Adagio Monte Cristo, an aparthotel on Monaco's doorstep

The name is misleading, so let’s clear that up first. The Aparthotel Adagio Monaco Monte Cristo isn’t in Monaco at all but in Beausoleil, the French town that presses against Monte-Carlo from the north. Its own website gives the address as 2A rue des Martyrs de la Résistance, postcode 06240. That said, it’s so close to the border and the station that for a visitor the difference is almost a technicality, and for a certain kind of trip it ranks among the most useful bases around the Principality.

What exactly is the Adagio Monte Cristo?

It’s an aparthotel from the Adagio chain, part of the Accor group, with 78 fully equipped flats. They range from a 20 m² studio for two to a 40 m² two-bedroom flat for five or six. Every one has a kitchen, coffee machine and kettle, and the building offers a 24-hour reception, indoor parking, a launderette and an ironing service. Accor gives it 3 stars in its listing and marks it as renovated. Pets are welcome, it’s wheelchair accessible and it carries the Green Key label. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 11:00.

One touch for families I think is well judged is that under-16s get breakfast free if an adult pays for theirs.

Beausoleil, Monaco and the invisible border

Beausoleil and Monaco are stitched together by streets and steps, with no checks. For you that means three things. First, you’re sleeping in France, although right on the border your phone may still pick up a Monaco mast, which matters because UK networks can price Monaco differently from France. Second, Monaco taxis have to be ordered from inside the Principality, not from Beausoleil, according to Visit Monaco. Third, for everything else you’re a stroll from the station and La Condamine. The town has its own page in Beausoleil, with its slopes and its market.

On the walk to the station, Adagio’s listing contradicts itself. The text says 5 minutes on foot. Its distance table says 0.5 km and 15 minutes. I’d assume somewhere in between and pick the station exit that suits you best, because there are four and they’re not equally close, as I explain in Monaco train station.

Who is it for?

Families and groups, first and foremost. In Monaco the most basic hotel is a two-star and the three-stars can be counted on one hand. With children, being able to make breakfast and the odd dinner changes the budget, and everyone having their own room changes the mood. If you want to compare with what’s available inside the Principality, the simpler hotels are in cheap hotels in Monaco.

For a couple staying one night, on the other hand, I don’t see as much in it. A hotel in La Condamine puts you nearer the harbour and the Rock, and you won’t need the kitchen.

Getting there from Nice airport

Adagio’s listing puts Nice airport 31 km and about 35 minutes away by car, without traffic. Without a car, the simplest route is to reach Monaco station and walk up. From Nice the regional train takes 23 minutes and costs €6.10, and from the airport you can take the tram or the footbridge over to Nice Saint-Augustin, where the same train stops. The 80 express bus works too, but it stops at Place d’Armes, lower down, and with cases the climb to Beausoleil is hard going. If you’re driving, the building’s indoor car park spares you hunting for a space on streets where they’re scarce. All the options are compared in Nice to Monaco.

Don’t mix it up with Palais Joséphine

Adagio has a second building nearby, the Aparthotel Adagio Monaco Palais Joséphine, at 2A avenue du Général de Gaulle, also in Beausoleil. It’s bigger, with 100 air-conditioned flats, and has an outdoor pool in the summer season and private parking, 10 minutes’ walk from the beach according to its listing. The names are so alike that it’s easy to book one while thinking of the other. Travelling with children in summer, the Palais Joséphine pool would make me think twice. If having the train close by is what matters, I’d stick with Monte Cristo.

My advice before booking

Compare the price on Adagio’s website and on Booking for your dates, because there’s no fixed published rate, and ask about parking if you’re driving, as the listing doesn’t price it. Every accommodation option, inside the Principality and out, are compared in where to stay in Monaco.