Riviera Marriott Hotel Cap d'Ail (Monaco)
Nov 11, 2008, 9:12 am
#47
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,203
I stayed at this Marriott this past week. While it is actually located in France, the hotel is literally one street from the Monaco line. Everything was excellent.
A few hints if you stay in this hotel. 1) the airport shuttle from the Nice airport (Nice to Mentor) drops you directly in front of the Marriott. It is 16 Euros one-way (and I think a round trip receives a nice discount). Buy the round trip ticket at the bus counter at the Nice airport. Information on Marriott’s website indicates that there is a bus, but does not indicate the door to door service.
2) All of Monaco’s sites are a good 10-20 minute walk from the property, depending on where you are going. There are also a lot of steep hills in Monaco. So, either book the hotel’s free shuttle service to a variety of sites, or plan well for the walk. To deal with the hills, there are many elevators and escalators for public use – you just need to identify them on the map. Judging from the locations of hotels of similar quality in Monaco, they also have 10-20 minute walks to the sites, so don’t let time/distance deter you from using the Marriott.
3) Get help from the concierge for the train schedule because the train station attendants are unable to help much unless you speak French. The train is very convenient for side trips to Italy, or anywhere westward through the French Riviera. The Marriott is actually a very good base for seeing the Mediterranean coast.
4) There is no shelter at the airport bus stop in front of the hotel, so if the weather is inclement, ask the bell hop to drive you to the next stop around the corner, which is sheltered. (The front desk staff knew nothing of this, but the bell hop did).
5) Book the hotel’s shuttle service in advance and be on time. The hotel is very strict about passenger capacity and timeliness.
Also, Monaco's sites close on 31 Oct through 1 January. I was disappointed by that.
The staff was excellent and the room was clean and comfortable.
I am an Gold member of the Marriott Rewards program. This included free breakfast and complemetary minibar. I do think that I “overpaid” in that in my booking I paid for some options that I probably would have received complementary with booking a lesser room, i.e. upgrade to seaview room.
A few hints if you stay in this hotel. 1) the airport shuttle from the Nice airport (Nice to Mentor) drops you directly in front of the Marriott. It is 16 Euros one-way (and I think a round trip receives a nice discount). Buy the round trip ticket at the bus counter at the Nice airport. Information on Marriott’s website indicates that there is a bus, but does not indicate the door to door service.
2) All of Monaco’s sites are a good 10-20 minute walk from the property, depending on where you are going. There are also a lot of steep hills in Monaco. So, either book the hotel’s free shuttle service to a variety of sites, or plan well for the walk. To deal with the hills, there are many elevators and escalators for public use – you just need to identify them on the map. Judging from the locations of hotels of similar quality in Monaco, they also have 10-20 minute walks to the sites, so don’t let time/distance deter you from using the Marriott.
3) Get help from the concierge for the train schedule because the train station attendants are unable to help much unless you speak French. The train is very convenient for side trips to Italy, or anywhere westward through the French Riviera. The Marriott is actually a very good base for seeing the Mediterranean coast.
4) There is no shelter at the airport bus stop in front of the hotel, so if the weather is inclement, ask the bell hop to drive you to the next stop around the corner, which is sheltered. (The front desk staff knew nothing of this, but the bell hop did).
5) Book the hotel’s shuttle service in advance and be on time. The hotel is very strict about passenger capacity and timeliness.
Also, Monaco's sites close on 31 Oct through 1 January. I was disappointed by that.
The staff was excellent and the room was clean and comfortable.
I am an Gold member of the Marriott Rewards program. This included free breakfast and complemetary minibar. I do think that I “overpaid” in that in my booking I paid for some options that I probably would have received complementary with booking a lesser room, i.e. upgrade to seaview room.
Nov 12, 2008, 10:46 pm
#49
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Amb Elite & LT Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,230
As a Plat Prem, no real upgrade to a better room or suite. I think the 'highlight' was we did get harbor view, I believe some rooms overlook a local soccer field.
Funny, the note from guest relations said 'because I was plat prem' we had an unlimited minibar. So that's been diminished if they are passing it out to everyone (nothing wrong with that except when they say in a welcome letter this is a benefit of your status). Note this is not a full mini-bar, no liquor, just beer and maybe a wine cooler. No bottle of wine either.
Plat gift was a joke (I normally don't take them but usually try them internationally). Took the 'premium nuts', it was a half bowl of peanuts (seriously).
Seemed to have a big tour company booked into the hotel while we were there, so not what you'd call an exclusive clientele.
Room was ok but certainly not upper end.
As for Monaco, McD is within easy walking distance. A relatively important landmark for two reasons. There is a supermarket in the shopping center, which is great if you want some affordable beer and wine, very nice selection. Also key is that there is an elevator in there that you can take (24hrs/day) to skip hiking it up a big hill that you must cross to get to the habor or the nearst real restaurants.
And on the subject of food, this end of town rolls up by 8pm there will be a few restaurants open on that end of town.
And the Marriott Shuttle only drops you off at 3 locations in Monaco (train station, Monte Carlo and the harbor) there is no pickup, you must cab it or hike back. There is a local bus but it stops running shortly after 9pm.
We were there the last week of Oct.
Funny, the note from guest relations said 'because I was plat prem' we had an unlimited minibar. So that's been diminished if they are passing it out to everyone (nothing wrong with that except when they say in a welcome letter this is a benefit of your status). Note this is not a full mini-bar, no liquor, just beer and maybe a wine cooler. No bottle of wine either.
Plat gift was a joke (I normally don't take them but usually try them internationally). Took the 'premium nuts', it was a half bowl of peanuts (seriously).
Seemed to have a big tour company booked into the hotel while we were there, so not what you'd call an exclusive clientele.
Room was ok but certainly not upper end.
As for Monaco, McD is within easy walking distance. A relatively important landmark for two reasons. There is a supermarket in the shopping center, which is great if you want some affordable beer and wine, very nice selection. Also key is that there is an elevator in there that you can take (24hrs/day) to skip hiking it up a big hill that you must cross to get to the habor or the nearst real restaurants.
And on the subject of food, this end of town rolls up by 8pm there will be a few restaurants open on that end of town.
And the Marriott Shuttle only drops you off at 3 locations in Monaco (train station, Monte Carlo and the harbor) there is no pickup, you must cab it or hike back. There is a local bus but it stops running shortly after 9pm.
We were there the last week of Oct.
Nov 13, 2008, 5:00 pm
#50
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriott LT Titanium, AA Plat Pro/LT Plat
Posts: 1,205
Nov 13, 2008, 10:09 pm
#51
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Amb Elite & LT Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,230
The shopping center is 'Centre Commercial Carefour', there is a long hallway on the ground floor that leads to an elevator that will take you to the top of the hill.
If you are just looking for food in walking distance there is a Restaurant/Bar across the street on the corner after you get off the elevator. Supposedly it's open 7 days a week.
The area around Rue de la Princess Caroline has a few restaurants that are open later, mostly Italian. This area is down hill from the elevator.
Up hill on the way back but not too bad compared to most of the city.
These were places or areas to eat, we were just happy to find food on that end of Monaco.
Stars 'n' Bars (American food) is supposed to be ok, but I think it's a little further up hill. Louis XV is a top Michelen restaurant but it says it's closed in late nov -dec and it's $200/person.
I looked for restaurants in Monaco before we went and the opinion seemed to be that it was surprising how little it offered in terms of decent restaurants.
And as mentioned earlier, as you go away from the coast it just goes up hill, fast. So something that looks to be a couple of blocks could be a couple of blocks straight up. Just something to consider if you find a restaurant you want to go to, but it's a bit inland.
If you are just looking for food in walking distance there is a Restaurant/Bar across the street on the corner after you get off the elevator. Supposedly it's open 7 days a week.
The area around Rue de la Princess Caroline has a few restaurants that are open later, mostly Italian. This area is down hill from the elevator.
Up hill on the way back but not too bad compared to most of the city.These were places or areas to eat, we were just happy to find food on that end of Monaco.
Stars 'n' Bars (American food) is supposed to be ok, but I think it's a little further up hill. Louis XV is a top Michelen restaurant but it says it's closed in late nov -dec and it's $200/person.
I looked for restaurants in Monaco before we went and the opinion seemed to be that it was surprising how little it offered in terms of decent restaurants.
And as mentioned earlier, as you go away from the coast it just goes up hill, fast. So something that looks to be a couple of blocks could be a couple of blocks straight up. Just something to consider if you find a restaurant you want to go to, but it's a bit inland.
Feb 4, 2009, 7:44 am
#52
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: Intercontinental RA/BA/BMI/Virgin
Posts: 111
my ten peneth
do not go here expecting a 5* hotel, or even a 4*, we think its a good 3*. Certain things were tatty, bathroom times chipped, balcony times chipped and too close to other balconies so you see naked guests wandering around on the balcony below (seriously). Its worth staying at to see monaco but we found a week to long. Also the air con and heating is lousy but location is good if you can get a good price, just dont have too high expectations!
Apr 13, 2009, 12:34 pm
#53
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: NJ,US
Programs: Lifetime United Gold and 1K, Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Marriott and SPG Platinum , AA, Hilton
Posts: 379
Just came back from the Monaco Marriott. One of the nice parts was that they actually picked you up at the train station if you called in advance and reserved the time, although the regional train from Nice is a commuter train w/no luggage space. Having just come from Paris and the La Defense Marriott, I would have to say that even though this hotel was rated a Four Star(who does the ratings, the blind?) it would be more between a 2 and 3 star. the FREE Breakfast buffet was fine and if the food ran out if you asked they brought out more. The location is good, although a little far from the Casino and upscale shopping. The garage rate was a bit of a crock at 22 Euro a day and the internet pricing was ridiculous. I asked for an upgrade and was told that I had been provided one. They gave us a room, as a LIFETIME PLATINUM guest, that had a broken door latch and hair in the tub. It was also tiny. As I had used points for this, 100K to be exact, which is far too much for this place so I asked for a better room and was told that for A FEE I could get an upgrade to a junior suite. For a fee? I asked if the room was free all week and they said yes so I wondered why the fee. Sounds like a way to generate $$. I then asked to check out and I would go to La Meridien, which I am also a Platinum guest of. I was told that they would see what they could do and finally forked over a suite. The manager was a good guy and took care of us the rest of the trip. Concierge service sucked and everytime you asked a question you got a sigh as part of the response and there was never anyone at the desk.
La Meridien looks REALLY nice however and is on the other side of town, closer to most things. BTW, Hotel De Paris has a 100 Euro soup on the menu. It must be nice to stay there as well.
La Meridien looks REALLY nice however and is on the other side of town, closer to most things. BTW, Hotel De Paris has a 100 Euro soup on the menu. It must be nice to stay there as well.
Jul 7, 2010, 6:04 am
#54
Join Date: Apr 2006
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 327
Parking and washing
I am staying here with Mrs Nollag and the kids later this month for 5 nights. Paid the extra €45 per night for the family room upgrade
A few quick questions:
1) Is there any alternative to paying €22 per day for the parking? Are there any public car parks nearby that might offer better value?
2) Rather than paying extortionate rates for laundry in the hotel, are there any local laundrettes nearby?
3) How often is the mini-bar refilled? I would presume it is daily?
Thanks all
A few quick questions:
1) Is there any alternative to paying €22 per day for the parking? Are there any public car parks nearby that might offer better value?
2) Rather than paying extortionate rates for laundry in the hotel, are there any local laundrettes nearby?
3) How often is the mini-bar refilled? I would presume it is daily?
Thanks all
Jul 10, 2010, 12:53 am
#55
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Programs: MUCCI; BAEC Lifetime Gold; Marriott Bonvoy Emeritus Titanium; Hertz#1, Avis President’s Club
Posts: 3,214
I'll be returning there in a couple of weeks time. From what I recall there is no real option other than the hotel for car parking in the area 
But I would love to be prooved wrong 
But I would love to be prooved wrong
Jul 10, 2010, 1:26 pm
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Freeload Univ. Where are you sitting?
Posts: 14,818
If you get lucky, you can park on the street outside the hotel. We were able to do that about half the time. If they're playing soccer on the rooftop field, you might have to wait until later to find a space.
By the way, if you go out the front door and turn right, there's a resto just down the block (seemed like the same building) with decent food. Keep going (around the corner) and there an epiciere [sp] where we could get sandwiches, soft drinks, coffee, etc. and sit in the little plaza. Very Mediterranean. Also a snack bar out on the quay.
We didn't go there for upscale shopping or dining, so we were quite pleased with the whole experience.
By the way, if you go out the front door and turn right, there's a resto just down the block (seemed like the same building) with decent food. Keep going (around the corner) and there an epiciere [sp] where we could get sandwiches, soft drinks, coffee, etc. and sit in the little plaza. Very Mediterranean.
Also a snack bar out on the quay.We didn't go there for upscale shopping or dining, so we were quite pleased with the whole experience.
Jul 26, 2010, 10:50 am
#58
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Programs: MUCCI; BAEC Lifetime Gold; Marriott Bonvoy Emeritus Titanium; Hertz#1, Avis President’s Club
Posts: 3,214
Just completed a 4 day stay there, can't say I saw a laundrette nearby. If you are driving, be warned that the road works make the process very difficult even with onboard GPS. As a Gold Card holder I was not impressed with the room we were given which overlooked a football pitch and building site rather than the port. But after strong words with the manager we were moved to a much bigger room after the first night. One place I can strongly recommend for a meal is the Quai des Artistes in Quai Antoine.
Sep 7, 2010, 5:44 pm
#59
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: HKY
Programs: DL-DM MM & RW, UAL- PS, Marriott Lifetime PLT, SPG-PLT, Hilton-Gold
Posts: 4,468
As part of a wedding gift, our son and our new daughter-in-law are currently staying at this property for their honeymoon on an award stay.
I had emailed the GM and the property and let them know they were going to be there and asked that they place an arrival gift in their room and they provided champagne and fruit which we paid for and also delivered a flower arrangement as a gift of the hotel.
In addition, they were upgraded to a one bedroom sea-view suite for their entire stay. I was more than pleasantly surprised as the revenue rates for these rooms almost double (475 Euro) during the last half of their stay indicating the hotel expects to be close to sold out during the last half of their stay.
So to those Marriott lurkers here, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to provide our kids a wonderful honeymoon. Our daughter-in-law has never been to Europe before and was excited about the stay.
And to those who were helpful in providing email addresses and names of the principals at the property (you know who you are), your help is also much appreciated.
And last but not least, if you just happen to be a staff member of this property, thank you for the extra effort in making their trip one they will always remember.
I had emailed the GM and the property and let them know they were going to be there and asked that they place an arrival gift in their room and they provided champagne and fruit which we paid for and also delivered a flower arrangement as a gift of the hotel.
In addition, they were upgraded to a one bedroom sea-view suite for their entire stay. I was more than pleasantly surprised as the revenue rates for these rooms almost double (475 Euro) during the last half of their stay indicating the hotel expects to be close to sold out during the last half of their stay.
So to those Marriott lurkers here, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to provide our kids a wonderful honeymoon. Our daughter-in-law has never been to Europe before and was excited about the stay.
And to those who were helpful in providing email addresses and names of the principals at the property (you know who you are), your help is also much appreciated.
And last but not least, if you just happen to be a staff member of this property, thank you for the extra effort in making their trip one they will always remember.
Last edited by longing4piedmont; Sep 7, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Sep 8, 2010, 1:51 pm
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 13,747
As part of a wedding gift, our son and our new daughter-in-law are currently staying at this property for their honeymoon on an award stay.
I had emailed the GM and the property and let them know they were going to be there and asked that they place an arrival gift in their room and they provided champagne and fruit which we paid for and also delivered a flower arrangement as a gift of the hotel.
In addition, they were upgraded to a one bedroom sea-view suite for their entire stay. I was more than pleasantly surprised as the revenue rates for these rooms almost double (475 Euro) during the last half of their stay indicating the hotel expects to be close to sold out during the last half of their stay.
So to those Marriott lurkers here, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to provide our kids a wonderful honeymoon. Our daughter-in-law has never been to Europe before and was excited about the stay.
And to those who were helpful in providing email addresses and names of the principals at the property (you know who you are), your help is also much appreciated.
And last but not least, if you just happen to be a staff member of this property, thank you for the extra effort in making their trip one they will always remember.
I had emailed the GM and the property and let them know they were going to be there and asked that they place an arrival gift in their room and they provided champagne and fruit which we paid for and also delivered a flower arrangement as a gift of the hotel.
In addition, they were upgraded to a one bedroom sea-view suite for their entire stay. I was more than pleasantly surprised as the revenue rates for these rooms almost double (475 Euro) during the last half of their stay indicating the hotel expects to be close to sold out during the last half of their stay.
So to those Marriott lurkers here, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to provide our kids a wonderful honeymoon. Our daughter-in-law has never been to Europe before and was excited about the stay.
And to those who were helpful in providing email addresses and names of the principals at the property (you know who you are), your help is also much appreciated.
And last but not least, if you just happen to be a staff member of this property, thank you for the extra effort in making their trip one they will always remember.