A number of luxury hotels in the cities hosting Formula 1 offer stunning track views on race days, with a comfy bed included. Jarrel Tan reports.

Two years ago, Singapore burst into the racing scene staging the world’s first-ever F1 night race. Just as the dust settles in the Grand Prix calendar, with Abu Dhabi’s debut race closing the 2009 season in November, sports enthusiasts are rejoicing over the coming F1 season, which starts in March. The Korean Grand Prix is new to the line-up, and organisers are looking at India possibly hosting a race in 2011. With throngs of visitors flocking to these cities, it is important to plan your trip early to secure a room with the best view.

ABU DHABI

The Yas Hotel

The 499-room hotel opened last October on the ambitious Yas Island (which comprises theme parks, golf courses, malls, apartments, villas and more hotels). Its exterior, a LED gridshell with 5,096 glass panels, provides a stunning optical effect by reflecting coloured lights against the surrounding sky, sea and desert landscape. Inside, the suites boast a contemporary design. The Deluxe and Executive Suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass panels which change from scarlet to indigo to create definition between the entrance and the bedroom, making the most of the Middle East’s hours of sunshine.

The hotel is located in the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit, which laid claim to having the first day-night race in Yas Island. A bridge connecting the hotel’s buildings provides a view of the circuit and five Marina Executive Suites also offer views from their balconies.

Price AED3,500 (US$953) for an entry-level Deluxe Room.
Contact PO Box 131808, Abu Dhabi, tel 971 2 656 0000, www.theyashotel.com

SOUTH KOREA

Hotel Hyundai Mokpo

This newly constructed 208-room hotel is situated near the entrance of the Kumho tide embankment in YoungAm-Gun, where guests can soak in picturesque views of the Aegean Sea. The Halla Mountain in Jeju Island and Moodeung Mountain in Gwangju are visible on clear summer days. The Grand Prix track is also visible from the hotel although it is expected to be ready for the race on October 17.

Price A Deluxe Room starts from KRW170,000 (US$148).
Contact 1237-6 Sampo-li, Samho-eup, Youngam-gun, Jeollanam-do, tel 82 61 469 5050, www.hyundaihotel.com/mokpo

AUSTRALIA

The Sebel Albert Park and Citigate Albert Park, Melbourne

These adjoining sister hotels combine to offer 379 newly refurbished rooms overlooking the stunning Albert Park Lake. From here, guests can also watch the sunsets over Port Philip Bay. The Sebel Albert Park is one of the largest hotels in Melbourne and also boasts a conference and events centre, one of the city’s largest too.

Located on Queens Road, the hotels are just minutes away from Melbourne’s central business district. Guests (of both hotels) will get a clear view of the race, especially the stretch between Turns 12 and 13 of the circuit.

Price A Citigate Room in Citigate Albert Park starts from A$169 (US$153), while a Sebel Queen Room in The Sebel starts from A$189 (US$172).
Contact 65 Queens Road, Melbourne, Victoria, tel 61 3 9529 4300, www.mirvachotels.com

MONACO

Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo

This 136-year-old hotel is an everlasting symbol of prestige. Aside from the perfectly preserved Belle Epoque architecture, it also boasts a three-Michelin-star restaurant. And if you intend to try your luck at the casinos, make sure you rub the knee of the Louis XIV equestrian statue in the entrance hall of the hotel for good fortune

The rooms located in the Rotonde wing (the largest of four wings in the hotel) and also the rooms located on the Casino Square have a tremendous view of the track.

With the hotel’s location in the Principality of Monte Carlo, guests are just steps away from five casinos, 30 restaurants and bars, the mythic city hall Salle des Etoiles and a spa and thalassotherapy centre called the Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo.

Price From €383 (US$562) for an entry-level room.
Contact Place du Casino, tel 377 9806 6361, www.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com

Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo

The historic Hotel Metropole first welcomed guests in 1886. After a 10-month refurbishment in 2004, the 141-room property now strikes a balance between its contemporary appeal and prestigious past. Each bedroom is finished to the highest specification and is rich in textures. Cool colours come together with the finest natural materials including solid wood and smooth slate to offer stunning bathrooms.

The hotel is located in the Carré d’Or district of the Principality, an area near the casino where you will find the most luxurious boutiques. Guests are able to view the race from the in-house restaurant, Joël Robuchon. Also, guests in Prestige Suites can enjoy the race from the comfort of their rooms.

Price From €420 (US$621) for a Superior Room.
Contact 4, Avenue de la Madone, tel 377 9315 1515, www.metropole.com

Fairmont Monte Carlo

This hotel lays claim to one of Europe’s largest hotels, with 602 rooms and suites, two restaurants and bars, 18 meeting rooms, a Willow Stream fitness centre and a heated pool. All rooms come complete with private terraces with deck chairs and breakfast sitting areas.

The four-star luxury hotel is located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco in between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Casino of Monte Carlo. Its rooftop terrace overlooks the renowned hairpin turn in the Monte Carlo circuit.

Price From €249 (US$369) for a Fairmont Room.
Contact 12 Avenue des Spélugues, tel 377 9350 6500, www.fairmont.com/montecarlo

SINGAPORE

Marina Mandarin

A S$25 million (US$18 million) remodelling project in 2005 added a touch of refined elegance and contemporary charm to its 575 guestrooms and suites. The hotel is the only member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Singapore. Awarded the Distinguished Patron of the Arts accolade by the National Arts Council of Singapore, Marina Mandarin provides in-house residency to emerging Asian artists. Located in the middle of the track, the hotel offers stunning views of the circuit from all guestrooms, with the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Suntec City or the Singapore Flyer as the backdrop.

Price An F1 early bird package starts from S$388 (US$279) for an entry-level Deluxe Room, valid for bookings till March 30.
Contact 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, tel 65 6845 1000, www.marina-mandarin.com.sg

Swissôtel The Stamford

Swissôtel The Stamford is Singapore’s largest business and convention hotel, being connected to Raffles City Convention Centre and Raffles City Shopping Centre, and is mere minutes away from the central business district. It boasts 1,261 deluxe guestrooms and suites, and an impressive 16 restaurants and bars within a building designed by IM Pei.

On race days, the circuit-facing Stamford Crest Suites on levels 64 to 66 offer the best views with 80 percent of the track in sight. To get a closer look of the action below, Swissôtel recommends rooms on levels 20 to 40. What’s more, enhance your viewing experience with panoramic vistas of Singapore, Malaysia and some outlying islands of Indonesia.

Price From S$550 (US396) for a Classic Room.
Contact 2 Stamford Road, tel 65 6338 8585, www.swissotel.com/singapore-stamford