May 31 2008: I felt like I was staying at a really fancy room in a mansion owned by someone with "old money". Everything was perfect in the room from the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom to the window seats overlooking the river, overflowing with plush pillows, to the live goldfish and plants.
Date of stay: March 2008
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Partner)
Boutique, Stylish, Entertainment, Nightlife, Business People, Events & Meetings, Not Scenic
June 1 2008: This is a really nice spot in downtown Chicago. When the cab first pulled up in front of it I almost told him to take me to the nearest Westin because all the construction happening in the front of the building made it look kinda sketchy. But once I got inside it was a different story.
I had a nice room on the 11th floor with a sweet view of the river and the city. Staff was nice and helpful. It reminded of the Hotel Vintage court in San Fran which I loved. The room I got was fabulous, gently perfumed and nicely decked out made me wish I had someone to share it with t the time. Alas I was solo.
They offer wine tasting in the evening and coffee in the mornings so if you like being social, and I do, its even better.
Date of stay: January 2008
Purpose of stay: Business
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Location. Located along the banks of the Chicago River in the Central Business district and the theater district of Chicago, Ill., stands the Hotel Monaco Chicago. The hotel is three blocks from the eclectic shops of the Magnificent Mile. Three blocks from the 14 story hotel are the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. Millennium Park is four blocks away. Hotel Features. Originally a hat factory built in 1912, the Hotel Monaco Chicago opens to an atrium style lobby sanctuary, complete with French Deco furniture, marbled floors, antique rugs and seating areas in front of a fireplace. Chefs at the on site South Water Kitchen restaurant prepare American dishes with Mediterranean flare in a casual, family friendly atmosphere. The hotel features a hosted evening wine reception with tarot card and palm readers, handwriting analysis, chair massages and old fashioned board games. The business center offers two computers with high speed Internet access for a fee and complimentary wireless Internet access throughout public areas. Cardiovascular and strength training equipment are provided in the hotel's fitness area, while discounted access to a full service health club nearby is also offered. The hotel participates in Kimpton's EarthCare program and has adopted standard environmentally friendly products and practices with high impact and benefit to the environment.
Guestrooms. The 192 contemporary guestrooms of the Hotel Monaco Chicago are washed in red and gold, and off set by sunburst shaped mirrors and meditation window seats. Well lit mahogany Ruhlmann desks and armoires are showcased in each room. Standard amenities include cable television, CD players and complimentary high speed Internet access. Bathrooms feature dimming lights, granite countertops, bathrobes and complimentary L'Occitane designer toiletries. Private guestroom workouts with treadmills are available for a fee.
Expert Tip. At check in, a Hotel Monaco Chicago signature trademark features a bowl of glimmering goldfish, something each guest is encouraged to take to guestrooms for the duration of the visit. The hotel staff is trained to feed and take care of the goldfish so all guests are required to do is name the fish.
May 3 2008: Monaco is a chain hotel, but Kimpton retains its boutique heritage. Clean, sleek, modern but not necessarily trendy. Very friendly staff. 
