My husband and I have just returned from our 3rd stay at The Columbus, and have had another wonderfully relaxing break.
The hotel is situated in Fontveille, the area where many of the locals live and where you'll land if you fly in by helicopter.

The location is perfect for us. Fontveille has its own harbour with wonderful views up to the old town and the Oceanographic Museum. It's a lovely stroll round to Cap d'Ail, which has a small beach and some lovely little bars and restaurants.

Monte Carlo itself is about a 10 - 15 walk via the shopping centre and around the rock down to the main harbour. There are plenty of escalators and lifts for the not-so energetic!

The Columbus itself is quiet and chic without being snobby. You feel comfortable arriving back from a days sightseeing in jeans and trainers, slipping into the bar for a beer or one of their very nice cocktails or a gin and tonic!

Breakfast is an excellent choice of fruits, pastries, bread and they even have a go at scrambled eggs and bacon!

The rooms are clean and the bed linen is to die for! We have always had a room with a sea view and balcony - perfect for those warm evenings. I do have to admit that the decor could now do with a bit of updating - some of the paintwork needs tidying up but they looked like they were preparing for this while we were there this time.

\We've only ever stayed at The Columbus for a winter break so can't comment on the pool or how busy it gets in the summer, but if you want somewhere peaceful where the staff are extemely helpful and you are made to feel very welcome I wouldn't hesitate in recommending The Columbus.

My husband and I stayed at the Columbus for two nights, last September. We wanted to stay there partly as it was created by the Malmaison owner, partly because it was more contemporary than most of the other hotels in Monaco, and just a little bit in case we saw any F1 drivers!

The location was good - not in the centre of Monte Carlo itself, but round the corner in Fontveille, but a short (and cheap) bus ride got you back into the main, more well known, part of Monte Carlo. I have seen some reviews where people complained about the noise from the helipad, whilst at the pool. We didn't try the pool out, but I can imagine it could be noisy as the hotel is built into what seems an apartment block - the pool, which is private, is located outside across a courtyard, very near said helipad! I imagine it's very busy in May when the F1 race is on!

The room itself was a contemporary and a decent size, with both mountain and sea views, and a great view over the Princess Grace Rose Garden, all of which were lovely. The room did need a bit of TLC though - there were scuff marks on the walls and a few other knocks and chips here and there. The bathroom was big enough, but there was nowhere to hang your wet towels, and no mirror that I could get close enough to, to put my contact lenses in or do make up at. In the end I moved a side table by the bed to get close enough to one!

The food in the restaurant was good and bistro style, if a bit pricey (there is a fabulous Italian round the corner in the harbour, La Saliere, which was just wonderful, and half the price!). But the service, ambience, nibbles with champagne, and general standard of the food was very good. The bar, in traditional Mal style, is a bit dimly lit, but trendy and relaxing.

It was a chic stay for 2 nights, and if you're looking for Malmaison style, this has it. Whilst not in the centre of the more well known part of Monaco, it was a quiet location and easy to get to bus stops to get around. They also offered a free of charge shuttle service to the train station on the day we left.

Because I had heard so much about this hotel, I was slightly disappointed when I got there. The rooms and bathrooms are a little small, but it was very comfy and cosy. They've got nice toiletries and the service was great. The concerige was really helpful in giving us directions to drive to Italy. Overall, a good experience though a little pricey.

Stayed at this hotel for the Boat Show. It is a nice hotel but I wouldnt say it is brilliant for its rating. The helicopter terminal is right next to the hotel which on one hand is conveniant but on the other quite noisy. They are also starting new building works next door and I was woken early with the noise.
Contrary to other reviews I found the staff extremely helpful and have no complaints there.
I think though if I was to return to Monaco I would pick a different hotel.