Returning to the Monaco Grand Prix with a Toddler in Tow

Returning to the Monaco Grand Prix for a second year — now with a two-year-old — gave us a chance to refine everything: where we stayed, how we moved around, and which hospitality experiences truly offered the best blend of luxury and practicality for families. What we discovered this time around was that Monaco remains one of the most iconic race weekends in the world, and with the right planning, it's still an unforgettable and achievable trip even with young children.

Where We Stayed: Beausoleil, Again — and Always

After experiencing Monaco with a baby the year prior, we knew that Beausoleil, Monaco’s hillside neighbor, offered the best of both worlds — easy walking access to race events with a fraction of the cost of Monaco hotels. In 2024, we stayed at Aparthotel Adagio Monaco Palais Joséphine, where a well-equipped apartment accommodated all three of us comfortably.

This location was just a 15-minute walk from the Monte Carlo Casino and central to everything we needed. The space and flexibility of an apartment made all the difference — especially when compared to traditional Monaco hotels, which typically run thousands per night, often limit occupancy to two guests per room, and require extra rooms for families.

Our takeaway? We’ll continue to stay in these hillside apartments every year we return. The balance of price, proximity, and comfort makes it a clear choice for family travelers attending Grand Prix weekend.

A Note on Mobility: Leave the Stroller at Home

If you're bringing a toddler to Monaco, understand this: Monaco is not stroller friendly. The city — along with Beausoleil — is built into a cliffside. Getting anywhere means navigating flights of stairs, escalators, and elevators.

Even walking from the Fairmont hairpin to Port Hercule involves several sets of stone steps. We highly recommend a baby or toddler carrier or being prepared to carry your child yourself. We left the stroller behind and were thankful we did.

Race Day Hospitality: Three Views, Three Experiences

This year, we explored three different hospitality experiences across the race weekend — each offering a unique view, atmosphere, and approach to family comfort.

1. Fairmont Hairpin (Sunday)

• This remains our favorite view for race day itself.

• The iconic tight turn, the private rooms, and hotel restrooms make it both practical and special.

• We appreciated being able to duck indoors when needed, and having our own private space made it feel more manageable with a toddler.

2. Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo (Friday)

• A large, multi-tiered hospitality setting with indoor seating, large balconies, and standing terraces.

• Ample space for our toddler to move, explore, and sit comfortably, which is rare at most venues.

• The food and bar offerings were excellent, and TVs throughout ensured you didn't miss a thing — even if the view of the track was more limited, catching only a brief section of the first straightaway.

3. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (Saturday)

• A more intimate, high-end setting, directly across from the Monte Carlo Casino.

• The balcony overlooks a slow-speed turn, offering stunning views and sound — you could practically feel the cars slicing past.

• Indoors, space was tight. Seating was formal and limited, as the suite was converted into a buffet-style hospitality space. While elegant, it wasn’t the most toddler-friendly setup in terms of room to walk, nap, or play.

Each venue had its trade-offs, but all were exceptionally run and delivered on food, service, and access. Depending on your child’s needs (and your own race priorities), you could go with any of them and have a memorable experience.

Travel Timing: Skip the Monday Departure

One key upgrade from our first Monaco trip: we extended our stay until Tuesday. Departing on Monday after the race is nearly impossible unless you opt for helicopter or boat transfers. Road traffic clogs every route, and navigating that with a child is exhausting.

By staying until Tuesday, we avoided the post-race chaos and gifted ourselves a quiet, final day on the Riviera — a far better way to end such an intense and exhilarating weekend.

Final Thoughts: Monaco with a Toddler — Still Worth It

Traveling to Monaco for the Grand Prix with a two-year-old wasn’t without its challenges, but the improvements we made this year made all the difference:

• Thoughtful accommodations just outside Monaco saved money and added comfort

• Skipping the stroller made movement manageable across the hills and staircases

• Varied hospitality experiences let us balance race immersion with family flexibility

• Extending our stay by one day gave us the calm finale we didn’t know we needed

If you're considering the Monaco Grand Prix as a family — whether it’s your first time or your fifth — know that it's absolutely possible to enjoy this legendary race in luxury and comfort, even with children in tow. It just takes the right planning, a willingness to adapt, and an appreciation for every moment, on and off the track.