If you've been for a walk by the sea lately on the Eastern side of Monaco, you'll have noticed the construction work going on at the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel.

Just over the border in Roquebrune, the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel welcomes glamorous guests who want to take advantage of the summer sunshine and sea. Opened in 1929 and commissioned by Rene Leon, director of the Societe des Bains de Mer (now Monte Carlo SBM), the hotel's construction was entrusted to architect Roger Seassal. It was hoped the hotel would appeal to tourists whose preference was changing from winter to summer sun.

During its annual winter closure this year, the historic hotel has been undergoing some changes. Major renovation work of the 26 rooms and 14 suites has been put in the hands of Paris based designer and architect India Madhavi, who has worked on projects all over the world.

In addition to the internal design, the area around the hotel has been undergoing landscaping. The construction company in charge of the project is the Monegasque enterprise Richelmi, a subsidiary of GFC Construction, which itself is a subsidiary of French group Bouygues Construction. Richelmi has been awarded the "Chantier Bleu" label in recognition of its commitment to workplace quality, safety and environment.

The hotel is due to open its doors to summer guests again in May.