As news and updates of the July 2 fairytale nuptials of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and elegant South African Olympic swimmer Charlène Wittstock emerge – such as Giorgio Armani’s announcement during Milan fashion week that he was tapped to design the bridal gown — Monaco’s renowned hotels are celebrating with Valentine’s Day offers and special romance packages through the spring.
“From our most luxurious to small ‘chic-boutiques,’ the hotels of Monaco are rolling out the welcome mat to romantics from all over as we prepare for a truly momentous royal wedding,” said Maguy Maccario, consul general and director, North America, Monaco Government Tourist Office.
Romance Packages
For special Valentine’s Day get-aways, The Hotel Hermitage, the famed jewel box hotel located adjacent to the Casino de Monte Carlo, offers a very special Valentine’s Day celebration package, priced at €420 per night, which includes luxury sea view accommodations with breakfast for two, VIP welcome of flowers and macaroon Laduree and Valentines’ Day dinner for two at the romantic Belle Epoque room with half a bottle of champagne.
The Columbus Monte-Carlo, a contemporary haven facing the Princess Grace Rose Garden and the Mediterranean Sea, is offering “Cherie Time” Valentine’s Day package with a deluxe balcony room, late breakfast “in bed,” four-course Valentine’s dinner and special welcome gift, priced at €250.
The Port Palace invites couples looking to enjoy a romantic stay for Valentine’s Day with luxury hospitality in a spectacular setting overlooking the port of Monaco. The two-day/one night Saint Valentine package includes: breakfast served in the room, candlelight dinner at the hotel’s Mandarine restaurant, two glasses of Champagne and a romantic surprise in-room. Rates start from €437 per night for two people.
Romance season in Monaco continues with special offers from hotels such as Hotel Metropole, recently named “The Best Hotel in the World” by Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel’s “Love is in the Air” package, available through April 8, 2011, and priced at €760, features a VIP welcome with a special Lanvin gift – either a signature black ribbon Lavin key ring with a red hear detail or a stunning Lanvin tote bag from the same collection – accommodation upgrade, private helicopter ride over the Principality of Monaco and French Riviera, complimentary cocktail at the bar and romantic dinner for two at the Joel Robuchon Restaurant Monte-Carlo.
The Fairmont Monte Carlo, with a central location on the Mediterranean Sea, offers a variety of romance themed packages, including the “Valentine’s Charme,” starting at €299, which includes accommodations for two, daily buffet breakfast, daily 30-minute massage for two at the Willow Stream Spa, a welcome gift of champagne, strawberries, chocolate and flowers, early check-in and late check-in. The Fairmont Monte Carlo’s “Valentine’s” special offerings are valid throughout the month of February.
Fairytale Wedding
On July 2, 2011, the wedding of Prince Albert II and Charlène Wittstock will take place on the Palace Square (Place du Palais) “in front about 1,000 guests”, according to the Sovereign Prince himself. Although a surprising choice to some, as such events are traditionally held in the Cathedral of Monaco, it is a clear sign of the Prince’s wishes to share his happiness with his people. The civil ceremony is scheduled for the day before on Friday, July 1, 2011 at the Princely Palace.
Although no specific details have been shared, Giorgio Armani announced at this month’s Milan Fashion Week that he will be designing Charlène Wittstock’s wedding gown in July. Helen Rose, wardrobe designer at MGM designed the wedding dress worn by Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainer III in April 1956.
In another modern departure, the royal nuptials will be filmed in 3-D by Jerome Revon, utilizing as many as 30 cameras scattered on Palace Square with famed journalist and presenter Stéphane Bern hosting the coverage. In April 1956, Prince Rainer III’s wedding to Grace Kelly at the Cathedral was watched on television by 30 million people around the globe and regularly tops the lists of history’s most beautiful and memorable weddings.
For more information, please contact the Monaco Government Tourist Office (MGTO) at 565 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017; phone (800) 753-9696 or (212) 286-3330; or via e-mail at info@VisitMonaco.com. Information and links are available via the Monaco Government Tourist Office web site at VisitMonaco.com. Follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
