Driving through the dark along the French Riviera toward Monaco, I was, admittedly, disappointed to be arriving in the destination at night — I couldn’t wait to catch my first glimpse of the principality, and morning felt much too far away.
But all that changed as soon as my husband and I checked into our suite at Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton. Stepping out onto our balcony, the view took our breath away: The purple lights of the Princess Grace Rose Garden glowed atmospherically below us, and the cityscape provided just enough illumination to see the area’s craggy cliffs in the distance.
Once we had peeled ourselves away from the view, we made a beeline for the nearby waterfront, where a helpful hotel employee had suggested we grab a dinner bite. Thankfully, the hotel’s location in the more residential district of Fontvieille provided access to just what we needed: laidback restaurant options with just a few local patrons, where we could have a quick and quiet meal before falling happily into bed.
A Local, Boutique Property
Columbus Hotel’s location outside the traditional tourism center of Monte-Carlo (Monaco’s most famous district) offers guests a unique view of Monegasque life that visitors don’t typically see.
That local focus is unsurprising given the hotel’s history. In 2001, Formula 1 racing driver David Coulthard acquired the property with the vision of establishing a contemporary lifestyle hotel to serve as a counterpoint to most of Monaco’s other accommodation options. Though ownership has changed hands since then, joining the Curio Collection by Hilton in December 2023 allowed the property to retain its individuality while boosting its prominence through the Hilton affiliation.
The lobby is a comfortable, inviting space.
Credit: 2026 Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton
Now, guests of the Columbus will find themselves mingling with Monaco residents in the peaceful neighborhood, which is still conveniently within walking distance of attractions including La Condamine market and, just a bit farther out, the Prince’s Palace. (There’s also a complimentary shuttle from the hotel that operates on a fixed schedule, delivering guests to various points around the city; advise clients to check departure times and reservations with the concierge desk.)
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Columbus Monte-Carlo last underwent a refresh in 2018, and is planning a refurbishment of its guestroom bathrooms in the fall of this year.
Of its 181 guestrooms and suites, the majority feature views of the Princess Grace Rose Garden or the Mediterranean Sea. Our sprawling one-bedroom suite offered glimpses of both from its two balconies, one off the bedroom and another accessible via the separate living area. There was also a spacious bathroom with a deep tub and a standalone shower, as well as a substantial walk-in closet. We couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable place to recover from an exceptionally long day of travel.
The hotel offers a variety of spacious suites with scenic terraces.
Credit: 2026 Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton
For on-site dining, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast or a la carte lunch at Tavolo restaurant, where the Mediterranean-leaning menu draws inspiration from the sea and the surrounding countries of France and Italy. At lunch, the pinsa (a pizza-like flatbread starter) is an absolute must; the variation topped with burrata and pistachios was possibly my favorite bite of our meal, though the tomato, oregano and basil option was a close second. I followed up with a fresh fish dish while my husband went with the veal Milanese; other menu options span pastas, a burger, grilled octopus, salads and more.
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Come evening, a stylish space called The Bar serves a full suite of beverage options, along with an abbreviated selection of dishes from the Tavolo menu.
The Bar is a stylish space for evening drinks and bites.
Credit: 2026 Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton
Other noteworthy features of the property include an outdoor pool — which is heated seasonally from April to November and overlooks the sea — a fitness center and a commitment to sustainability, including bamboo room keys and plastic-free minibars. A selection of products made by local artisans is also for sale in the lobby, further highlighting the property’s focus on the Monegasque community.