Hôtel Port Palace

Opened in 2003, the Port Palace is a six-storey white boutique hotel with interiors by renowned designer Leila Manchari, set overlooking the prestigious Monte Carlo harbour.

The 50 rooms and suites have light, modern decor with bright fabrics and contemporary furnishings. All offer views of the harbour and include plasma-screen satellite TV, complimentary high-speed Internet connections, multi-line phones, minibars and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, spa tubs and designer toiletries.

Opening onto a terrace offering views across the harbour, the hotel's contemporary Mandarine restaurant serves fusion cuisine with Mediterranean influences, prepared using fresh local produce. The restaurant's two wine cellars, carved into the cliff-side, hold more than 20,000 bottles.

In the evening, guests can relax with cocktails in the lobby bar, and snacks, drinks and light meals are available via 24-hour room service.

Health-conscious guests can work up a sweat in the fitness room or join a yoga class, and then unwind in the sauna or Turkish bath. A wide range of pampering treatments are available in the three rooms of the Fleur de Peau Beauty Institute, including grapefruit rubs, hot-stone massage and plantar reflexology. Guests visiting on business can stay connected via complimentary wireless Internet access and make use of the hotel's conference rooms.

Multilingual staff on the 24-hour front desk can exchange currency, arrange babysitting and dry- cleaning services, and advise on attractions in the area. Motorists will find valet parking services available on site (surcharge).

Two very different museums can be found within 450 metres of the hotel, one housing a collection of early and vintage automobiles, the other exploring the environment, culture and lifestyle of the Cote d'Azur's prehistoric inhabitants. Nice International Airport is 30 kilometres away,with a approx. driving time of 40 minutes.