BA Holidays to Monaco – maximising rewards

[AL]

About to book a BA Holidays trip to Monaco flying MAN-LHR-NCE return, staying at the Fairmont. The BA quote includes the fourth night free and double TPs because the trip is five nights.

I have circa 200,000 Avios sitting pretty, a Barclays upgrade voucher and an AmEx companion voucher. However, the vouchers expire in 2024, so I’d rather save them for a longer-distance journey unless there’s a reason to splash them on this. I am open to spending some Avios on a CE upgrade for us both, though, but I think I have to do that in MMB – or can I call and do that as part of the quote?

I’ll be paying on the BA Prem Plus Amex, so that should be 3 Avios per £1 on top of the Avios earned from the flight and my 50% Silver bonus. I know that VAA will offer me TPs and Virgin Points bonuses for booking a VAA Holiday, but it looks like the nearest equivalent in BA Hols is the Double TPs offer.

Any opportunities to maximise rewards that I’ve missed?

[JDB]

@AL I’ll let someone else answer how best to book, but as you haven’t yet booked, maybe reconsider the choice of hotel. It’s pretty awful in multiple respects. It is very ugly and dated although they are doing some refurb at the moment; lots of complaints about the noise. The location is not great either – look on Google satellite/earth.

[AL]

Good to know – thanks, @JDB! I’ll have a look for other ideas; suggestions welcome for hotel, then!

[JDB]

AL wrote:

Good to know – thanks, @JDB! I’ll have a look for other ideas; suggestions welcome for hotel, then!

I have no idea of the price differential, but the Fairmont is neither on the beach (but by the sea) nor exactly in the town. For the beach, Monte Carlo Bay or Monte Carlo beach, possibly Méridien. In the town, Hotel de Paris or Hermitage which are the classic glamorous MC hotels (linked underground with joint pool/spa) right by the casino.

[Rob]

You also get 1 Avios per £1 for booking with BA Holidays – this is on top of your credit card and flight Avios.

[T_London]

I’ve heard the same re staying at the Fairmont too. Although I don’t think the location is bad at all, also considering how small Monaco is, you can probably get to wherever you need to be in a matter of minutes!

I would recommend going to their L’Horizon Deck rooftop restaurant for breakfast or their brunch buffet. They have tables on the terrace looking onto the sea and it’s just wonderful. I make sure to go at least once every time I visit the south of France!

Also just an FYI if it’s your first time to Monaco – Uber doesn’t work in Monaco so if you’re looking to get from Monaco to France you’d have to take the bus or train, or a private taxi.

[George K]

Le Meridien has probably the only private beach in town – I was very impressed. Fairmont isn’t great, as indicated above. Rooftop pool (Nikki Beach branded) is the best part of the place. Some nice sea-side views but that’s it.