Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo review: Where else can you swim in a pool designed by one of fashion’s biggest icons?
There's no shortage of five-star hotels in Monaco, but only Metropole Monte-Carlo boasts a swimming pool designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
There are hotels that shout about their luxury and then there are those that simply assume you'll notice it. Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo belongs firmly in the latter camp. Hidden behind its Belle Époque façade, just moments from the glittering heart of Monaco, it manages to feel both grand and unexpectedly intimate.
The rooms
Jacques Garcia recently unveiled 45 newly designed rooms and suites on the hotel's second and third floors. He was also responsible for the hotel’s redesign in 2004.
The recently renovated suites and bedrooms, redesigned by Jacques Garcia, are a lesson in restrained indulgence — including my favourite, the Deluxe Premium Junior Suite. Decorated in the prettiest shade of yellow with delicate floral detailing, they mimic the Mediterranean light pouring in through the windows.
Clever televisions rotate 180℃, meaning they can face either the bed or the sitting room sofa, and gleaming silver, roll-top baths will have you thinking about cancelling your supper reservations in favour of another soak.
Then there's the Carré d'Or Suite which, as well as it’s own library, stocked with more than 100 books, has a sprawling terrace with envy-inducing views across the Principality. At present, it's furnished with rich plum upholstery and polished mahogany wood furniture, but rumour has it that Jacques Garcia is about to work his magic. If that's true, it will almost certainly become one of the most desirable suites in Monaco.
Eating and drinking
This 'chariot' of bread quickly became my favourite thing.
Les Ambassadeurs, the hotel's two-Michelin-starred restaurant, is a reminder that fine dining needn't take itself too seriously. I was looked after by the indomitable Marco, who I later discovered had received the Michelin Service Award 2026, ‘for his meticulous and elegant service’.
The meal is bookended by two trolleys — a chariot of bread, piled precariously high with sourdoughs and other inventive doughy creations, and a pudding trolley. In between, a page of the menu is dedicated to half-size dishes, should you want to try a little bit of everything.
Elsewhere, there’s Yoshi, the only Japanese restaurant in the region to hold a Michelin star, and a further two informal, al fresco options.
How they'll keep you busy
The Guerlain Spa is a calming sanctuary dressed in shiny marble, vanilla-coloured wood and discreet gold accents. With ten treatment rooms, a generous gym, hammam, sauna and sensory shower among its facilities, it's the sort of place where an hour somehow stretches into an entire afternoon.
Outside, you’ll find the hotel’s secret (at least to me) masterpiece: the Odyssey swimming pool. It is one of only two pools that CHANEL's Karl Lagerfeld designed and its monochromatic colour scheme is reminiscent of his own black and white ‘uniform’ consisting of a tailored black jacket, a high-collared, white starched shirt, a black tie, black jeans or trousers, and fingerless leather gloves. You’re protected from prying eyes by the elegant topiary surrounding it.
What else to do while you're here
Monaco's greatest hits are all within easy reach. Try your luck beneath the chandeliers of the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, watch the Changing of the Guard at the Prince's Palace or admire the parade of superyachts in Port Hercule.
The hotel is connected to the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo centre, and guests enjoy selected discounts across a wide range of boutiques. Before leaving, make a beeline for HeathStore, a French pharmacy-style emporium devoted entirely to health and wellbeing. It's the sort of place that inspires entirely unnecessary purchases — and puts Boots to shame.
The Monaco Royal Family's car collection is extensive (if you've thought of it, chances are the Grimaldis own it) and available to marvel at. You can read Country Life correspondent Zachary Weiss's feature on it, here.
Who's it for?
Couples and small groups of friends. Families are well accommodated, but the refined interiors and sophisticated swimming pool lend themselves to an older clientele looking for a glamorous escape rather than organised entertainment.
What gives it the ‘wow’ factor?
The swimming pool. I had no idea about its Karl Lagerfeld pedigree until a member of staff mentioned it, but even before then its striking design had completely drawn me in.
The one thing we'd change
The lobby. Despite the beautiful seasonal floral arrangement at its heart, the space feels very dark and a bit too cosy for a place that is blessed with year-round sunshine.
The new Jacques Garcia rooms start from €1,250 per night on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information and to book, visit the Metropole website.
