Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is creating a signature bar at Hôtel Hermitage designed to become as iconic as the American Bar at Hôtel de Paris. Bar Gustave will open beneath the hotel’s spectacular Gustave Eiffel glass dome by the end of May, alongside a reimagined winter garden terrace.
SBM CEO Stéphane Valeri announced the project during his New Year address to the press on Wednesday 7th January, describing it as part of his vision to highlight what he considers the hotel’s most beautiful architectural feature — one that has been underappreciated since he arrived at the company three years ago.
Illuminating Eiffel’s masterpiece
The centrepiece of the project is the magnificent glass dome designed by Gustave Eiffel, which crowns the hotel’s central hall. The structure will receive dramatic new lighting to showcase its Belle Époque splendour, particularly at night.
“The most beautiful part of Hôtel Hermitage is this hall, this incredible glass roof made by Gustave Eiffel,” Valeri told the press. “We are going to highlight it. We will illuminate it at night— it will be absolutely exceptional.”
The new bar, named in homage to the dome’s creator, will be positioned directly beneath this architectural jewel. Valeri hopes Bar Gustave will become as much of a draw for Hôtel Hermitage as the legendary American Bar has been for Hôtel de Paris, a destination in its own right, attracting hotel guests and Monaco residents alike.
Winter garden transformation
The project extends beyond the bar itself to include a complete redevelopment of the winter garden terrace, an outdoor space Valeri acknowledged has not been properly utilised. The combined spaces will create what he described as “a new living space” with dedicated valet service and an additional entrance to enhance the hotel’s accessibility and appeal.
The transformation aims to energise the hotel’s two Michelin-starred restaurants: Pavyllon Monte-Carlo by Yannick Alléno (one star) and L’Abysse Monte-Carlo (two stars). By creating an attractive gathering spot, SBM expects to draw both hotel guests and local residents, reconnecting with what Valeri called “the original spirit of this place”.
Work is already underway, with completion scheduled for the end of May 2026 as part of the hotel’s ongoing phase two renovations.
Broader Hermitage transformation
Bar Gustave represents just one element of Hôtel Hermitage’s comprehensive renovation programme, which SBM is executing in five phases to avoid disrupting operations. The company conducts work only during the low season from October to March.
Phase two, completing in May 2026, encompasses 10 Diamond Suites plus 30 new rooms and suites across four levels of the Prince Wing. Combined with phase one, the renovation will deliver 84 redesigned rooms. Some Diamond Suites have been designed in collaboration with renowned French decorator and interior architect Pierre-Yves Rochon.
The renovation follows the successful model established at Hôtel de Paris, where comprehensive refurbishment more than doubled revenue since 2019 to nearly €100 million annually. Valeri wants Hôtel Hermitage to follow the same trajectory, targeting Ultra High Net Worth Individuals who increasingly demand larger suites rather than standard rooms.
Newly renovated rooms at Hermitage and Monte-Carlo Bay are already commanding approximately 25% premiums over pre-renovation rates, according to Valeri.
Strategic repositioning
The Bar Gustave project reflects SBM’s broader strategy of creating distinctive spaces that serve multiple functions—attracting hotel guests, drawing local residents, and becoming destinations in their own right.
By highlighting the Eiffel dome through dramatic lighting and creating a sophisticated bar beneath it, SBM aims to transform an underutilised architectural treasure into a signature feature that distinguishes Hôtel Hermitage in Monaco’s competitive luxury hotel market.
See also:
Monaco’s SBM eyes global luxury empire following LVMH playbook
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Photo source: MCSBM