Hotel de Paris

The Hotel de Paris is one of the most iconic and beautiful historical sites in Monaco. The Société des Bains de Mer opened it in 1863 as part of the establishment of Monaco. Several films have been filmed here, so it deserves a place in your historical monuments must-see list. Facing the beautiful Casino and situated above the vivid blue Mediterranean, Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo has the fortunate location at the heart of the world's playground–and its status as a founding member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which does credit to its privileged site.

Although the paparazzi on the hotel's marble steps outside now use digital cameras instead of flashbulbs, the stately lobby is still a show-stopper. The area still has gold pillars and elaborate stucco, but it now has a lighter vibe thanks to direct access to an adjacent open-air courtyard. Palm trees and marble columns dot the new 671-square-meter internal garden.

The Churchill Suite is the most famous and luxurious. As part of the restorations, the Churchill suite was demolished to make room for the magnificent Princess Grace Suite, one of two new penthouse suites. The double-story space, together with its companion, Prince Rainier III, attracts some of the world's highest hotel prices (from £28,000 per night).

Location: Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco