Monaco GP 2016 - Advice
Discussion
Hi all,
Hoping some you can help me out with some advice regarding Monaco GP 2016. The wife wants to do something for our 5th Anniversary and it happens to be on 29th May 2016, and Monaco has always been on her list of places to visit. I'm hoping I can make it work, but need some advice off those of you all.
1. It would be a Friday to Monday so I'm assuming flight to Nice and then train/Taxi or equivalent from there?
2. It would be amazing if I could rent an apartment for the whole weekend so I can watch from a balcony or similar, can't imagine I can persuade the Mrs to sit there all weekend in a grandstand.
3. If the above apartment rental isn't possible then which would be the recommended place to watch/buy tickets?
4. I'm assuming even though it's probably super busy on race weekend it's still possible to roam the streets and find places to drink/eat for couples or is it booked/reserved out by all the Russians oligarchs and Lewis Hamilton's entourage ?:P
Thanks in advance, would be the perfect anniversary present to myself, but I do need to make it work for the dear wife too, she'll no doubt have reservations but at least it not as noisy these days compared to the screaming old motors , which may be a plus for her
Thanks again
Hoping some you can help me out with some advice regarding Monaco GP 2016. The wife wants to do something for our 5th Anniversary and it happens to be on 29th May 2016, and Monaco has always been on her list of places to visit. I'm hoping I can make it work, but need some advice off those of you all.
1. It would be a Friday to Monday so I'm assuming flight to Nice and then train/Taxi or equivalent from there?
2. It would be amazing if I could rent an apartment for the whole weekend so I can watch from a balcony or similar, can't imagine I can persuade the Mrs to sit there all weekend in a grandstand.
3. If the above apartment rental isn't possible then which would be the recommended place to watch/buy tickets?
4. I'm assuming even though it's probably super busy on race weekend it's still possible to roam the streets and find places to drink/eat for couples or is it booked/reserved out by all the Russians oligarchs and Lewis Hamilton's entourage ?:P
Thanks in advance, would be the perfect anniversary present to myself, but I do need to make it work for the dear wife too, she'll no doubt have reservations but at least it not as noisy these days compared to the screaming old motors , which may be a plus for her
Thanks again
I'm sure someone with some proper advise will come along shortly.
However, we went in 2014 and stayed in Nice and then found a train which was 10 minutes walk. The train takes you to Monaco and you come out at Turn 1 (I was amazed at this point).
For an apartment at the track.. £££££.
There are several companies who offer packages, so flights, hotel, tickets etc. I can't recall exactly who we used but have a Google and you will see several options.
We found places to each (me and the better half) without to much hassle.
Go for it - you cannot get closer to to the cars, the atmosphere is fantastic. And you can walk the track after for plenty of photos. We had a superb weekend and we did it on the cheap really.
However, we went in 2014 and stayed in Nice and then found a train which was 10 minutes walk. The train takes you to Monaco and you come out at Turn 1 (I was amazed at this point).
For an apartment at the track.. £££££.
There are several companies who offer packages, so flights, hotel, tickets etc. I can't recall exactly who we used but have a Google and you will see several options.
We found places to each (me and the better half) without to much hassle.
Go for it - you cannot get closer to to the cars, the atmosphere is fantastic. And you can walk the track after for plenty of photos. We had a superb weekend and we did it on the cheap really
.Lalli220 said:
1. It would be a Friday to Monday so I'm assuming flight to Nice and then train/Taxi or equivalent from there?
Get a helicopter transfer if you can - some packages include it. Much better way to arrive.And, seriously, consider going for the Historic GP instead - it's less crowded, far more relaxed and you'll get much closer to the action - including access to the pits and paddock.
Went last year with my fiance and had a cracking weekend. It's more than watching a grand prix which to be honest isn't the most exciting spectator sport these days. It's more about being so close to everything and soaking up the atmosphere. Monaco really is quite unique and I would really recommend going.
We stayed in Nice and took the train down to Monaco every day. It's really easy and well organised even on race day so it's not a problem whatsoever. Nice to chat to people on the train too. Best thing is to buy tickets for all 3 days on the Friday so you don't have to queue in the mornings on sat and sun.
We bought grandstand tickets for quali and race day. Quali we were at Anthony Nogues corner. Nice intimate little stand with good view of the pit entry and start finish straight. Also has a big screen in front so you can keep up with the race action and times. Race day we were in Tribune K1 with a great view over the harbour. We were about 2 rows from the back and you can turn round and see the first corner (crashes) and the hill up to Casino. If you can get on the back row you are on to a winner. We bought tickers from Automobile Club de Monaco and picked them up from the ticket office. With weekend grandstand tickets you get pitlane access friday so you can wander about and watch the teams doing practice starts etc.
On race day you will see scantily clad girls holding signs offering balconies for a few hundred euros with drinks included etc. As it was our first time we just wanted to be sure of a seat for the race, but if we were to go again I'd probably wing it and try my luck on a balcony. Our grandstand tickets cost around €500 each anyway so if you're up for a bit of adventure just take the cash and see where it gets you.
Food in Monaco was straight forward. Tons of cafes serving food and they pretty much all do baguettes to take away. It's cool just sitting outside a cafe having morning coffee people watching. There are some real characters, gangsters and wannabes knocking around, but it's all good fun. The local super markets are good and offer beer, wine, sandwiches, fresh fruit etc.
We didn't stay in Monaco too late each day. There are some lovely restaurants in Nice (Le Petit Cafe on Rue Grimaldi is brilliant) so we went back there each evening, freshened up at the hotel then went out for drinks and food. The seafront is nice for taking stroll. I'd stay away from the 'old town' area as it's a complete tourist trap with Irish bars, English restaurants and the usual suspects trying to sell you cheap tat as you walk down the street.
As with anything in Monaco I guess the sky is the limit with how much you want to spend. VIP package for £15K...why not if you have it :-) We just wanted to do it on a budget but with grandstand tickets for a good view of the racing. I think it cost us about £3500 all in (€1400 on tickets + 4* hotel/flights/spending money). We did look at packages but for out budget, what they were offering really wasn't worth the premium.
If you need any more info I'd be happy to help.
We stayed in Nice and took the train down to Monaco every day. It's really easy and well organised even on race day so it's not a problem whatsoever. Nice to chat to people on the train too. Best thing is to buy tickets for all 3 days on the Friday so you don't have to queue in the mornings on sat and sun.
We bought grandstand tickets for quali and race day. Quali we were at Anthony Nogues corner. Nice intimate little stand with good view of the pit entry and start finish straight. Also has a big screen in front so you can keep up with the race action and times. Race day we were in Tribune K1 with a great view over the harbour. We were about 2 rows from the back and you can turn round and see the first corner (crashes) and the hill up to Casino. If you can get on the back row you are on to a winner. We bought tickers from Automobile Club de Monaco and picked them up from the ticket office. With weekend grandstand tickets you get pitlane access friday so you can wander about and watch the teams doing practice starts etc.
On race day you will see scantily clad girls holding signs offering balconies for a few hundred euros with drinks included etc. As it was our first time we just wanted to be sure of a seat for the race, but if we were to go again I'd probably wing it and try my luck on a balcony. Our grandstand tickets cost around €500 each anyway so if you're up for a bit of adventure just take the cash and see where it gets you.
Food in Monaco was straight forward. Tons of cafes serving food and they pretty much all do baguettes to take away. It's cool just sitting outside a cafe having morning coffee people watching. There are some real characters, gangsters and wannabes knocking around, but it's all good fun. The local super markets are good and offer beer, wine, sandwiches, fresh fruit etc.
We didn't stay in Monaco too late each day. There are some lovely restaurants in Nice (Le Petit Cafe on Rue Grimaldi is brilliant) so we went back there each evening, freshened up at the hotel then went out for drinks and food. The seafront is nice for taking stroll. I'd stay away from the 'old town' area as it's a complete tourist trap with Irish bars, English restaurants and the usual suspects trying to sell you cheap tat as you walk down the street.
As with anything in Monaco I guess the sky is the limit with how much you want to spend. VIP package for £15K...why not if you have it :-) We just wanted to do it on a budget but with grandstand tickets for a good view of the racing. I think it cost us about £3500 all in (€1400 on tickets + 4* hotel/flights/spending money). We did look at packages but for out budget, what they were offering really wasn't worth the premium.
If you need any more info I'd be happy to help.
Lalli220 said:
Oz83, that's some excellent advice. Really appreciate you taking the time out to respond. Much appreciated. Think I might take a chance on the balconies! Its the accomodation and non F1 stuff that I need to make sure its all planned and spot on.
No problem! We looked at accommodation in Monaco and unfortunately there was absolutely nothing within our budget. Our next option was Menton but we left it a bit late and everything was booked up or very expensive. Also as we were flying from Nice it made sense to be there close to the airport (Menton is on the opposite side of Monaco). We spent a leisurely morning on the beach before traveling home on the Monday.The train journey from Nice to Monaco takes around 20 mins with a nice view out to sea so don't let it put you off staying there. You should be able to find a really nice 5* hotel for the price of an average place up in the hills around Monaco.
Best of luck with it all. I'm sure you'll have a great time wherever you end up staying! I'll definitely go back one day.
Oz83 said:
No problem! We looked at accommodation in Monaco and unfortunately there was absolutely nothing within our budget. Our next option was Menton but we left it a bit late and everything was booked up or very expensive. Also as we were flying from Nice it made sense to be there close to the airport (Menton is on the opposite side of Monaco). We spent a leisurely morning on the beach before traveling home on the Monday.
The train journey from Nice to Monaco takes around 20 mins with a nice view out to sea so don't let it put you off staying there. You should be able to find a really nice 5* hotel for the price of an average place up in the hills around Monaco.
Best of luck with it all. I'm sure you'll have a great time wherever you end up staying! I'll definitely go back one day.
Thanks once again for the great advice. Think we've made up our mind and we'll be looking at stopping over in Nice as we are flying into the airport there anyway. Was the train station easily accessible from where you stayed or was it a taxi ride to the station? The train journey from Nice to Monaco takes around 20 mins with a nice view out to sea so don't let it put you off staying there. You should be able to find a really nice 5* hotel for the price of an average place up in the hills around Monaco.
Best of luck with it all. I'm sure you'll have a great time wherever you end up staying! I'll definitely go back one day.
The central station was a 10 minute walk from our hotel so again, just really easy. Our hotel was located about half way between the seafront promenade and the station.
Also the airport is only about 5km from the centre of Nice. Taxis cost about €25 and there are regular buses from outside the terminal building which cost around €3.
Also the airport is only about 5km from the centre of Nice. Taxis cost about €25 and there are regular buses from outside the terminal building which cost around €3.
Edited by Oz83 on Tuesday 3rd November 06:09
I would think that all apartments in Monaco are already booked for the Grand Prix weekend for 2016 already. If not, you are looking at tens of thousands of pounds perhaps for the weekend, probably more if you are wanting views of the Grand Prix.
Travel - best option is to fly to Nice. Although the way I like to do it, is to travel to Paris on the Eurostar, then catch the TGV from Gare du Lyon. Travel in comfort and get to see the whole country within a few hours.
Accommodation - for cost purposes, it is better to stay out of Monaco in Cannes or Nice. They put on loads of extra trains over the GP weekend, although these are still all rammed!
As above, it is more than just seeing the cars go round, although seeing any car travelling over 100mph on a tight street circuit is very impressive, it is about being part of the Grand Prix weekend. There is usually tonnes on everywhere you go and it gives you a great opportunity to get up close to the drivers and teams, more so than probably any other race and you don't necessarily need a ticket to do so.
In terms of viewing, in my opinion grand stand O is the most impressive. It gives you views of the pits, and the turns around the swimming pool, one of the fastest corners on the track.
Travel - best option is to fly to Nice. Although the way I like to do it, is to travel to Paris on the Eurostar, then catch the TGV from Gare du Lyon. Travel in comfort and get to see the whole country within a few hours.
Accommodation - for cost purposes, it is better to stay out of Monaco in Cannes or Nice. They put on loads of extra trains over the GP weekend, although these are still all rammed!
As above, it is more than just seeing the cars go round, although seeing any car travelling over 100mph on a tight street circuit is very impressive, it is about being part of the Grand Prix weekend. There is usually tonnes on everywhere you go and it gives you a great opportunity to get up close to the drivers and teams, more so than probably any other race and you don't necessarily need a ticket to do so.
In terms of viewing, in my opinion grand stand O is the most impressive. It gives you views of the pits, and the turns around the swimming pool, one of the fastest corners on the track.
georgefreeman said:
George, thanks again for the advice, really appreciate, love pistonheads, man version of mumsnet is what I told the Mrs, she's read the responses and is impressed by the forums and that its not all about drilling holes in exhausts to make them louder :PSo we've booked our flights to Nice, and now just sorting out an Apartment or Hotel in Nice. I've used a site called AirBNB before and its pretty good, has some seaview apartments which could be just the ticket.
Thanks again all!
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