How to afford Monaco's Glamorous Race

Start your engines and mark your calendars, one of the world’s most historic, challenging and glamourous live sports events is taking place May 25 – 28 in Monaco. While this iconic car race (and Monaco in general) have a reputation for being wincingly expensive, it doesn’t have to be. The French Riviera is full of towns and villages that give Monaco a run for its money, in terms of beauty and affordability, while also being close enough to all the excitement.

Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, delved into its internal data to find the best alternative destinations, all less than 10km from Monaco and a fraction of the price.*

3km from Monaco: Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco

By staying in Cap d’Ail, you’ll only be a 5-minute drive from Monaco, yet staying in accommodation in Cap d’ Ail is 5% cheaper. The Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco is only 10 yards from the famous city and a mere 200 yards from the beach. The elegant rooms with private balconies and sea views are a great place to relax after a day at the races, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.

4km from Monaco: Boutique Apartments in Guest House Cap Martin

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is only a 14-minute drive away from the centre of Monaco but is 44% cheaper. The Boutique apartments in Guest House Cap Martin offer the perfect place to unwind after a day at the races. Relax on your private terrace, cook up a sumptuous meal in your fully-equipped kitchen or see what the local restaurants have to offer.

5km from Monaco: Chateau Eza

a short drive from Monaco is the medieval village of Èze which is 37% cheaper than the famed city. In keeping with the luxury and glamour of the Grand Prix, stay at the Chateau Eza. Offering world-class service, this hotel is located in a converted chateau and is decorated with traditional décor. Rooms offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea whilst you can enjoy views overlooking the Cote d’Azur from the restaurant’s terrace.

7km from Monaco: Riva Hôtel

It may not be Monaco, but Menton is only a short drive away and offers accommodation that is a whopping 72% cheaper than those in Monaco. Located only a 1-minute walk from the beach, the Riva Hôtel offers rooms with private terraces overlooking the sea. The top-floor spa offers a hot tub, hammam and massages so you can feel as A-List as Lewis Hamilton before enjoying a relaxing drink in the bar-lounge.

10km from Monaco: Hôtel La Fiancée du Pirate

Villefranche-sur-Mer is an idyllic town on the French Riviera offering accommodation 64% cheaper than that of Monaco. With picturesque beaches and exquisite local cuisine, you wouldn’t realise you were only a short drive away from the glitz and glam of Monaco. The Hôtel La Fiancée du Pirate offers modern accommodation only a 12-minute walk from the beach. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace with panoramic sea views before enjoying a relaxing day by the hotel’s swimming pool.