Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo’s historic location was once owned by Pope Leo XIII. The plot of land was purchased in 1886 by the “Monte Carlo Hotel Company Ltd” and the property was built in 1889.
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo became a heaven for affluent travelers, providing a discreet location which combined luxurious charm and comfort.
Set in the heart of Monaco and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel was built in a Belle Époque Style. The Metropole quickly became a reference in Monaco for the international elite, which included the English aristocracy, famous for their elegance and taste. The success story continued until the thirties, when the global economic crisis slowed down the momentum.
In 1980 the Lebanese promoter Mr. Nabil Boustany, lover of the Principality, bought the Hotel Metropole and began major renovations whilst renaming the hotel “The Metropole Palace”.
After 23 years, the Metropole Palace closes in September 2003, for interior and exterior works. This starts a new period of renovations pursuing the goal of giving the property the codes of a Palace in total harmony with the era bringing together charm, modernity and soul.
The hotel reopens in July 2004 and is renamed as Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo. A new hotel, a new identity and a new concept were born.
A new concept of Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo
In 2003, the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo selected leading names in design, gastronomy and well-being to open a new chapter to the hotel.
Jacques GARCIA, Interior Architect
Internationally renowned architectural and interior designer, Jacques Garcia, was selected to recreate the interiors and the exterior landscape of the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo as part of the property’s multi-million pound renovation plan.
Garcia, who has redesigned hotels in Paris, Geneva, New York, Beirut and Marrakech, has also transformed the 126-room hotel from an old world luxury property typical of Monte-Carlo, into a hipper, more contemporary location unlike any other in the Principality.
Jacques Garcia adapted his “Signature Designs” to produce a warm, Mediterranean interior for the Metropole, which was dissimilar to all his previous hotel work.
Jacques MESSIN, Landscaper
Jacques Messin, a Parisian Garden Designer, has worked in the botanical industry for over twenty years. His wealth of knowledge was created through several years of higher education; beginning at the School of Architecture, moving onto the Institute of Political Studies, and finally the University of Paris.
Messin uses the three major tools of landscaping perfectly; the pen, the spade and the secateurs. In his career he has worked on the Parisian terraces, France’s private gardens, and in the gardens of prestigious castles.
Didier GOMEZ, Interior Designer
Didier Gomez designed Yoshi, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant by Joël Robuchon. His previous work included the decor of Asian inspired restaurants, “The Mood” in Paris, as well as his collaborations with prestigious brands such as LVMH, Vivendi, Ferragamo, Céline, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent and Armani.
In 2008, Yoshi opened at the Hotel Metropole. The dining room opens onto a Japanese inspired garden designed by Jacques Messin. The Garden Designer worked closely with Didier Gomez to create a real transitional space between the interior and exterior of the restaurant, creating harmony with the surrounding environment.
Joël ROBUCHON, Chef and Creator of the restaurant concepts
Joël Robuchon, the world’s most Michelin-starred chef, was born in 1945 in Poitiers, France. Following his extensive studying and research in the culinary field, he has been rewarded with several awards, such as the “Chef of the Century” by Gault Millau and the “Best Restaurant in the World” by the International Herald Tribune.
As a teacher and innovator, Joël Robuchon has constantly created iconic recipes for the public. A true musician to the heart, Joël Robuchon considers his cuisine like music, an authentic art that includes technique and rigour.
In 2004 he developed with Christophe Cussac and his team a special original and innovative concept for the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. With his vast experience in Mediterranean cuisine, the two chefs collaborate to create menus highlighting classic dishes blended with contemporary flavours and Mediterranean styles.
The two chefs orchestrate 4 restaurants within the property.
“You cannot cook, If you don’t like people” said Joël Robuchon
Christophe CUSSAC, Head Chef
Christophe Cussac is Joël Robuchon’s protégée. He has worked along his side in several well-established and famous properties before running the Cussac‘s family hotel in French Burgundy.
Later, Cussac heads to the south and become Chef at La Réserve Hotel in Beaulieu-sur-Mer (French Riviera) from 1997 to 2004 where he was rewarded with two Michelin stars.
In 2004, Christophe Cussac joins the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo for the reopening where he supervises all the restaurants of the property. Chef Cussac is thrilled to be part of this wonderful adventure with Joël Robuchon and as pure visionaries they imagine tomorrow’s gastronomy by getting their inspiration from their experience and clients’ feedback.
Susan HARMSWORTH, Chief Executive and Founder of ESPA
After 30 years in the business, Susan Harmsworth has become internationally renowned in the luxury spa industry. With her extensive knowledge, she creates concepts, designs, projects, products and treatments to offer the most luxurious well-being experience.
Over time, this extraordinary woman perfectly knows how to improve skills and knowledge with rigour and flexibility to combine the identity of each partnered-property with a solid concept and efficiency.
The Metropole ESPA Monte-Carlo opened in April 2006 and follows both the philosophy of ESPA and the Metropole. Susan has been fully involved each step of the way from the concept, the architectural design, the management, the choice of products and treatments for the Metropole ESPA.
Béatrice ARDISSON, Sound Designer
Béatrice Ardisson is the Sound Designer and Manager of the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. She was thrilled to work on this projects alongside famous artists and designers. Inspirations came right away and she composed a sleek and contemporary musical atmosphere.
In the 90’s, Beatrice Ardisson worked as sound designer for a TV show Paris Dernière resulting in the release of several records distributed in the United States, Spain, France etc. The mix composer Ardisson also works prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Jules & Jim etc.
Her work in the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is based on “Riviera Glamour” concept creating a chic and sensual ambience.
“Joining the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is a great honour. It is a place where history enriches the present, and has unique values with its sophisticated luxury and world-class gastronomy. It is with pride and honour that I share my ambitions with our motivated staff in order to further integrate this mythical establishment as one of the top luxury hotels in the world” said Pierre FERCHAUD, General Manager of Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo
