Suite 750 at the Carlton in Cannes pays homage to Grace Kelly. ©Intercontinental Carlton de Cannes

Take a trip around the world with a stay in the poshest European hotels frequented by the actress-turned-princess.



"Grace of Monaco," the new biopic with Nicole Kidman in the title role, will premiere as the opening film of the Cannes Film Festival (May 14-25). Through the years, a number of hotels frequented by the actress-turned-princess have paid tribute to her elegance and beauty. Here, we propose a trip around the world to the suites deemed fit for a princess.

The first stop, naturally, is in Cannes. The luxurious Carlton, on the famous Croisette, christened its Grace Kelly suite four years ago. The actress stayed at the hotel several times, including in 1954, the year she met Prince Rainier.

With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the suite (number 750) occupies 278 square meters on the 7th floor -- a reference to cinema, which is widely considered the "7th art" and to the concept of "7th heaven," according to the hotel. Guests can enjoy a panoramic view over the Bay of Cannes from the terrace. A night in the suite can cost €14,000 (around $19,300) during peak season.

The five-star Hôtel de la Paix in Geneva, Switzerland also pays homage to the royal family of Monaco, who were frequent guests. The luxurious 95 square meter suite dedicated to the princess offers an incomparable view over Lake Léman. Lavishly furnished, the suite offers all the comforts and amenities a European sovereign might expect. Pricing starts at €1,520 per night (around $2,100).

The Gresham, one of the most renowned hotels in Dublin, decided to honor the princess with a penthouse suite bearing her name. The Grace Kelly Suite, priced at €4,000 per night (around $5,500), includes two rooms but is not open to children. Located on O'Connell Street, in the heart of the Irish capital, the hotel was also frequented by the princess.

The royal couple was apparently fond of Dublin, and another hotel in the city, The Shelbourne, also renamed a suite for the princess. The actress and Prince Rainier took a liking to suite 270 -- now the Princess Grace Suite -- in which they spent several nights. With two bedrooms, a living room and a dining room, the suite has all the comforts of a full apartment.

Finally, the journey ends in Los Angeles, the city that made Grace Kelly an icon of glamor. The Bel-Air also has a Grace Kelly suite. It remains uncertain whether the princess ever stayed in the hotel, which opened in 1946. Prices start at around $490(€355) per night.

 

We recommend:

Luxurious presidential suites in Asia

The best airports in the world for shopping, dining and staying