When making preparations to attend the Monaco Grand Prix, you’ll want to plan far in advance to get the most luxurious accommodations, best grandstand seats, and most lively after party reservations. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 24 through Sunday, May 27, 2018 for an experience of a lifetime.
Getting to Monaco
Your first adventure awaits in traveling to Monaco. You will probably end up in Nice first since it has the closest airport to Monaco. Don’t let yourself get distracted with Nice’s charm, you have a race to catch. There are multiple ways to travel from Nice to Monaco; car service, bus, or even train are the most popular. But if you really want to arrive in style, charter a personal helicopter which will make the trip in just 10 minutes.
The Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco is arguably F1’s most famous track, and the race has been held every year without interruption since 1955. The circuit has been revised several times over the years, but still retains the basic layout it has had since 1929. Monaco’s tight and twisty layout presents a unique challenge for F1 drivers.
“Racing Formula One cars in Monaco is like trying to ride a bicycle around your living room.— Nelson Piquet, Formula 1 Driver—
Overtaking at the F1’s shortest track is virtually impossible, there is no room for error given the tight confines of the circuit and there is little downtime each lap – over the course of the 78 lap race, a driver will make almost 5000 gear changes.
Best Views of the Race
There are several Grandstands to choose from each featuring their own unique view of the action. Many spectators purchase a different viewpoint for each day to optimize their Grand Prix experience. The most popular Grandstands are B, L, and O.
- Grandstand B at Casino square is one of the most desired seats at Monaco. Located opposite the Casino and close to Hotel de Paris, you see views of the cars taking the tricky Casino corner before heading down the hill to Mirabeau.
- Grandstand L is located next to the Rainier III swimming pool with views of the last turn in the Swimming Pool complex as well as the pits.
- Grandstand O (Piscine Plongeur) is the highest of the three grandstands in the harbor facing the swimming pool section of the circuit.
There are also a dizzying array of VIP tickets on offer in Monaco. You can watch the race from various vantage points on restaurant or apartment terraces and balconies and also yachts moored in the harbor.
Luxurious Accommodations
When booking accommodations, check with your hotel if they offer a complete package with seating, transportation, hospitality box access, or pit lane access. You’ll want to book early since there are only fourteen highly rated hotels within the principality. Many of them, including the Hotel de Paris, Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo, and Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, offer spectacular views. Port Palace is just a short walk to the track, and Hotel Hermitage is a stone’s throw from the famous Casino de Monte Carlo.
The Afterparty
Once the day’s race is over, you’ll want to take in one of the many after party locations hosted by Monaco’s elite nightlife presence. The top clubs in Monaco will have you mingling with Hollywood’s A list as well as the most iconic faces in today’s world of professional sports. The main entertainment hub can be found in the Harbor area, where the best bars, restaurants, and super yachts are located. Even if you don’t know the right people to get into the VIP parties, you can still enjoy a cocktail at the famous Stars and Bars or dance the night away to renowned DJs at Jimmy’z.
And don’t forget to visit the most famous of sites, the Casino de Monte Carlo. This legendary casino has been updated through the centuries to offer its prestigious customers a full range of games that will satisfy players of all levels. During the Grand Prix, the Casino will be hosting the exhibit “Panorama” by Charles Kaisin in the Atrium in addition to its famous world class gaming rooms.
The Monaco Grand Prix is definitely an experience for all your senses. So, tell us, will you be attending this year? If you love racing, you might also enjoy our article on the most famous F1 drivers of all time.
