An enchanting holiday season at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
With a theme of a voyage to cherished memories, the luxury hotel takes us back to our childhood with a magical ambiance and lots of sweet treats.
Part of the magic of living in the Riviera is having top destinations right on our doorstep. Don’t think our glorious luxury hotels are just for visitors, they are here for us to enjoy as well, whether it’s an occasional splurge or a regular outing. One such palace is the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, right in the heart of Monaco, which transports you into one of the most delightful Christmas environments around. Each year, their glorious lobby is transformed with a holiday theme - this year it is a voyage to cherished memories, the delights of a childhood Christmas.
But these delights are not just for kids, as the luxurious 5-star hotel offers treats for all ages. From tailor-made packages of personal shopping and pampering spa treatments at the Givenchy Spa, to cultural sessions and High Tea in the lobby bar, to an extravagant New Year’s dinner and Cabaret show.
The magical wonder begins as soon as you enter, the long driveway twinkling with festive lights. Then, in the lobby the fir tree hangs from the ceiling, displaying its amazing golden roots which, according the hotel, ‘symbolise the strength and powerfulness of our souvenirs, and the loveliness of our precious childhoods.’ Thanks to the expert design of Perrine Guyonnet, the soft colours of gold, caramel and brown create an enchanting space with twinkling lights, gigantic teddy bears, chocolate sweets and all the wondrous delights of the Christmas magic.
Let's go to the Lobby Bar, where it feels like you’re holidaying in a stately castle, perhaps in the highlands of Scotland—after all, they do have an impressive whiskey selection. It is also quite possible to get a table next to a real prince or princess. Here, on the soft velour benches, the Metropole High Tea is served daily from 3 - 6 pm, with a selection of sweet and savoury cakes.
Chef Christophe Cussac and his Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano offer an assortment of sweet and savoury cakes to be enjoyed with a selection of tea, coffee or hot chocolate - we suggest you wash it all down with a coupe de champagne.
During the holidays, all hot drinks & refreshments are accompanied by small cocoa sweets in the shape of little cases, designed by expert chocolatiers. But it is their signature holiday cocktail that is on fire…literally!
The Flaming Marshmallow was created by the Metropole’s head barman, and made with Grey Goose vodka, strawberry and raspberry coulis and homemade marshmallow syrup, topped with a FLAMMING marshmallow. Now that is a drink to experience! Expect to find Bon Vivant at their bar this season.
For the little guests of the hotel, there are Christmas creative workshops (24 & 31 December) where they will make wreaths with pinecones and crafts and enjoy a snack from the pastry chef. And if you don’t know what to pack for their stay in Monaco, send their sizes and taste and a private shopper will stock the closet with tiny clothes from their partner, Mini Me by Dolce & Gabbana.
The Metropole Yule Log
For Christmas, Executive Chef Christophe Cussac and his Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano present their ‘irresistibly tasty’ "Cazette" yule log, hiding a treasure of sweetness: crispy praline and sparkling orange peel enhances the Cazette biscuit, obtained by delicately roasting hazelnuts. Tasting is available in-person and orders need to be made in advance.
On Christmas Eve, Santa will be making an appearance in the Lobby (5 - 7 pm) so the kids can sit on his lap and tell what they wish for. If you’re local, we suggest you make an evening of it with a visit to see Father Christmas and enjoy a Flamming Marshmallow cocktail while the kiddos play!
To end the year with a big bash, consider the Metropole New Year's Dinner, created by Chef Cussac. A 7-course meal featuring all the stars of fine cuisine, from caviar and oysters to smoked salmon and lobster… followed by a traditional Belle Epoque Cabaret show after midnight.
For more details and to make reservations, visit the Hotel Metropole website.