Photo credits: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
Louis Starck, a seasoned hotelier with decades of international experience, has been appointed General Manager of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the crown jewel of Monaco’s hospitality landscape. He succeeds Olivier Thomas, who has departed for new international opportunities. Starck officially took up his role on September 29.
Previously at the helm of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo since 2018, Starck is widely credited with reshaping the identity and performance of the neighboring luxury hotel. Under his leadership, the Hermitage embraced a positioning as an “hotel des connaisseurs,” distinguished by high-end cultural and culinary offerings, including the addition of Michelin-starred restaurants by Chef Yannick Alléno.
His move to the Hôtel de Paris marks a pivotal transition for the historic property, which has stood on the Place du Casino for over 160 years. Known globally for its prestige, the hotel forms the flagship of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s hospitality portfolio. It recently welcomed celebrated pastry chef Cédric Grolet, adding to an already distinguished culinary line-up that includes Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse, Le Grill, Em Sherif, and the Bar Américain.
With an average team of 500 employees, the Hôtel de Paris holds the rare distinction of five stars, the “Palace” label, three Michelin keys, and five stars from the Forbes Travel Guide. Starck’s stated mission is to "faire fructifier l’héritage" - to enrich the legacy - of the institution, building on its strengths while driving continuous excellence.
A graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Strasbourg and Henley Management College, Starck began his career in 1994, holding key roles in Paris, London, Muscat, and Athens, including at InterContinental Hotels. His first general manager position came in 2004 at the Warwick Hotel on the Champs-Élysées, before joining the Fairmont Monte-Carlo in 2008. In 2018, he entered the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer group.
The leadership at Hôtel Hermitage will now be overseen on an interim basis by Laurent Guermont, Starck’s long-time deputy, pending the appointment of a new general manager.
Albert Manzone, CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, praised Starck’s appointment: “His deep experience, knowledge of Monaco’s unique ecosystem, and commitment to excellence are invaluable assets to keep Hôtel de Paris shining on the world stage of luxury hospitality.”
Photo credits: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer