ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD

Poppy Day discovers the luxury serviced apartments brought to you by Columbus Monte-Carlo

Situated just north-east of Nice, at the base of the Maritime Alps along the stunning French Riviera, sits Monte Carlo – one of the four districts, or quartiers, of the sovereign city-state of Monaco, a country renowned as one of the most glamorous tourist destinations on earth.

This beautiful resort, possibly best known for the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, is also home to the Columbus Monte-Carlo, an independent, luxury boutique hotel with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. With 181 beautiful hotel rooms and suites – the majority of which have private terraces overlooking the ocean, and easy access to Monaco old town or the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a beautiful, tranquil sanctuary commissioned by Prince Rainier III in memory of his late wife – a stay at the Columbus Monte-Carlo provides its guests with an exquisite outlook from virtually every aspect, as well as an opportunity to experience the authentic Riviera lifestyle.

In addition to the hotel’s glittering cocktail bar, Mediterranean ocean-front restaurant, heated outdoor swimming pool and state-of-theart gym facilities, the Columbus Monte-Carlo also has within its arsenal one luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom Riviera-style apartment on its top floor, as well as 12 one-of-a-kind serviced apartments, all available for long-term rental. These unique and exclusive properties, referred to as The Columbus Residences, comprise four studios, eight duplexes and a gorgeous penthouse suite, and are located just moments from the Port de Fontvieille – a picturesque 275-boat marina looked upon by shops and restaurants. Moreover, the serviced residences are only a short drive from the centre of Monte Carlo, making them ideal for those looking to live and/or work in the principality. This rental opportunity becomes

even more appealing thanks to the apartments’ proximity to Monaco’s heliport, as well as the fact that tenants have access to all the hotel’s services and facilities, including secure indoor valet parking.

Not only have the history and cultural significance of casinos been pivotal in drawing visitors to Monaco and Monte Carlo in the past, but they continue to be a driving force in doing so today. After all, it was Monaco’s shaping of the casino industry that put the country on the map back in 1863. The Monte-Carlo Casino is the most famous, with the grand, ornate gambling house and now entertainment complex having featured in two James Bond films over the years – Never Say Never Again (1983) and GoldenEye (1995). Interestingly, citizens of Monaco itself are legally prohibited from entering the country’s casinos and gambling – Monaco is an independent state and does not have to abide by French law.

It will come as no surprise that the Columbus Monte-Carlo has welcomed several famous Formula One drivers and their teams over the years, with the Monaco Grand Prix motor-racing event held annually on the Circuit de Monaco each spring – it is widely regarded as being one of the most important automobile races in the world. Champions of the sport who have stayed at the hotel include Kimi Raïkonnen, Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher. Furthermore, and quite fittingly, the Columbus Monte-Carlo was born out of former F1 racing driver David Coulthard’s decision to acquire the hotel back in April 2001 and transform it into the chic, contemporary and luxurious establishment it is today, providing its high-end clientele with an alternative to the very traditional accommodation available locally. The interiors of the hotel and its residences are tastefully decorated throughout, using a palette of blue and ochre.

Whether you’re in need of a comfortable place to lay your head after an excitement-filled day at the F1 track, or an evening out at the casino, or you are searching for an authentic taste of the Monaco lifestyle for the weekend, or are interested in a long-term rental opportunity that combines spacious and comfortable living areas, excellent on-site facilities and all the glitz and glamour that being a resident of Monte-Carlo brings, the Columbus Monte-Carlo is the undisputed champion and deservedly so. Experience the simplistic beauty of the hotel and its serviced residences, plus the tangible prestige fuelled by not only the hotel’s glamorous and varied past, but also the very real possibility of rubbing shoulders with F1 royalty during your stay.

The Columbus Monte-Carlo is owned by the London & Regional group, which includes the likes of Monaco’s Fairmont Hotel and London’s Hilton Park Lane.

Enjoy al fresco dining at Columbus Monte Carlo

The hotel’s long-term rental apartments comprise four studios, eight duplexes and a penthouse The decor throughout each individual residence is elegant and sophisticated, with a muted palette Residents have access to all the hotel’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the heated outdoor pool