The source of the photo @montecarlobeach Instagram.
The hotel’s origins trace back to the Roaring Twenties, an era defined by the emancipation of young, modern women — the "garçonnes" — and the revolutionary influence of Coco Chanel, who shortened skirts and popularized the art of tanning. It was also a period when seaside leisure, particularly sea bathing, became synonymous with summer. To meet the evolving desires of its clientele, the Société des Bains de Mer created a lavish retreat just steps from the Monte Carlo Country Club. This beachside complex, originally designed as a tranquil escape, would later be christened the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel. Nestled among a pine forest, the hotel boasts its own private beach and an Olympic-sized seawater pool.
The grand opening, held on July 16, 1928, was nothing short of extraordinary. Socialite and American writer Elsa Maxwell hosted the lavish event, which would set the tone for the hotel’s status among the cultural and artistic elite. As Maxwell noted, the waters were teeming with yachts arriving from Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu, Cap Martin, and Menton. The boats, draped with medieval banners, carried languid beauties lounging on cushions, proud sailboats, and motorboats towing daring water-skiers. Guests embraced the spirit of the event in eccentric attire, some adorned with painted skin, others draped in jerseys borrowed from the Russian ballet, or with their skin tinted ebony.
The launch party firmly established the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel as the epitome of Riviera glamour — a magnet for the artistic, musical, and cultural elite. Over the years, legends like Marlene Dietrich, Rudolf Nureyev, and Gloria Swanson have stayed here. Charlie Chaplin, who visited the Principality for the premiere of City Lights, also called the Monte Carlo Beach his home during his time in the region. Other distinguished guests have included Sir Winston Churchill, Maria Callas, and French film icon Jean-Paul Belmondo.
Designed by architect Roger Séassal, the hotel was conceived as a quintessential Art Deco Californian villa. With just 40 rooms, a solarium, tents, and bungalows, it retains an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. Its allure deepened when the Société des Bains de Mer developed the nearby Pointe de la Vigie. The interior of this renowned space has undergone several renovations, with the latest redesign by architect and designer India Mahdavi. Her vibrant vision draws inspiration from Matisse’s bold color palettes, the graphic art and photography of George Hoynigen-Huene, and the iconic Riva motorboat — a symbol of carefree luxury on the Riviera.
The hotel’s celebrated Elsa restaurant, named in honor of Elsa Maxwell, who was instrumental in its founding, has long been a gastronomic landmark. In 2024, renowned two-starred chef Marcel Ravin, best known for his work at Blue Bay, took the helm at Elsa. Ravin’s new "Marine Garden" dining concept blends the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with a sustainable approach that stays true to the restaurant’s roots, showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Alongside Elsa, the Monte Carlo Beach offers two other distinguished dining venues: the Vigie Monte Carlo and the Deck.
A blend of history, luxury, and culture, the Monte Carlo Beach continues to stand as a haven for those seeking the epitome of Riviera chic.