Trying this under a different message title -

For Christmas I am planning to give my fiance tickets to the Grand Prix Historique in Monte Carlo in May '08. Monte Carlo hotels are quite expensive especially during the racing weekneds - so I booked two hotels which look good, neither are central, so I am hoping for an opinion. Either http://www.vistapalace.com/ (which looks much nicer, but need to take a shuttle to town) or https://www.marriott.com/hotels/trav...rte-de-monaco/ which looks better located but not as special. Anyone been to either, or know how much it matters to be well located in MC? We will be there primarily for the race, and Im sure the typical casino, dinner out, etc (Not going to Nice or any other side trip this time)

My well traveled Francophile friend recommends the Vista Palace.

cool...that was my instinct too so i think we'll do it. thanks!

Haven't stayed here, only stopped for drinks.... I'd go with The Vista as the "view" is amazing, hanging out over the Med. Even if you have to take a shuttle bus, by the end of the day, you'll want to be away from the craziness going on down in town.

That "country" is built on the side of a steep hill. I stayed at a hotel near the casino a few decades ago so I could walk about and meet the locals and other travelers in the cafes, and the casino. I would not want to have to wait around for a shuttle bus.

I would def go for location during the Grand Prix - traffic is crazy at this time, all the roads are close, and it would be so much easier to walk everywhere. I have stayed in the Vista Palace out of the race saeson, and it is a lovely hotel with brilliant views, but during race week I always stay in the town centre.

Angela