F1's Monaco Grand Prix Is Coming - This Is Monte Carlo's Only Hotel With a Private Beach

F1's highly anticipated event -- the sixth round of the 2026 season -- is here. The Monaco Grand Prix at the famed Circuit de Monaco kicks off with Friday's practice round, followed by Saturday's qualifying round and, of course, Sunday's big race, which streams live at 9 a.m. ET on Apple TV.

Monaco, for better or worse, is dubbed "The Playground of the Rich and Famous." And this weekend's iconic race exemplifies the moniker, with the famously rich microstate getting even richer as the world's billionaires and millionaires descend on the second-smallest independent sovereign state (behind Vatican City) to catch all the action.

The luxury vessels have already arrived. So far, 106 yachts have berthed in Port Hercule and 180 more are anchored along the French Riviera between Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Monaco, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, per Boat International.

Monte Carlo is, obviously, also home to a slew of ultra-luxury hotels. But in a town where price is no object and luxury knows no bounds, only one hotel in all of Monte Carlo can offer something no other hotel can: a private beach.

And that's just for starters.

Tucked alongside the Mediterranean Sea in Monaco's easternmost ward on the famed Avenue Princesse Grace, Le Méridien Beach Plaza provides direct, private access to Monaco's main beach, Plage du Larvotto. The hotel also features two outdoor pools and an indoor pool.

The 398-room property under the Marriott Bonvoy umbrella is perfectly situated for prestigious events, precisely like F1's Monaco Grand Prix.

The world's most famous bend -- the Fairmont Hairpin and F1's slowest and notoriously tight and sharp turn -- is only a 15-minute walk from the property and, on non-race day, easily accessible via the promenade, which offers sweeping views of the Mare Nostrum.

The world's most famous casino, Casino de Monte-Carlo (built in 1863), is merely another 3 minutes away, give or take, depending on how fast or slow you hike the stairs to get there.

Just a few steps more, and you'll find yourself in the Carré d'Or (or the Golden Square), the epicenter of luxury shopping: Rolex, Gucci, Chanel, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton all within mere steps from a big spender's disposal.

Le Méridien Beach Plaza stands out, yes, because of its proximity to these attractions. But its plush confines make it difficult to want to step outside at all.

The property, built in 1972, exudes timeless elegance with 398 rooms and 19 suites, including some with panoramic sea views in the Crystal towers on the 11th and top floors. There are also two circular-arc-designed Presidential Suites, accessible only via a private elevator on the 11th floor. Need a penthouse fit for a prince? The two Presidential Suites can be combined with a Design Room and a Design Suite to create a Penthouse Suite, comprising 11 living spaces: three bedrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, three bathrooms, and two terraces.

Not to be outdone, "Apartment 915" is a 1,600-square-foot suite with a spacious living room, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, an equipped kitchen, and a private office.

Le Méridien Beach Plaza's culinary offerings are a first-class experience, too.

Take Sen, for example, the hotel's new Japanese fine-dining experience. Under the direction of Tokyo-based Chef Hiroki Hiyama, Sen's menu (nigiri, sashimi, hot dishes, and omakase) is built around a simple principle of letting the ingredient speak in its purest form.

Pro tip: Make a reservation and sit at the bar, and watch Hiyama and his attentive staff take you on a mouth-watering journey that's sure to enhance any palate.

The property is anchored by Alang Bar and Muse, the "House of Summer," nestled among countless pine trees overlooking the Mediterranean. The indoor-outdoor space that screams Riviera flair is open exclusively for lunch.

Le Méridien Beach Plaza is also home to the world's first Café Lacoste, which opened in June 2025. The other location is in Paris.

Much like its famous color-popping, crocodile-embroidered polo shirts, the Mediterranean-facing Café Lacoste offers a warm welcome with its witty c(r)ocktails, including the Croco Spritz and Crocodelle, made with Rosé Lillet, Rinquinquin, rose syrup, supasawa, and champagne.

Life in the principality is buzzing all year long.

After the Monaco Grand Prix, there's the famed Monaco Red Cross Gala in July, the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival in August, the Yacht Show in September, and the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival in November, giving you plenty of reasons to visit one of Monaco's crown jewels of hotels.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 6:00 AM.