Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Ariston, Monte Carlo & Sanremo!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Ariston, Monte Carlo & Sanremo!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Ariston, Monte Carlo & Sanremo! - A Messy, Honest, and Ultimately, Enchanting Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’ve just returned from a stay at the Hotel Ariston in… drumroll… both Monte Carlo AND Sanremo! (Yes, apparently, they're linked somehow – more on that later). And honestly? My brain's still a bit scrambled from all the… well, luxury. It’s a wild ride, this reviewing thing. Here’s the unvarnished, slightly chaotic truth:
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- Title: Hotel Ariston Review: Monte Carlo & Sanremo - Glamour, Glitches, and Glorious Views!
- Keywords: Hotel Ariston, Monte Carlo, Sanremo, Luxury Hotel, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Dining, Reviews, Italy, Monaco, Wheelchair Accessible, Fitness Center, Wi-Fi, Room Service, Best Hotels, Couple's Retreat, Family Friendly
- Description: A candid review of Hotel Ariston (Monte Carlo & Sanremo), highlighting its luxury, accessibility, spa, dining, and amenities. Discover the good, the bad, and the surprisingly awkward moments of this iconic hotel experience!
Alright, Let's Dive In (Don't worry, I'll try to be coherent…mostly.)
First impressions? Think Bond villain lair meets… well, a seriously fancy Italian villa. The lobby in Monte Carlo alone is enough to make your jaw drop. Marble, chandeliers, staff that look like they’ve stepped straight out of a fashion magazine… it's a proper "wow" moment. (Sanremo? A bit more… understated, but still oozing class.)
Accessibility - Still Testing the Waters
Okay, full disclosure: I don't use a wheelchair. (Phew, that was a relief to say out loud.) But I'm very conscientious about accessibility, because, frankly, it should be a standard, not a luxury. At both locations, the Ariston says it's accessible. Monte Carlo was definitely better, elevator access to most areas, and the rooms I peeked at (don't tell them!) seemed pretty good. Wide doorways, roll-in showers, which is a HUGE plus. Sanremo was a little more… dicey. The paths were a little more narrow and the layout was not so simple. More checking is required, so, I cannot make a final decision about the accessibility of San Remo. I’ll give them a solid thumbs up for Monte Carlo and a "needs more investigation" for Sanremo.
Rooms - The Good, the Great, and the Questionable Pillow Choice
Oh, the rooms! In Monte Carlo, the panorama of the Mediterranean from my balcony? Sigh. Literal postcard perfection. The bed? A cloud. The blackout curtains? Divine. Seriously, I overslept every single morning. (The downside to that is that I missed the breakfast buffet a couple of times - see below!)
In Sanremo, the rooms were slightly less extravagant, and I should disclose that my room had an… extra-long bed. Now, I'm not complaining. Well, actually, I kinda am. I'm a bit of a shorty, so there was a lot of stretching out to get to the end. But I'm not knocking the option itself, this is just a bit of an oddity. BUT the shower was amazing and had great water pressure, and I could use the additional toilet next door. You had everything: free bottled water, a mini-bar, and a coffee/tea maker. And of course, the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (A necessity in this day and age, amIright?)
Internet & More - Tech-Savvy Travelers, Rejoice!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I've said it already and I'll say it again, because it's important.) And it worked! Fast, reliable, no password headaches. The hotel also offered Internet access – LAN, which apparently still exists, but I didn't test it. Additional Internet services I can't comment on as I used the free Wi-Fi, so a big plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Still Recovering!
This is where things get… deliciously complicated.
Breakfast Buffet (The Legend): Okay, the buffet. In Monte Carlo, it was legendary. Think mountains of fresh fruit, pastries that would make a French baker weep, and eggs cooked to order. And the croissants! Unf. Sanremo's buffet was more… subdued, but still impressive. Both offered Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine - a real nice touch!
Restaurants & Cocktails (The Adventures): The main restaurant in Monte Carlo (I think it had a name, but I was too busy staring at the view to remember) offered à la carte dining, with international cuisine that was divine. The poolside bar, offered happy hour, with cocktails to die for. The staff even made me a special one!
Room Service (The Savior): 24-hour room service. Need I say more? Perfect for those late-night cravings (or, you know, when you simply can't face leaving your cloud-like bed).
The Weirdness: I tried the Vegetarian Restaurant in Sanremo, which wasn't very good. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good. But I was confused when I was offered a Salad in restaurant that wasn't very good and didn't look fresh. It looked like it was made a week ago.
For The Kids - Family Friendly
In Monte Carlo, I spotted several Kids Facilities. So a plus for the family travelers! The staff were very welcoming.
Spa & Relaxation – Bliss, With a Side of Awkward
This is where the Ariston REALLY shines. In Monte Carlo, the Pool with View was mind-blowing. Infinity edge, overlooking the sea… pure paradise. They also had a Sauna, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool. In Sanremo, the spa was more intimate, but equally lovely. I tried the Body Scrub and Body Wrap. Both were heavenly.
Cleanliness & Safety - Covid-Era Considerations
Okay, let's get real. Travel in the post-pandemic world is different. The Ariston took it seriously. Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and a general feeling that they were doing their best to keep things clean. The Daily Disinfection in common areas was noticeable. Individually-wrapped food options at the buffet, which I appreciated. They also had Safe dining setups, and the staff seemed conscientious about distancing. They also made sure that the Rooms Sanitized between stays. And I did like that the Room sanitization opt-out was available. Overall, I felt safe and well taken care of.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Super helpful, booked restaurants, and helped with getting around.
- Daily housekeeping: Impeccable. My room was always spotless.
- Elevator: Yay for elevators!
- Doorman: Always there to greet you with a smile.
- Luggage Storage: A lifesaver when you arrive before check-in.
- Currency exchange: Convenient, but the rates weren't amazing.
- Complimentary Tea, Slippers, Safe Box, Bathrobes
Getting Around – A Mix of Elegance and… Struggles
- Airport Transfer: Book it! It's worth it.
- Car Park [on-site]: Available.
- Taxi Service: Readily available, but pricey.
- Valet Parking: They had valet parking!
Things to Do – Beyond the Hotel Walls
Okay, I'm not going to lie, I spent most of my time in the hotel. But when I did venture out…
- Monte Carlo: Explore the Casino, people-watch, feel fancy.
- Sanremo: Wander the charming streets, visit the flower market, and enjoy the more relaxed pace.
The Ugly Truth (Because I Promised Honesty)
The "Linked" Part: The whole "Hotel Ariston Monte Carlo & Sanremo" is a bit misleading. They’re operated by the same company, but they’re separate entities. Getting between them isn’t exactly a hop, skip, and a jump. So, don’t expect seamlessly fused experiences, more like two individual locations with similar luxury.
The Price Tag: Let's be honest, this isn't a budget getaway. It's LUXURY. Be prepared to pay accordingly.
The Imperfections: Even paradise has its flaws. I noticed a few minor maintenance issues in Sanremo (a slightly wonky light switch, a slow drain in the sink). Nothing major, but worth mentioning.
Final Verdict (After all the rambling)
The Hotel Ariston, both Monte Carlo and Sanremo, offer a slice of pure unadulterated luxury. The views are spectacular, the service is generally impeccable, and the facilities are top-notch. Yes, there are quirks and
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is more like… a nervous breakdown on the French Riviera, fueled by bad coffee and the faint hope of finding a decent pizza. Welcome to my Sanremo saga, from the gloriously grimy heart of the Hotel Ariston (Monte-Carlo-adjacent, apparently. Take that with a grain of salt the size of my existential dread).
Operation: Sanremo-Mania! – A Semi-Coherent Log
Day 1: Arrival – "Ciao, Disaster!"
- Morning (7:00 AM, theoretically): Jet-lagged, disoriented, and convinced my luggage is secretly plotting my downfall. Arrived at the Nice airport, where the "transfer" I booked online turned out to be a guy in a suspiciously small Fiat with a playlist of questionable 80s Italian synth-pop. (Bonus points for effort, but my ears are still ringing).
- Late Morning (10:00 AM –ish): Finally arrived in Sanremo. Hotel Ariston. Okay, it looks exactly like it does in the photos (which, let's be honest, are probably heavily Photoshopped). Check-in: relatively painless, except for the stern-faced receptionist who looked like she hadn't smiled since the fall of the Roman Empire. "Your room, non si fuma" she grunted. Note taken. And mentally disregarded… who can resist a cheeky cigarette on a balcony with a view?
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Room discovery. The view is spectacular, overlooking the sea. The room itself… well, let's just say it's seen better decades. The wallpaper is a symphony of faded floral prints, and the air conditioning sounds like a dying walrus. But hey, the bed's wide, right? And there's a balcony! I'm choosing to focus on the balcony.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Panic and pizza search. Wandering, slightly frantic, through the streets of Sanremo, a quest for carbs began. The first place I walked into, the pizza tasted like a cardboard cutout of a pizza. The second place, a dodgy-looking trattoria, and ordered pasta. I waited for 40 minutes. Pasta. I felt like I was starring in a Fellini film.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Attempt at sophistication. I found a bar, ordered an Aperol Spritz that was way too strong, and attempted to blend in. Failed miserably. I think I might have offended the waiter with my clumsy Italian. He gave me the look. The Italian look. You know the one.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Balcony contemplation. Smoked a cigarette, watched the waves crash (so romantic, right?) and wrestled with the question: am I actually enjoying this? The jury's still out. Send help (and maybe some decent pasta).
Day 2: Gambling and… Well, Even More Disasters!
- Morning (9:00 AM): Forced myself out of the floral prison room. Decided to hit the Casino. I'm not a gambler, per se, but my bank account is looking rather anemic, so maybe, just maybe, Lady Luck is on my side.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 AM): Attempted casino. I walked, in my sweatpants and a t-shirt. The Casino looked like the set of a Bond film, and I felt like a tourist stumbling into a movie. The croupiers looked like they were judging my soul, and I got lost in the labyrinth of velvet ropes. One game, one spin of the roulette wheel. Lost. I cashed out, feeling like a failure.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Food quest, round two. Determined to find a decent meal, I traipsed back along the seaside, hoping for inspiration. I ate at a pasta place where the pasta was perfect. I was overwhelmed.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Found a tiny gelato shop. The gelato? Divine. Pistachio, the absolute best. The moment I took the first bite, all the travel woes dissipated. It was a religious experience.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Hit the *Passeggiata, the boardwalk. The Mediterranean Sea. Stunning. Just perfect.
- Evening (7:00 PM): More attempts at social finesse. Found a bar. Ordered a drink. The waiter, bless his soul, smiled. He gave me an extra olive. We're best friends now.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Balcony again. Still contemplating life and the mysteries of Sanremo. The sea sounds incredible. Wondering if I should learn Italian. Then the air conditioner dies. Lovely.
Day 3: The Sanremo Music Festival (Maybe…?)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Woke up freezing. The air conditioning is officially dead. Sigh. This is going great.
- Mid Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 AM): Determined to experience the Sanremo Music Festival (or, at the very least, get close enough to the action to feel like I'm part of something). Found a crowd, near the theater. I could almost hear the music. The people looked all spiffy and made the decision, I don't care, I'm too tired. Decided to go back to the floral room.
- Afternoon (2:00 AM) : The best nap of my life.
- Evening (6:00 PM): I'm starting to bond with the floral wallpaper. Thinking of writing a poem about it.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Balcony. I'm seriously considering just staying here forever. The sea. The cigarette (or two). The solitude. It's oddly comforting.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Air conditioner revived. I'm still working on the poem.
Day 4: Leaving. Or Maybe Not?
- Morning (7:00 AM): Alarm. Time to go. But… the floral wallpaper… the memory of the pistachio gelato… the strangely endearing chaos of Sanremo… I'm actually starting to like it.
- Morning (8:00 AM): A last cigarette on the balcony. I've decided. I'm staying.
- Morning (9:00 AM): I've asked to extend my stay.
- The rest of the day: Still here. Wandering. Discovering. Getting lost. Eating gelato. The Sanremo-Mania rages on.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Another cigarette. The sea. The wallpaper. The questionable coffee. I think I'm in love with this mess.
Final Thoughts (for now):
This trip is not the Instagram-perfect vacation I imagined. It's messy. It's imperfect. It's full of disasters (and delicious pasta). But, somehow, in all the chaos, there's a strange beauty to it. And that's the best travel memory that I can have. And the memory of perfect pistachio gelato. Damn.
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Ariston, Monte Carlo & Sanremo! (A Mostly Honest FAQ)
Okay, so like, Hotel Ariston in Sanremo. Is it REALLY that amazing? Because the photos... well, they look a bit... 90s, right?!
Alright, buckle up, because the Ariston... it's a *vibe*. Let's just rip the band-aid off: yeah, some bits scream "hair gel and shoulder pads" a little. The carpets might have seen more decades than my grandma's been alive. But here's the unexpected kicker: it’s part of the charm! It's like walking onto the set of a vaguely glamorous Italian crime drama. Think *very* comfortable time capsule. Seriously, the location? Unbeatable. Right on the Corso Mateotti, prime people-watching territory.
Look, I went in expecting kitsch; I found… a slightly faded, but deeply comfortable, embrace. And the staff? Honestly, they were *amazing*. They put up with my terrible Italian and somehow managed to get me Aperol Spritzes delivered to my balcony at precisely the right moment to catch the sunset. That, my friends, is luxury, age-appropriate or not.
Spill the tea: What about the food at Hotel Ariston? Worth the calories?
Oh, honey. The food. Okay, so breakfast? Pretty decent. Standard continental fare, but the croissants were *legit*. And the coffee was strong enough to restart a collapsed economy.
But the dinner, the dinner is where things get… interesting. The restaurant, it’s like a beautiful, dimly lit cavern of potential. One night, I ordered the seafood risotto. And, oh, the anticipation! I imagined myself, all sophisticated and Italian, savoring each bite. Instead? It was...slightly undercooked. Like, the rice was still fighting me. Honestly, I flagged down the waiter (who was, bless his heart, incredibly patient), and, with a big smile, he whisked it away. And you know what happened? They brought me a *perfect* risotto. A triumph of perseverance, I swear. So, yes, worth the calories, but maybe be prepared for a tiny Italian adventure.
Monte Carlo, baby! What’s the vibe? Is it truly as ridiculously glamorous as everyone says?
Okay, Monte Carlo. Prepare to have your eyeballs assaulted by the sheer, unrelenting *glamour*. It’s like stepping into a James Bond movie, even if you’re wearing slightly-less-than-James-Bond clothes. Seriously. The cars? Forget it. The yachts? Outrageous. The…well, let’s just say the people are incredibly stylish, and they probably *do* have private jets.
I will admit, I felt a touch out of place in my slightly-worn jeans, but the atmosphere is... electric. I went to the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which, honestly, is worth the price of admission just to gawk. The sheer opulence will leave you speechless. And maybe a tiny bit intimidated. I stuck to the slot machines (because, let's be honest, I'm not exactly rolling in dough). Lost twenty euros. Still worth it. Still! The sheer extravagance almost made me weep. Almost.
Okay, the Hotel in Monte Carlo - which one is it? And, actually, if I have a budget that ends with "zero", is it possible?
This is the million-dollar question (pun absolutely intended). There are *tons* of hotels in Monte Carlo, ranging from "bank-account-breaking" to "slightly-less-bank-account-breaking-but-still-painful". If you're on a budget that ends with zero, you might be looking at hostels in Nice, and just popping over for lunch.
I stayed somewhere… nice. Not going to spill the name because, honestly, it's a blur of marble and champagne, but the trick (if you *must* stay on the cheap) is to go off-season. January is still relatively warm and might offer a little more breathing room for your wallet. Or, if you're feeling bold, find a charming Airbnb outside of the immediate city center. You can still *experience* Monte Carlo, even if you're not sleeping in a room with a priceless view. Just… expect to walk a bit.
Speaking of "experiencing" Monte Carlo, is the shopping as insane as people claim? And: did you buy anything utterly ridiculous?
Oh, the shopping. The shopping... is an event. Picture this: boutiques overflowing with things I can’t even *pronounce* the names of, let alone afford. It’s a glittering, glistening parade of designer brands and couture creations. I saw a handbag that cost more than my car. A *handbag*!
Did I buy anything ridiculous? Yep. Totally. After a truly *divine* gelato, I was walking, utterly smitten by the city, when I was lured into a perfume shop. They had samples. Lovely, expensive samples. I left with a bottle of something that smells like a million dollars and possibly has actual gold flakes in it. Did I need it? Absolutely not. Do I regret it? Not a single, sparkling flake. It’s my tiny, fragrant reminder of Monte Carlo. My splurge. My little moment of "I deserve this" (even if I really didn't).
Honestly, the fact that I can’t afford any of the actual *things* on sale doesn’t diminish my enjoyment. There's a strange beauty in mere window shopping.
Sanremo again! What's the deal with the beach? Is it any good for swimming or just... pebbles?
Okay, the beach in Sanremo is... well, it's the Ligurian Sea, so. Let's be honest, it's more pebbles than sand. Think of it as a giant, sun-drenched massage for your feet. Bring water shoes. Seriously. Unless you enjoy a slightly painful entry into the water.
The water itself? Gorgeous, even if a little chilly. Clear, blue, perfect for a dip once you've gingerly negotiated the pebble situation. There are plenty of lidos (beach clubs) where you can rent a sunbed and an umbrella, and they are worth it, even if you do feel slightly like a queen (or king) for the day. The vibe is laid-back and relaxed. It's the perfect place to recharge after a day of exploring.
Okay, so, comparing Monte Carlo and Sanremo: which one would you choose to go back to?
This is a tough one. Monte Carlo is a dazzling, once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. It's a sensory explosion, a real "pinch me" moment. But Sanremo... well, Sanremo stole a piece of my heart in a much quieter way. It’s genuine. The Ariston, with its slightly faded charmUnbelievable OYO 90115 Deal Near Jakarta's Pasar Baru!
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