NEW YORK - January 22, 2002 - Five year-olds dream of palaces and princes, of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. What do adult romantics dream of when they imagine a fairytale come true? Champagne on balconies above a sparkling sea, a yacht in shimmering moonlight, elegant dining by candlelight, a sumptuously elegant hotel room, breakfast in bed…and palaces and princesses and charming princes. In short, the Principality of Monaco, where some of Europe’s finest hotels and their restaurants, perched on the brilliant Mediterranean Sea in the heart of the fabulous Riviera, are tailor-made for romance. Monaco has been synonymous with glamour and romance since, well, virtually forever. Ruled by the same royal family for over 700 years, with real toy soldiers guarding a real hilltop palace, the Principality has always drawn royalty, celebrities, the rich and famous from all over the world. At the turn of the 20th century, the painters, composers, designers and performers who would define European culture for the next 100 years flocked to the Monte-Carlo Opera and Ballet.

The incomparable harbor continues to welcome the world’s largest and most expensive yachts. The Monte Carlo Grand Prix is just one highlight of a year-long schedule of international events that add immeasurable flair. And an exclusive collection of superb hotels continues to dazzle even the most experienced travelers with some of the best restaurants in Europe and luxurious amenities and service beyond compare. Several of these hotels provide for romantic vacation packages ideal for everything from Valentine’s Day to honeymoons and anniversaries. For example, the famous Hotel Hermitage, a member of Monaco’s luxury SBM Hotels, this year offers a Valentine’s Day package that includes: - 3 nights accommodations - Daily American buffet breakfast - Welcome fruit basket - Privileges of the SBM Gold Card -Special Valentine’s Day candlelight dinner for two in the magnificent Salle Belle Epoque, with four gourmet courses and a bottle of champagne. The package is priced at 1,250 Euros per couple (approximately $1,120).

Other romantic options in Monaco include:
Le Metropole Palace Honeymoon Package
From Now thru 03/27/02:
Junior Suite- 1,350€ ($1,195)
Suite- 1,700€ ($1,500)
From 03/28/02 thru 10/31/02: Excl. during Grand Prix (May)
Junior Suite- 1,550€ ($1,370)
Suite- 1,980€ ($1,750)
Includes: -3 nights accommodation in either Junior Suite or Suite for two people -Daily breakfast -Bottle of Champagne and fruit basket, upon arrival -Upgrade to Deluxe category (based on availability) -Gourmet dinner for two in the Hotel’s Le Jardin restaurant (excluding drinks) -One-way helicopter transfer from/ to Nice Airport -2 Complimentary bathrobes Prices in US$ are given as a guideline only. Rates may fluctuate with exchange rate.

SBM - Hotel de Paris, Hotel Hermitage, Hotel Mirabeau, Monte Carlo Beach Hotel
“Taste of Monte Carlo” Honeymoon Package Hotel de Paris Now
thru 03/31/02- 1,475€ ($1,305) 04/01/02 thru 10/31/02- 1,790€ ($1,585)

Hotel Hermitage
Now thru 03/31/02
1,400€ ($1,240) 04/01/02 thru 10/31/02- 1,625€ ($1,440)

Hotel Mirabeau
Now thru 03/31/02
1,115€ ($985) 04/01/02 thru 10/31/02- 1,205€ ($1,065)

Monte Carlo Beach Hotel
Now thru 03/31/02- 1,130€ ($1,000)
04/01/02 thru 10/31/02- 1,580€ ($1,400)
Package Includes: -3 nights accommodation for two people -Upgrade to Junior Suite -Daily Breakfast - Welcome fruit basket - Privileges of the SBM Gold Card - Candlelight dinner for two at the Mirabeau hotel’s La Coupole restaurant or at the Hotel Hermitage’s Le Vistamar restaurant - Chocolate box - 2 Complimentary bathrobes Package based on double occupancy.

Black out dates apply. Prices in US$ are given as a guideline only.

To introduce travelers to the magic of Monaco, the Monaco Government Tourist Office is offering a free Prelude membership in its VIP membership program, Le Club Diamant Rouge, to those who book one of these romantic excursions throughout 2002. With a Prelude membership in Le Club Diamant Rouge, travelers will experience the enchantment of Monaco with savings such as 25% off helicopter transfers from or to Nice International Airport, discounts at Monaco’s museums and luxury boutiques, special entitlements at Les Thermes Marins seawater spa, and preferential treatment at gourmet restaurants throughout Monaco. At home, Club members will receive regular newsletters announcing special “members-only” packages and invitations to events with Monaco’s luminaries and artists, as well as news from the Principality. Free Prelude membership is available only through the Monaco Government Tourist Office.