I do not want to discourage you but I am not sure that such a hotel exists at that price in Monaco. I visited Monaco for the first time in April of 1997. I had also originally planned to stay in Monte Carlo while I explored the French Riviera. A friend that used to live in Monte Carlo and another friend who is a native of Nice helped me make a few decisions. Monte Carlo is very expensive (food, hotels, etc.). The only way in or out of the country by land is three narrow roads. The three "Corniches." It is on the middle (moyen) corniche that Princess Grace was killed. My point is that these roads are always very busy. The drive is one of the most beautiful I have ever taken but it took some time to get from Nice to Monte Carlo by car. Even if you take the train or a bus I think that you will find that Monte Carlo is much too expensive. The hotels at city center are among the best in the world at start at $350.00 to $400.00 per night for the cheapest rooms at off peak times. In busy seasons it is even more expensive. Maybe you will be able to find a smaller hotel in your price range but I doubt it. Check Monaco's home page on the internet. They also have a travel bureau in New York City. Now, my real recommendation is that you stay in Nice or Cannes. My preference is Cannes but the international film festival takes place there in May and it becomes very crowded and expensive. Nice would probably be your best bet. It is central to Provence and the Riviera and you can find many hotels to fit your budjet and needs. Check the web (http://www.hotelweb.fr) The Mercure is nice. Of course do not miss seeing Monte Carlo and other surrounding sites. (Grasse, St. Paul de Vence, Cannes, Canges sur Mer and Eze). I think that you will find the people of southern France to be warm and friendly. I wish that I was going back this year myself but I have planned a trip to Benelux; Enjoy!!

Thank you so much for your wonderful advice! Do you know the dates when the Cannes International Film festival is taking place? I will be traveling in late May, so I might just miss it. I also found out that the Monaco Grand Prix is going on until May 24. We were planning to visit there on May 24. Will it be too crowded. Should we avoid the place? Finally, you mentioned about the beautiful drive via "the 3 Corniches" from Nice to Monaco. We are renting a car, so which one should we drive to experience the most beautiful scenery? Is it just as beautiful to drive (the Corniches) from Monaco to Nice? You also said it takes some time to get to Monaco...about how long does it take? (Via the highway, it seems to take 17 minutes. Will the drive via the Corniches take about an hour?) Thanks again for your input!

You should take the high corniche to get from Nice to Monaco and the low one to return. They are just two lane roads but there are places along the way where you can stop and take in the scenery. The distance is only about 20 miles as the corw flies but becuase the roads are narrow and there will be plenty of traffic it might take as long as a good hour to cover the distance. It will be worth it. The drive and Monte Carlo are so beautiful. It is great that you have a car. I don't know if you speak French but when you arrive in Monaco just follow the signs to Centre Ville or Casino and look for the underground parking just across from the Casino. You will be able to walk all around that area. The tourist office is about two block away. Of course do not miss driving up the cliffs above Monte Carlo to the Old Town and seeing the royal palace. The Cafe de Paris is a great place to have lunch. It is right behind the Casino. Enjoy the people watching. Bon Voyage!

Fairmont Monte Carlo, Port Palace, Hotel Columbus and many more are available under $150.

Please see the date of the OP, this thread is almost 13 years old.

aikenjones, I posted my reply to you before I realized you are a very new Fodorite. Welcome to Fodors, but I ask you very kindly to please look at the date of the original post (aka the OP) before posting a reply. Thanks.