Monte Carlo: Columbus Hotel, Monte Carlo Travel Market

Just arrived Zurich airport after a too-short stay in beautiful Monte Carlo, where it was a warm, sunny blue-sky 15C. Was at the Grimaldi Forum as a hosted buyer for the Monte Carlo Travel Market, a small, manageable luxury travel trade show featuring luxurious hotels and resorts as well as other travel services such as private yacht and jet charters, specialty operators such as high-end heli-ski operator in Chile or safaris in Africa. Nothing really new or out of the ordinary expect the Chilean heli-ski outfit, which I am keen to try one summer.

Stayed at Columbus Hotel, which was surprisingly good value for money in this town where a 5-minute taxi ride will set you back 12Euro. Jean-Paul at Evason Hideaway in Nha Trang, who himself is from Nice, recommended Columbus. I stayed in a deluxe double, which had a lovely sea view:



The rate was 215 Euro, all inclusive; it even included my room service Continental Breakfast, which I had ordered at 4:30 in the morning, because I couldn't sleep. The rooms are comfortable; the bathroom even has double vanity, though no separate tub & shower.


My one grip is that there is no in-room wifi and the television internet system wasn't working (well, at least I couldn't get the remote keyboard to work and I never really like using these systems anyway). Also, the rooms aren't meant for reading or working, because the lighting is just too soft. Their motto is: Live Life Love Life. And along with the snacks in the minibar, you'll find a pleasure kit courtesy of Columbus. The most refreshing thing about Columbus were the extremely friendly and helpful staff, not in a stuffy way either, they actually chat with you. Everyone from the front desk staff to the concierge were very welcoming. I think I've just been disappointed one too many times by pretentious, I'm-too-cool-for-you, staff at so-called designer/boutique hotels.

Gotta run...battery is running low on my laptop (Stupid me, forgot to bring power cord. Can someone please make buying Apple accessories such as power cords more accessible? I went to fnac at the Metropole and they told me that my best bet would be to go to Nice, but even then, no guarantees!).