Monaco - Hot For 2008

Among the elegant historic architecture of Monaco, the modern continues to unfold. This combination of old and new contributes to the charm this principality continues to offer visitors.

New structures, such as the Novotel hotel in the city center, contribute to the tourist-friendly destinations available in Monaco. This new hotel has 218 rooms and 18 suites. It provides guests with a wonderful view of the famous harbor of Monte Carlo, as well as the palace. It's conveniently located close to the train station, the casino and the Forum Grimaldi. It has a broad terrace, which contains gardens and a pool for guests to unwind.

The Hotel de Paris Monaco is an example of old-style grace and beauty. Built in 1864, it sits on the Golden Square of the Casino proper and resonates artistry in design. Its detailed and majestic architecture sends a message of luxurious accommodation. It consists of 187 rooms and houses a presidential suite and three fine restaurants.

These and other quality hotels in Monaco are ready and waiting to serve visitors who will flock to Monte Carlo on May 25. That's the date of the Monaco Grand Prix, which will run on the challenging Circuit de Monaco. This race is a premier F1 event with a rich history. Running for 78 laps through narrow winding streets of the city, it tests the mettle of elite drivers every year. This year will be no different. This street course is very unforgiving to drivers who fail to negotiate its intricacies properly.

Complementing a stay at one of Monaco's fine hotels is a visit to the Place du Casino. This world-renowned casino is synonymous with Monaco's jet-set image of sophistication around the world. Built in 1878, the casino complex houses opera, ballet and concerts in addition to its gaming rooms. It's an architectural delight with a marble atrium and artistic sculptures throughout.

A stay in Monaco provides the opportunity to take a tour of the French Riviera. There are guided tours, or, if you choose, you can venture out on your own for an exotic drive. You could end your day with a spa treatment at any number of spas available at the first-class hotels. They offer services such as seawater treatments, heat experience rooms and saunas. Many include applications using olive oil and lavender. These are all part of making your stay in Monaco one to remember.

For the culture-conscious, Monaco has the ballet, opera and a philharmonic orchestra for arts aficionados. The ballet house is its own example of classic architecture within the casino environs. Dance, music, and voice of great talent and professionalism are a constant in Monaco throughout the year. Taking in a performance of any of these is icing on the cake to any visit to the principality.

For something different, there's the Oceanographic Museum. It's another architectural gem, which overlooks the sea proudly. This museum is the repository of great collections of non-living sea life. It also displays model ships and artifacts such as weapons. There's also an aquarium on site with 4000 species of fish.

Whether it's for the Grand Prix, the casino or culture, a visit to Monaco will remain an integral part of many tourists plans.

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This year's Grand Prix F1 season looks set to be an exciting one, and yourmonaco.com has details of this year's Monaco Grand Prix

The Grand Prix runs around the streets of Monte Carlo and YourMonaco.com includes details of Monaco hotels and hotels in Monte Carlo