Big news out of Monaco: The Monte-Carlo SBM Group has announced a makeover for the Hotel de Paris by architects Richard Martinet and Gabriel Viora. (For more information about the luxury hospitality company that runs four prestigious hotels in Monte Carlo, see Luxury Travel Advisor's first-hand report with Managing Director Luca Allegri.)
Home to Alain Ducasse's restaurant Le Louis XV, the Hotel de Paris has long been a legendary address on the Place du Casino. The renovation will leave no stone unturned: both public and service areas will get refurbished. Though the room count will remain the same, a larger number will be transformed into suites, and across the board the room size will increase.
What we're most excited about: the creation of a new garden courtyard, and a rooftop spa and pool. The hotel's historic features (like the facade and everyone's favorite Bar Américain) will stay the same. Expected to last for four years, the renovation program kicks off in January 2014, and the hotel will remain partially open during this time.