Principality of Monaco, the history

Founded in 1215 as a colony of Genoa, Monaco has been ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297, except when under French control from 1789 to 1814. Designated as a protectorate of Sardinia from 1815 until 1860 by the Treaty of Vienna, Monaco's sovereignty was recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861. The Prince of Monaco was an absolute ruler until a constitution was promulgated in 1911. In July 1918, a treaty was signed providing for limited French protection over Monaco. The treaty, formally noted in the Treaty of Versailles, established that Monegasque policy would be aligned with French political, military, and economic interests. Prince Rainier III, the ruler of Monaco, acceded to the throne following the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II, in 1949. The heir apparent, Prince Albert, was born in 1958. A new constitution, proclaimed in 1962, abolished capital punishment, provided for female suffrage, and established a Supreme Court to guarantee fundamental liberties. In 1993, Monaco became an official member of the United Nations with full voting rights.

HOTEL FAIRMONT MONACO MONTECARLO
The Fairmont Monte Carlo is a unique four-star luxury convention resort located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco in between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Casino of Monte Carlo. The hotel is one of the largest in Europe with its 619 rooms and suites, three restaurants, three bars and cafés, 18 meeting rooms, and its newly renovated Fitness Center.

HOTEL METROPOLE MONACO MONTECARLO
In the heart of the principality of Monaco, the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo, member of the Leading Hotels of the World opens its doors and welcomes you to an oasis of calm.Comfort and elegance are put to the forefront in the 146 bedrooms and suites, decorated by Jacques Garcia, the most spectacular being the "Golden Square" suite with its large size terrace overlooking Monte-Carlo and the sea.In the restaurant "Joel Robuchon Monte Carlo" Christophe Cussac the executive Chef proposes an inventive and Mediterranean cuisine, a true gastronomic adventure. Last, but not least, the spa a unique concept by E'SPA is a heaven of tranquillity, the perfect place to find the equilibrium between the body and the mind

PORT PALACE HOTEL MONACO MONTECARLO
Port Palace, Monte-Carlo's first 5-star contemporary luxury hotel (open September 2003), has achieved something exceptional: it has captured the elusive and unmistakeable spirit of one of the world's most remarkable places.Light, elegant and luxurious, Port Palace stands right on the quayside of the famous Monte-Carlo harbour. Every single one of its fifty suites and studios has a view of the private yachts moored in front of it, and across to the old town and the Grimaldi Palace.Inside, the sleek contemporary design is the first interiors project by Leila Menchari, Design Director of Hermes. Her work in the hotel is characterised by a lightness of touch that understands that luxury is not about unnecessary display, but more a passion for the best: Poltrona Frau furniture; Rubelli fabrics in the guest rooms; the finest bespoke leathers; granite from Kashmir; Carrara marble from pits that were specially opened for this hotel.Port Palace's commitment to quality and modern luxury extends to the well being of its guests go

HOTEL MIRABEAU MONACO MONTECARLO
Ideally located in the centre of Nice, facing the "Place Masséna" gardens with its fountains and close to the old city and casino, the GRAND HOTEL ASTON GOLDEN TULIP is the ideal place to combine leisure (beaches at 5 minutes) with business activities (Congress Center "Acropolis" 10 minutes). go

HOTEL LE MERIDIEN BEACH PLAZA MONACO MONTECARLO
Set in the heart of the Principality of the Monegasque city, Le Meridien Beach Plaza shares the luxury, the calm and the elegance of the most prestigious hotels of Monaco. It is the only hotel in the Principality with a private beach. Comprising of 338 rooms, the hotel offers two restaurants (three in summer), a well equipped health and fitness centre with indoor swimming pool, two outdoor pools and the "Sea Club", a state-of-the-art conference centre overlooking the sea go

HOTEL COLUMBUS MONACO MONTECARLO
Our modern luxury hotel, located in Fontvielle, Monaco, overlooks the Mediterranean sea and the Princess Grace Rose garden. The design for the hotel, which opened in 2001, was created by Amanda Rosa whose 'Riviera chic' style is laid back and comfortable.

VISTA PALACE HOTEL MONACO - ROQUEBRUNE CAP MARTIN
Set on the mountain side 333 metres above the Mediterranean, The Vista Palace offers one of the most spectular views overlooking the Italian Riviera to the East and Monaco to the West, 4 kilometers away.Gourmet restaurant Le Vistaero and summer restaurant La Corniche are the region's culinary highlights. In the bar Lounge Icare, you can enjoy cocktails and one of the world's most magnificent views. The hotel offers a very personal atmosphere and service. Indulge yourself with some beauty therapy, or relax by the pool, taking in the view.Free entry to the fitness centre: Finnish sauna, steam room, weights, squash, solarium. Free shuttle to/from Monaco & to/from the beach (certain times only). go

MONTECARLO BAY HOTEL MONACO
Charm and relaxed elegance characterize Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. The new hotel, part of the Société des Bains de Mer family, opened on October 2005. Its 11 floors and 334 rooms (312 bedrooms and 22 suites) boast private terraces - much like a summer sitting room - with classic furnishings and traditional materials.