Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

A few paces from the casino square yet folded into a quieter side street, the Hermitage has always been Monte-Carlo's more discreet palace. Its Belle Époque interiors are among the finest on the coast: the Salle Belle Époque dining room glows with pink marble columns and frescoes, while the lobby's glass-and-iron winter garden cupola — long attributed to Gustave Eiffel's workshops — is one of the loveliest spaces in the principality.

Where its famous sibling performs, the Hermitage withdraws. Corridors are hushed, terraces step down towards the harbour, and many rooms look over the port's superyachts to the palace rock beyond. The style is soft and classical rather than showy, which suits couples who want Monte-Carlo's privileges without its permanent spotlight.

Guests share the resort estate's advantages — the Thermes Marins spa is connected directly, and the casino, opera and Hôtel de Paris cellars are minutes away. Dining includes an elegant Mediterranean table and one of Monaco's most pleasant breakfast rooms under that famous dome. The Hermitage is the connoisseur's Monte-Carlo choice: all of the address, half of the noise.