Nice vs Monaco vs Menton – The Complete Accommodation Guide
Monaco Grand Prix 2026: June 5-7, 2026
You’ve got your tickets – now you need the best Monaco GP 2026 accommodation strategy to make or break your weekend.
Every guide says “book early” like that’s useful. No one tells you:
- Which Nice neighborhood puts you 8 minutes from the station vs 25 minutes
- Whether that €650/night Monaco hotel is worth it or just expensive
- If Menton’s €80/night savings justify the 35-minute train ride at 6:30am
- When accommodation prices actually spike (hint: not when you think)
- Why cancellation policies matter MORE during GP than any other time
This is the accommodation guide I wish existed when I booked my first GP trip.
THE DECISION MATRIX: QUICK OVERVIEW
| City | Cost/Night | Train to Monaco | Best For | Book By |
| Nice | €100-350 | 22 min (€6) | First-timers, convenience, nightlife | Feb 2026 |
| Monaco | €400-1200+ | 0 min (you’re there) | Luxury, walking distance, zero commute | Dec 2025 |
| Menton | €70-150 | 35 min (€5.40) | Budget, quieter, authentic | March 2026 |
| Villefranche | €120-280 | 17 min (€3.80) | Beach + GP balance, scenic | Feb 2026 |
| Beaulieu-sur-Mer | €150-350 | 19 min (€3.80) | Upscale but not Monaco prices | Feb 2026 |
Cannes/Antibes: DON’T. 45+ min commute = nightmare (explained below)
NICE: THE SMART CHOICE (Where 70% of GP Attendees Stay)
Why Nice works: ✓ Perfect balance of cost, convenience, and atmosphere
✓ 22-minute train to Monaco (trains every 20-30 min)
✓ Restaurants, nightlife, actual city life
✓ You can escape GP crowds in the evening
✓ 3x cheaper than Monaco hotels
The catch: Location within Nice matters ENORMOUSLY. A 10-minute walk to Nice-Ville station vs 25 minutes changes your entire weekend.
NICE NEIGHBORHOODS: THE WALKABILITY MAP
I’ve mapped Nice hotels by walking time to Nice-Ville station (your lifeline to Monaco).
Also, are you planning 3 days in Nice? If you want my exact minute-by-minute logistics, including the 07:40 AM “Golden Window” departures and my hand-picked restaurant list that avoids the GP crowds, you can download my 3-Day Nice OCD Itinerary.
🟢 TIER 1: Liberation / Gare Area (5-10 Min Walk)
Distance to Nice-Ville station: 5-10 minutes walking
Why this is ideal:
- You can leave your hotel in the morning and catch any of the early trains
- Post-race return: you’re home in 30 minutes total (train + walk)
- No taxi stress, no bus waiting
- You’re close enough to walk even if exhausted
Recommended hotels:
💸 BUDGET (€90-140/night)
📍 Hôtel Belle Meunière — Avenue Durante
💶 €100-130/night during GP
🌟 8 min walk to station, basic but clean, friendly staff
⚠️ Book by: January 2026 (sells out to GP attendees)
📍 Ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare — Avenue Thiers
💶 €110-150/night during GP
🌟 6 min walk to station, modern, reliable chain
⚠️ Book by: December 2025
✨ MID-RANGE (€140-220/night)
📍 Hôtel Le Grimaldi — Rue Grimaldi
💶 €160-200/night during GP
🌟 10 min walk to station, boutique style, breakfast included
⚠️ Book by: January 2026
🏆 SPLURGE (€220-350/night)
📍 Hôtel Boscolo Plaza — Avenue de Verdun
💶 €250-320/night during GP
🌟 8 min walk to station, historic elegance, excellent breakfast
⚠️ Book by: December 2025
Why I recommend Liberation area:
I stayed here in 2024. Left hotel at 07:38am, caught 07:47 train, arrived Monaco 08:09am, secured good GA spot by 08:30am.
Compare to: Friend staying in Old Nice left at 07:15am (earlier!), walked 22 minutes to station, missed 07:47 train, caught 08:17 train, arrived Monaco 08:39am, got mediocre spot.
Those 8 minutes matter.
🟡 TIER 2: Old Nice / Port Area (15-20 Min Walk)
Distance to Nice-Ville station: 15-20 minutes walking
Why this works:
- Beautiful area (cobblestones, restaurants, charm)
- Evening atmosphere is unbeatable
- Still walkable to station (just plan for it)
- OR: 5-minute taxi to station (€8-12)
Recommended hotels:
💸 BUDGET (€80-130/night)
📍 Hôtel de la Mer — Place Masséna area
💶 €95-125/night during GP
🌟 18 min walk to station, central location, basic comfort
⚠️ Book by: February 2026
✨ MID-RANGE (€150-250/night)
📍 Hôtel La Pérouse — Near Castle Hill
💶 €200-270/night during GP
🌟 19 min walk to station (or 5-min taxi), stunning views, pool
⚠️ Book by: January 2026
Reality check on Old Nice:
The 18-minute walk to station isn’t terrible, BUT:
- You’re doing it 4x per day (morning to Monaco, evening return, repeat Sat/Sun)
- That’s 72 minutes of walking just to/from station over the weekend
- You’re tired, you’re carrying bags, it’s hot
My strategy when staying here: Budget €40 for taxis (€10 each way, 4 rides). Still cheaper than Monaco hotels.
🔴 TIER 3: Promenade / West Nice (20-30 Min Walk)
Distance to Nice-Ville station: 20-30 minutes walking
Why this is problematic:
- Too far to walk comfortably to station (especially at 07:00am)
- You’re relying on taxis/buses every day
- Buses to station: 15-20 min + waiting time
- Taxis during GP weekend: surge pricing + availability issues
When this makes sense:
- You’re NOT prioritizing early morning GP attendance
- You value beach proximity over station proximity
- You’re willing to pay €80+ in taxis over the weekend
Recommended hotels (if you choose this area):
✨ MID-RANGE (€180-300/night)
📍 Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée — Promenade des Anglais
💶 €250-320/night during GP
🌟 Beach views, historic building, luxury amenities
🚖 25 min walk to station OR 10-min taxi (€12-15)
⚠️ Book by: January 2026
📍 Hotel West End — Promenade des Anglais
💶 €220-290/night during GP
🌟 Classic elegance, sea views, excellent breakfast
🚖 23 min walk to station OR taxi
⚠️ Book by: February 2026
My honest take:
I stayed on Promenade in 2023. Beautiful area. Terrible for GP logistics.
Every morning: call taxi at 07:15am, wait 10 min (they’re all busy), finally leave 07:25am, traffic delays, arrive station 07:42am, sprint to catch 07:47 train. Stressful. Not worth the beach views.
If you do stay on the Promenade, you’ll have a front-row seat for the best lighting in the city. Check out my French Riviera Golden Hour Guide to see exactly when to be at the water’s edge for that perfect sunset glow.
NICE BOOKING TIMELINE: WHEN PRICES SPIKE
I tracked Nice hotel prices for Monaco GP weekend from 2023-2025. Here’s the pattern:
| Booking Window | Price Level | Availability |
| Sept-Nov (8-10 months out) | Normal +10-20% | 95% available |
| December (6 months out) | Normal +40-60% | 80% available |
| Jan-Feb (4-5 months out) | Normal +80-120% | 60% available |
| March (3 months out) | Normal +150-200% | 40% available |
| April-May (1-2 months out) | Normal +250-400% | 15% available |
OCD Logistical Note: In 2026, don’t use the ticket machines at the station; the queues are a nightmare. Download the Zou! App (the official PACA regional transport app) and buy your M-Tickets in advance. You can skip the line and go straight to the scanners.
Example: Hôtel Belle Meunière
- Regular price: €75/night
- Booked October 2024 for GP May 2025: €95/night (+27%)
- Booked February 2025 for GP May 2025: €130/night (+73%)
- Booked April 2025 for GP May 2025: €220/night (+193%)
The math: Booking 6 months early vs 2 months early = saving €270-360 for a 3-night stay.
OPTIMAL BOOKING WINDOWS:
Best prices: September-November (8-10 months out)
Still good: December-January (6-7 months out)
Getting expensive: February-March (4-5 months out)
Panic pricing: April-May (1-2 months out)
For Monaco GP 2026 (June 5-7):
- Book by December 2025 for best Liberation area hotels
- Book by January 2026 for decent Old Nice options
- Book by February 2026 if you’re flexible on location
After March 2026: You’re paying 2-3x normal rates and choosing from leftovers.
MONACO: THE SPLURGE (When Walking Distance Matters More Than Money)
Cost reality: €400-1200+ per night (yes, really)
Why you’d stay in Monaco: ✓ Zero commute (walk to grandstands)
✓ You’re IN the event (atmosphere 24/7)
✓ No train stress whatsoever
✓ Post-race: you’re home in 10 minutes walking
✓ Thursday setup + Sunday afterparty access
The brutal truth: Monaco hotels during GP are 4-6x their normal rates. You’re paying extreme premiums for location.
MONACO HOTELS: WORTH IT VS JUST EXPENSIVE
WORTH THE MONEY (If Budget Allows)
📍 Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
💶 €800-1400/night during GP
🌟 THE Monaco hotel, Casino Square location, Le Grill rooftop, walking distance to everything
✓ Why worth it: Iconic, perfect location, impeccable service, you’re living the Monaco fantasy
⚠️ Book by: October 2025 (sells out to returning guests first)
📍 Fairmont Monte Carlo
💶 €600-900/night during GP
🌟 ON the circuit (Hairpin corner), rooftop pool, Nikki Beach
✓ Why worth it: You’re literally above the track, can hear sessions from your room, perfect location
⚠️ Book by: November 2025
📍 Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
💶 €650-1000/night during GP
🌟 Belle Époque elegance, perfect location, winter garden, close to Casino
✓ Why worth it: Slightly less expensive than Hôtel de Paris, equal quality, same location advantage
⚠️ Book by: December 2025
JUST EXPENSIVE (Not Worth It)
📍 Budget Monaco hotels (€350-500/night)
Hotels like Novotel Monte Carlo, Columbus Monte-Carlo, Port Palace:
- They cost MORE than Nice luxury hotels
- But offer LESS quality/amenities
- You’re paying for “Monaco address”
- Location advantage exists but doesn’t justify 3-4x Nice prices
My take: If you’re spending €400+/night, either go full luxury (Hôtel de Paris level) OR stay in Nice and save €900+ over 3 nights.
The “mid-range Monaco hotel” is the worst value proposition.
Even if you aren’t staying in these hotels, you can still get the iconic shots. See my guide on the 5 Monaco Photo Spots Everyone Misses—one of these views actually beats the famous Casino Square shot.
Monaco hotels make sense IF:
- €2,000+ for accommodation doesn’t stress you financially
- You value zero commute above all else
- This is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge
- You want the full “staying in Monaco during GP” experience
Monaco hotels DON’T make sense IF:
- You’re budget-conscious (Nice is 3-4x cheaper)
- You don’t mind a 22-minute train ride
- You value cost-effectiveness
- You want to escape GP crowds in the evening
Beausoleil Cost: €180–350 per night
The Beausoleil Secret: If you want to walk to the track but can’t justify a €900 room, look at Beausoleil. This French town literally borders Monaco—you just cross a street and you’re in the Principality.
Pros: Zero train stress. You can walk to the Casino in 10–15 minutes.
Cons: The “Beausoleil Climb.” The town is on a steep hill. ou’ll either need to master Monaco’s complex public elevator system or face a 200+ stair climb daily. (Note: My 2-Day Monaco Masterplan includes the exact GPS coordinates for the elevators that save your legs).”
OCD Tip: Check the exact elevation of your Airbnb. If it’s above “Boulevard de la République,” prepare for a workout.
MENTON: THE BUDGET OPTIMIZER (€80-150/night)
Cost reality: €80-150/night (The best “Euro-per-value” play for 2026)
Why Menton works: ✓ Genuine budget savings (€200-300 saved over 3 nights vs Nice)
✓ Quieter, more authentic, less GP chaos
✓ Beautiful town (explore when not at GP)
✓ Beach, restaurants, Italian border proximity
The trade-off: 35-minute train ride to Monaco (13 minutes longer than Nice)
MENTON: THE REALITY CHECK
The math on the “12-minute” train:
- Wake up: 06:15am (for Saturday qualifying)
- Leave hotel: 06:45am
- Menton station: 07:00am
- Train departs: 07:08am
- Arrive Monaco: 07:43am
- Walk to grandstand: 08:00am
The train ride is 12 minutes, but the “GP Buffer” (Queuing at Mention station + the walk from the Monaco underground platform) will add 20-30 minutes to your trip.
Compared to Nice:
- Wake up: 06:45am (30 min later!)
- Leave hotel: 07:25am
- Nice-Ville station: 07:35am
- Train departs: 07:47am
- Arrive Monaco: 08:09am
- Walk to grandstand: 08:25am
You’re waking up 30 minutes earlier from Menton.
Over 3 days (Friday/Saturday/Sunday), that’s 90 minutes of sleep lost.
When Menton makes sense:
✓ You’re on a tight budget (that €250 saved matters)
✓ You’re not obsessed with early arrival (okay with 08:00am instead of 07:30am)
✓ You value peaceful evenings (Menton is QUIET after GP days)
✓ You want to explore Menton itself (beautiful town, worth the stay)
✓ You’re okay with early wake-ups
When Menton doesn’t make sense:
❌ You’re prioritizing sleep and convenience
❌ The €80/night difference doesn’t matter to you
❌ You want evening Nice nightlife
❌ You hate early mornings with passion
RECOMMENDED MENTON HOTELS
💸 BUDGET (€70-110/night during GP)
📍 Hôtel Napoléon — Porte de France
💶 €80-100/night during GP
🌟 10 min walk to station, basic comfort, friendly staff
⚠️ Book by: February 2026
📍 Hôtel Princess & Richmond — Promenade du Soleil
💶 €90-120/night during GP
🌟 Beachfront, 12 min walk to station, sea views
⚠️ Book by: March 2026
✨ MID-RANGE (€110-180/night during GP)
📍 Hôtel Riva — Promenade du Soleil
💶 €120-160/night during GP
🌟 Modern, beachfront, rooftop terrace, 10 min walk to station
⚠️ Book by: February 2026
📍 Royal Westminster — Avenue Félix Faure
💶 €140-180/night during GP
🌟 Historic charm, close to old town, 8 min walk to station
⚠️ Book by: January 2026
Menton booking timeline:
Less competitive than Nice, so you have more flexibility:
- December-January: Normal +20-40%
- February-March: Normal +60-90%
- April-May: Normal +120-180%
You can book Menton as late as March 2026 and still get decent prices/availability.
My Menton experience:
Stayed here in 2025. Saved €280 vs my Nice hotel from 2024. Used savings for:
- Nicer dinners in Menton (amazing seafood)
- Taxi back from Monaco one night when trains were mobbed (€35 but worth it)
- Souvenirs
Wake-up time sucked (06:15am), but I’m a morning person. If you’re not, reconsider.
Before you book Menton for June, make sure you know what to expect from the crowds and the heat. I’ve broken down the pros and cons of every month in my Menton Month-by-Month Guide.
OTHER OPTIONS: QUICK OVERVIEW
Villefranche-sur-Mer (17 min to Monaco)
Cost: €120-280/night during GP
Pros:
- Gorgeous beach town
- Less crowded than Nice
- 17-minute train (between Nice and Monaco)
- Authentic village atmosphere
Cons:
- Fewer hotel options
- Limited restaurants/nightlife
- Trains less frequent than Nice (every 30-40 min vs 20 min)
Best for: People who want beach town charm + GP access
Book by: February 2026
Beaulieu-sur-Mer (19 min to Monaco)
Cost: €150-350/night during GP
Pros:
- Upscale but not Monaco pricing
- Beautiful Belle Époque architecture
- 19-minute train
- Quieter than Nice
Cons:
- Very small (limited dining options)
- Feels sleepy after 9pm
- Fewer hotels than Nice
Best for: Older travelers wanting elegance without Monaco costs
Book by: February 2026
CANNES / ANTIBES: DON’T DO IT
Why people consider this:
- Hotels might be cheaper
- They know these city names
- “It’s on the coast, how far can it be?”
The brutal reality:
Cannes to Monaco:
- Train: 55-70 minutes (with connection or slow train)
- Cost: €11-15 per trip
- Frequency: Every 30-60 min (miss one = long wait)
- Early morning: First useful train around 06:45am
Antibes to Monaco:
- Train: 50-55 minutes
- Cost: €11 per trip
- Same frequency/reliability issues
Why this is a NIGHTMARE during Monaco GP:
Scenario: Saturday qualifying day
- Wake up: 05:30am (Cannes)
- Leave hotel: 06:00am
- Cannes station: 06:15am
- Wait for train: 06:15-06:47am
- Train to Nice: 06:47-07:15am
- Wait for Monaco train: 07:15-07:47am
- Arrive Monaco: 08:09am
- Walk to grandstand: 08:25am
You left Cannes at 06:00am, arrived Monaco at 08:25am. That’s 2 hours 25 minutes of travel.
Compare to Nice: 45 minutes total (including walk to station + walk to grandstand)
You’re wasting 3+ hours per day on trains. Over the weekend: 10+ hours on trains vs at the GP.
The only reason to stay in Cannes/Antibes:
- You’re combining GP with a longer Riviera trip
- You’re only attending one GP day (not the full weekend)
- You got an absolute STEAL on accommodation (€50/night)
Conclusion: Unless you are staying on a yacht in Cannes, do not stay here for the GP.
The Travel Time: You are looking at 2+ hours of commuting daily.
The Hidden Cost: 2026 round-trip tickets from Cannes to Monaco will cost roughly €25–€30 per person, per day. For a couple, that’s nearly €200 just in train tickets over the weekend—money that could have been spent upgrading your hotel to Nice.
THE BOOKING DECISION TREE
Use this to decide where to stay:
Step 1: What’s your budget per night?
€70-120: Menton
€100-180: Nice (Liberation area)
€150-250: Nice (Old Nice or Promenade) OR Villefranche
€250-400: Nice luxury OR Beaulieu-sur-Mer
€400+: Monaco (if you want the experience)
Step 2: What’s your priority?
Convenience above all: Nice Liberation area OR Monaco
Budget above all: Menton
Beach + GP balance: Villefranche
Luxury experience: Monaco (Hôtel de Paris level)
Nightlife/restaurants: Nice Old Town
Step 3: What’s your GP schedule?
Attending all 3 days (Fri/Sat/Sun): Nice or Monaco (Menton = too much commuting)
Attending 1-2 days: Menton works fine
Prioritizing Saturday qualifying: Nice Liberation (close to station)
Casual GP attendance: Villefranche or Beaulieu
Step 4: When are you booking?
Before December 2025: You have options, book Nice or Monaco
December-February 2026: Nice still available, Monaco filling up
March-April 2026: Menton or Nice periphery (Promenade area)
May 2026 (last minute): Whatever’s left, expect to pay 3-4x normal rates
MY FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS BY TRAVELER TYPE
First-Time GP Attendee
Stay in: Nice Liberation area
Why: Balance of cost, convenience, flexibility
Book by: January 2026
Budget-Conscious Traveler
Stay in: Menton
Why: Half the cost of Nice, authentic experience
Book by: March 2026
Caveat: Accept early wake-ups
Luxury/Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip
Stay in: Monaco (Hôtel de Paris or Fairmont)
Why: The full Monaco fantasy, zero commute
Book by: October-November 2025
Couples Wanting Romance + GP
Stay in: Nice Old Town OR Villefranche
Why: Atmosphere, restaurants, beach proximity
Book by: February 2026
Solo Traveler
Stay in: Nice Liberation area (hostel or budget hotel)
Why: Easy logistics, can meet other GP attendees
Book by: January 2026
Groups (4+ people)
Stay in: Nice Airbnb (if you find one with good location + cancel policy)
Why: Cost split makes it cheaper than hotels
Book by: December 2025
FINAL PRO TIPS
✓ Book refundable rates when possible (even if 10% more expensive)
✓ Verify walk time to station on Google Maps (don’t trust hotel descriptions)
✓ Check train strike history (French trains strike, usually not during GP but be aware)
✓ Screenshot your booking confirmations (don’t rely on phone data)
✓ Pack light (you’re walking to/from stations with luggage)
✓ Consider Thursday-Monday stay (Sunday night accommodation is expensive too)
✓ Join hotel loyalty programs (might get better cancellation terms)
✓ Read recent reviews mentioning GP specifically (some hotels hate GP crowds)
✓ Use the Zou! App for all TER train tickets. It’s the only way to avoid the 30-minute kiosk lines at Nice-Ville and Monaco Monte-Carlo.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Best overall value: Nice Liberation area (€100-200/night, 8 min walk to station)
Best budget option: Menton (€80-120/night, but 35 min train + early wake-ups)
Best luxury experience: Monaco Hôtel de Paris or Fairmont (€800-1400/night, zero commute, full fantasy)
Best mistake to avoid: Cannes/Antibes (45+ min commute = weekend nightmare)
Optimal booking window: December 2025-January 2026 for best prices/availability
The accommodation decision will shape your entire GP weekend. Choose poorly and you’re starting every day stressed, tired, and late. Choose wisely and you’re maximizing your time at the circuit, sleeping well, and actually enjoying the experience.
I’ve stayed in all three cities. If I’m attending all 3 days: Nice Liberation area, every time.
If I’m attending 1-2 days AND saving money matters: Menton, accepting the early mornings.
If money isn’t a concern AND I want the full Monaco experience: Hôtel de Paris, no question.
Choose based on your priorities, not what random blogs tell you. You know your budget, your tolerance for early mornings, and how much convenience matters to you.
Book accordingly. Book soon.
Prices and availability based on 2025 Monaco GP booking patterns and verified 2026 projections. Train times from current SNCF schedules. All recommendations based on personal experience across three Monaco GPs.
© Clever Escapes | All rights reserved
