Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monte Carlo opens 'Cristal Concept'

Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monte Carlo has opened its newly completed “Cristal Concept”: two towers creating a new lobby, restaurant and bar, while also adding 66 new rooms to the hotel.

Construction on the project began more than a year ago. With an investment of €17.2 million, the façade of the hotel was altered by two 12 floor towers of glass to the East and West of the main building, increasing the number of rooms from 338 to 403. Xavier F Rugeroni, general manager of Le Méridien Beach Plaza said, “Monaco extends on a restricted surface – less than two kilometres square. We could not increase the hotel’s height, as this would block the sea view of buildings close by.

“Building two Glass towers on the terrace of the hotel enabled us create 66 new rooms, a new lobby, bar and restaurant, but still keep architectural homogeneity with our Sea Club conference centre. Most importantly we are able to offer a sea view in all the additional rooms.”

The Cristal Concept’s theme is light and design, inspired by the Mediterranean, and makes the most of Le Méridien Beach Plaza’s private beach – the only hotel in Monaco to have one. The project began in October 2003 and used materials such as glass and aluminium that reflect and filter, and allow a play of light.

The hotel’s new rooms take full advantage of the views over the Mediterranean, and are full of light. The décor reflects a balance between aesthetics, technology and comfort. Furnishing follows the curve of the tower. The ultra-comfortable beds with their 31cm Sealy mattress are placed against strongly-coloured headboards to reinforce the cosy feel of the room. All rooms are equipped with plasma screen televisions. Bathrooms have walls of frosted and engraved glass to let in the light, while allowing perfect privacy. High speed internet access is available in the roof-top rooms and the business centre.

Le Méridien Beach Plaza’s two new penthouse suites are located on the 12th floor of each tower and offer panoramic sea views. The 180 metre square rooms offer a dedicated butler service and a car with driver available 24 hours a day. The hotel has undertaken to ensure repeat guests have the same attendee each time they stay. Mr Rugeroni believes “this makes it possible to better answer our loyal guest’s requirements and to anticipate their requests”.

The interior decoration of the hotel was designed by Christine Tacer, with similar themes to the architecture: the Mediterranean, light, a warm ambiance and modernity. The new lobby’s cream walls are decorated with chequered works of colour, mirrors, dark wood and marble floors. A separate group check in desk has been created. “This will decrease the waiting time of our individual customers when large groups are staying” adds Mr Rugeroni.

The new restaurant L’InTempo is separated from the lobby by unique glass doors, engraved with charts of the Mediterranean, Riveira and drawing of corals from Monaco’s National Museum of Oceanography. Within an open plan L’InTempo is divided into four different spaces, designed to reflect themes of light, design and intimacy. Each section’s furnishing differentiates it from the others; the design plays with style of tables and chairs, flooring and colours. In the centre is an open kitchen where the restaurants Mediterranean dishes are prepared in front of customers.

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