrible, but i'd be willing to bet that the hotel rates can be managed- food will be quite costly, though in the best restaurants. A friend just returned from Paris- at one meal, each lobster dumpling was 28 Euros. Spend it like you stole it!
    PS the Budget Rent-a-Car at Nice Airport was one of the few where Ferraris were rentable. Like i said...
     
  7. Alex_V

    Alex_V F1 Rookie
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    Apr 8, 2004
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    my only advice is to take pictures, lots.


    Theres going to be soooo many exotics down there, not like their isnt already, but there is going to be a GP going on. Lucky.
     
  8. PrancingHorseFan

    PrancingHorseFan Formula Junior

    Nov 15, 2004
    466
    delaware
    i agree, just look at the sightings of exotics coming from that area.....seems like they are common cars there.
     
  9. Westworld

    Westworld Three Time F1 World Champ
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    May 18, 2004
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    Isn't the Casino very selective, and you cannot enter as an Mongesitie, correct?

    Exotic and "glam" lifestyle indeed, but are all the cars and people from Monaco, or do they enter from neighboring countries.
     
  10. JSinNOLA

    JSinNOLA F1 World Champ
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    Mar 18, 2002
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    So in order to go inside the casino I assume I would need a blazer/sportscoat and slacks at the minimum correct?
     
  11. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 5, 2001
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    If you meet K*mble, be sure to kick in the nuts for hacking FChat last year.
     
  12. Z0RR0

    Z0RR0 F1 Rookie

    Apr 11, 2004
    3,470
    Montreal, Canada
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    Julien
    Very simple. Casino. Sit at the cafe at its right. Order a "Cafe Liegeois" (ice cream). Take camera out. Enjoy. Post here. :D

    I went there last summer (only an afternoon), walked the F1 track or so. Was a lot of fun.

    Little suggestion, register at the www.supercarfrance.com forums. A few guys actually live there and could help you out a lot more than me. It's in french, but many of us speak english too. PM me if you need to get around the french stuff ;)

    edit - oh yeah, rent a SMALL car. I had a 307, which was just fine all around, but I'd have rented a Smart or better yet, a scooter. Don't forget to check around too.

    If you wanna get good deals on various stuff, pretend to speak italian perfectly and head to Ventimiglia ...
     
  13. sparetireless

    sparetireless Formula 3

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,529
    Don't waste your time, Monaco is a cold, uninviting and quiet place, it may be big money but the bond films have done it way better than real life. Maybe at GP time, it might be fun, otherwise Vegas does it 50 times better than the Casino. I hate to pour cold water, but I have been there, spend your time and money in Nice or Portofino and skip Monoco. Nice location though.
     
  14. JSinNOLA

    JSinNOLA F1 World Champ
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    Mar 18, 2002
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    I will be in the Nice area the entire week prior to visiting Monaco.

    In fact, I fly into Nice on May 25th and am staying in Provence. And I MUST go to Monaco just to walk part of the track! Maybe I can scrape up some keep-sake rubber that will still be there from the GP :)
     
  15. redhead

    redhead F1 Rookie

    Dec 26, 2001
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    Enjoy your 4 euro Coke as well. Damn that place was expensive!!!

    Monaco is a cool town. If you have a car, park it and walk the town. Best way to experince it. It was great hearing a car coming before you saw it. Too bad it was only a 360. :D
     
  16. judoug88

    judoug88 Formula Junior

    Dec 5, 2004
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    Marin, CA
    Full Name:
    JD
    You must have a had a terrible experience in Monaco, because I don't know why you would feel like this. Monaco is a great place. And you can't compare Vegas to Monaco, and you certainly can't compare Vegas casinos to the Casino Monte Carlo.

    John/FutureOwner - Monaco is a great place, I go every year because I have family in the South of France. I don't know the hotels, as I don't stay in one, but if money is not a problem and you want to go for the true "experience" stay at l'Hotel De Paris. You will be right next to the casino, the ocean, a 5 minute walk from the marina, and a 5 minute walk from all the dealerships. Not to mention that every time you look out your window you'll probably see an exotic. If you do go to the casino, formal attire is required (I believe minimum is blazer and slacks) and go sometime after 11pm (god forbid you get caught gambling with those "low lifes" who come out at 8pm lol). Also go to the old part of Monte Carlo and visit the palace (though whether Prince Rainier will be there is debatable). As for restaurants, there are a lot of great restaurants in Monte Carlo, one of my favorites is "Neuve Heures et Demi" (I'm pretty sure that is what it's called). All of their pasta is made fresh right there and everything else is also great. I also wouldn't bother renting a car if everything you will be doing is right there in Monte Carlo, as you can walk everywhere and parking is a B**ch. If you have any other questions PM me, and have fun! Oh, and post pictures!
     
  17. Z0RR0

    Z0RR0 F1 Rookie

    Apr 11, 2004
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    Julien
    It is expensive indeed. And not just Monaco, the whole area. I didn't feel it that much since I stayed at a friend's place in Cannes, though.

    Walking Monaco is my idea of enjoying it too. I parked the car in one of the Casino underground parkings, walked the f1 track counter-clockwise, through the Casino gardens, and along the shore. I missed (lack of time) the part east of the harbour though (with the palace and stuff).
    It's awesome if either you can afford the lifestyle (casino, jewelry shopping ... etc etc) or if you're an average bloke who happens to like cars. I like cars. :)

    The sea part of the South is beautiful, but the mountains are just as beautiful, with lots of awesome scenic routes and passes, if you're into it.
     
  18. Westworld

    Westworld Three Time F1 World Champ
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    May 18, 2004
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    I've never been to Monaco, but I always want to. I wouldn't mind living their if I had the big-time money someday.

    Monaco is not a poor-man's place. It wasn't marketed to be.

    I agree with the person who compared Vegas to Monaco. Casino Monte Carlo is a legend. It's not about the perks, and freebies of Vegas, but the grand and luxury, and the big players. It's a legend. Vegas is place that has something for everyone, Monaco is not. Vegas has some awesome casinos, but the natural beauty, the European hospitality and taste (I love that Europe stays pretty rooted to its roots in the design, culture), the luxury, the high-end restaurants and exotic cars. If you like the luxury style of life, Monaco is prolly the premier destination. I would take it over New York City or Palm Beach. It's got secruity, great beauty, can drive, and alot of things packed in a square mile, but not overcrowded that you can drive a car.

    Does the city have an estates, besides of the Prince's Palace, or any top-level buildings like Trump has? I take it many underground parking garages? How big can they be build?

    Monaco has five casinos I believe, correct? I believe Steve Wynn was over with SMB (the company that runs them) to help get them a shot of "activity". I got a feeling that the royal family wants to expand like Dubai, building man-made land into the sea.
     
  19. Uberpower

    Uberpower Formula 3
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    Feb 6, 2004
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    John-

    Cannes/Nice/Monaco are all right next to each other geographically.

    I stayed in the Hotel Martinez in Cannes as it's where all the celebs stay during the Cannes Film Festival. It was a nicely appointed room, a bit dated but still a fairly nice place.

    They have their own private beach and umbrellas can be rented for 30 euro per day. When I was there, paparazzi were everywhere snapping pics of random people that were probably famous.

    Never made it to Monaco, so when you go take pics and post! Gorgeous women there my friend, and all the beaches are topless.

    Lucky. ;)

    Nick
     
  20. Westworld

    Westworld Three Time F1 World Champ
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    May 18, 2004
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    Money seems to attract gorgeous women. :)
     
  21. JeffB

    JeffB Formula 3

    Jan 16, 2004
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    Jeff B
    A friend of mine travels throgh Europe all the time and is a frequent visitor to Monaco. I'll paste his reply to my inquiry about it below. I plan on going there sometime within the next 12-18 months...

    "I love Monaco and go there whenever I am in Europe. It is only necessary to
    go a couple of days. The country is maybe 3 miles long and 2 miles wide! The
    casino is old but very prestigous, if you think it will be like vegas you
    will be disappointed, having said that it is still worth going to if just to
    see the cars that park outside. I have seen enzos, carrera GTs etc, every
    night you will see a car that you have never seen before. 360's are a dime a
    dozen.

    There are 5 major 5 star hotels there. I believe all their wine cellars are
    interconnected with a huge collection. Apparently they built false walls
    under the tunnels to hide the wine from the Nazi's in WWII, and most
    survived. It is very old euro money. Shopping is ridiculous $, don't
    take a girlfriend!

    Hotel De Paris is the best place to stay and see the GP. Owned by
    the royal family, great views of the port. Awesome wine cellar, which is the
    Largest in Europe. Restaurent: “The grill” has fantastic views of the whole
    port. Hotel Casino a must see, must wear Suit and tie at night at the
    casino. I think the Ferrari team stay at this hotel during the Grand Prix."
     
  22. Uberpower

    Uberpower Formula 3
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    Feb 6, 2004
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    Money attracts ALL women; however, it is only the gorgeous women that you bother to notice! ;)

    Nick
     
  23. JSinNOLA

    JSinNOLA F1 World Champ
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    Mar 18, 2002
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    Ok, have been in Southern France since Wednesday and have to say it is truly gorgeous. Flew into Nice, spent the night there after the rental car broke down on the interstate(LOOOONG story). Staying in a rented house in Provence near Aups and Salerne. Weather is amazing! 75degrees and perfectly clear.

    Will be spending Friday night in Monaco, so any more suggestions for what else to do while in the region would be great!
     
  24. JSinNOLA

    JSinNOLA F1 World Champ
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    You know its truly amazing. This house is in the middle of the hills in the middle of nowhere, yet has high speed internet, I love technology!
     
  25. mw575

    mw575 F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2001
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    John,
    If you want to see "real high rollers" and a gorgeous view of the bay and its yachts go to the summer sporting club.The old casino is stodgy and formal and Loew's is glitzy vegas style.
    I believe the summer sporting club opens this week.
    The grill room on top of the hotel d'paris is worth a stop for the view.
    Make sure you are absolutely clean of any drugs since M.C. is a police state with very strict rules and policing with cameras everywhere.
    Bring cheese, sausage and baguettes with you since the prices are mindblowing!
    (spent 12 summers at La Reserve de Beaulieu about 10 mi from MC on the Basse corniche)
     

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