Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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Mar 1, 2010
Great hotel, very well appointed and spacious rooms, and very well maintained,
excellent service and nice extra little touches, like the pet fish in your room
and the free wine hour in the lobby. Great location. Highly recommended!
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
Feb 23, 2010
Stayed 4 nights at the Kimpton hotel in a Monte Carlo Suite.
- Layout of room was nice with sufficient space.
- Bathroom was simple and clean.
- Staff were hit or miss, with Jessica being friendly, but another being quite
short when making requests.
- Coffee machine was brought up to the suite after a phone call to guest
services which was very welcomed.
- The tap water was safe to drink but didn't taste too great, so we requested
for pitchers of filtered water which was brought up without charge.
- Didn't get any of the goldfish i'd been reading about but that didn't matter.
- Free coffee in the morning and wine tastings at night are very nice with lots
of people attending.
- Great hotel location, within walking distance to anywhere (Seattle is a great
walking city).
- Didn't use valet parking due to price, opting instead for "around the corner
street parking"
- Valet did help inquire about town car service to Seattle, but quote came back
far too high.
- Nearby lots of nice cafes and restaurants (Purple, etc)
- Starbucks two doors down (but that is standard anywhere in Seattle)
- Quiet hotel - never heard any of our neighbors as some reports had mentioned.
- Gym is small but has standard equipment (treadmill was out of order)
- Free internet was useful (for Kimpton members)
Finally, i would say the value is decent and would probably repeat if in Seattle
again. Prior to my trip I considered staying at either the Fairmont or Monaco,
and looking back i'm glad i ended up choosing the Monaco. The Fairmont looked
old and worn from the inside.
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
Feb 9, 2010
Love the Monaco Hotel, a Kempton property, in downtown Seattle. The staff is
very attentive, especially the front desk and valet. They really treat guests
well. The rooms are spacious, the beds incredibly comfortable, easy walking
distance to tons of shopping, fabulous restaurants, museum, library and Pike's
Market.
The restaurant in the hotel, Zazeracs is very good - room service comes from
there too. The concierge are very helpful as is the valet staff - any request is
quickly accommodated. Won the Monaco on Priceline - but would pay standard rate,
it's that good.
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
Dec 14, 2009
I have some of the same complaints as others. The hotel is nice, staff was very
friendly except for one valet person. The hotel is definitely boutique which is
a different style. Our biggest complaint was $43 per night for parking and we
did not have access to vehicle. Valet was rude and informed us that all 4 star
hotels are similar and you're not allowed access to car. That is not true as
we've stayed at other 4 star hotels in area. It was an inconvenience not being
able to easily access car for items we needed. For 3 nights the price of the
parking added up. I had requested a quiet room and received one of the rooms at
the end of the hallway next to three other doors which were constantly slamming
very loudly and you could hear people talking next door. This is truly upsetting
when you're wanting to spend a special quiet anniversary weekend away. Would
have been nice if TV was in front of bed. Housekeeping was good, but a hassle to
get coffee as I was told that the "mini-bar" person does that. Bed was very
uncomfortable and caused back aches. Restaurant next door was superb!
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
Dec 12, 2009
I came to SEA to celebrate my birthday, not that the number of years was
anything to brag about, but it's mine so that makes it special. I arrived by cab
and was greeted by Anthony who being the expert with wheelchairs that he is had
mine at my side in no time flat! I have arrived at this building some 1900 times
and WOW has it changed. the building used to house switching machinery and
operator services for the phone company. I had requested a Monte Carlo suite. It
was huge and wonderfully done in what can only be called eclectic. Color scheme
was in red and cream with a headboard in sky blue. My room was graced with a
sweet flower arrangement of roses and freesia for which I have Jesse the Chef
Concierge(I asked if he had a spit personality) to thank. The bed was a bit hard
for my bones but the sheets felt great.
I had lunch and dinner at the restaurant Sazerac and both meals were wonderful.
Lunch was simple with a marvelous spicy, meaty gumbo and an"heirloom apple"
salad. The salad was dressed with a simple vinigrette and layered on speck a
cured ham. Be warned portions were more than ample. Delicious. I had breakfast
in my room the next morning. I had been given coupons for a continental
breakfast, alas they weren't good for room service. My meal was served by
Matthew a genial fellow who graciously comped my coffee to make up. Prices were
typical for a room service menu, and I was served quickly. The food was great. I
ordered "Eggs from Hell" a spicy little number!
A word of warning to those in wheelchairs, only two of the accessible rooms have
roll in showers where u can reach the towel rack. In my room the towels were
placed on a rack mounted on the back wall out of reach for us wheelies. There
also wasn't a handheld shower unusual for an accessible suite. The other access
issue I encountered was that door returns on my room and on the business center
did not meet the pressure standards in the ADA for opening doors. They were
difficult to open and in case of the business center assistance is required as
the door was too narrow for someone in a chair. I had to have Jesse open the
second door so I could enter the center.
The hotel is located downtown at Fourth and Spring sts a great location for
shopping, theater and eating out. It was a $5.00 ride from King Street Station.
I was treated like a million by all the staff I encountered at the hotel. They
made me feel like I was the Sultan of Brunei. I will make the Monaco my home
when I travel to the Emerald city. It's a winner!
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
Nov 29, 2009
First of all, I'm a big fan of the Kimpton Hotel Chain: I think they do most
everything well. The Monaco in Seattle is no exception. After I booked my room
(got a great off-season rate), they sent me an email with an option to upgrade
to a suite for an additional $20 a day (based on availability). When I checked
in, I received a very pleasant welcome and was told that I had been upgraded.
The room (a Mediterranean Suite) was huge, with an enormous soaking tub and
separate shower -- plus there were two goldfish waiting for us. Kimpton also has
a new program where 2 things in the mini-bar are free -- it may seem a small
thing, but when I was parched at night, it was a blessing!
On the Thursday I arrived, there were free chair massages and a wine tasting in
the lobby. On Friday, there was Guitar Hero. On Saturday, a tarot card reader.
And always free wine tasting from 5pm to 6pm. This was a nice way to relax after
a day of sightseeing -- and a pleasant way to mingle with other guests.
The location was fantastic: 10 minutes to Pike Place Market -- and one block
from the uber-fabulous Rem Koolhaas-designed Public Library. For a delicious
lunch (and dinner) try Purple; it's 2 blocks from the Monaco.
The only negative thing I can say is that I don't think many (any?) of the rooms
have a view. We were on the top floor (11th), and our windows faced another
building. This was not a problem for us, as we don't go on vacation to gaze for
hours out windows -- but if a view is essential to your hotel experience, you
might want to ask about this before reserving a room.
All in all, the service was tops, and the room was comfortable, clean, spacious
and fun. Love the Monaco!
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
Nov 4, 2009
Great rate, good location, clean, okay room - a 3 star max though.
Parking is $40 per night - highest in area. I wanted coffee so asked the front
desk on the way up is there a coffee maker in the room. "No, but the rest. is
open." I said I want it in my room. "You can order room service". I don't want
to order room service to get coffee in my room. "I'll have a coffee maker sent
up". LOL. They keep them in the closets in the hall if people insist - otherwise
they make a little more money on room service. The "buffet" for Thanksgiving was
$40 per plate. Hmmmmmm. Restaurants were closed and they took advantage of that.
2 scrambled eggs for breakfast, $18.
Bottom line: Shop around and make sure you factor in the parking as part of the
room rate. Probably still a good deal so if you come be ready to fight back on
their nickel and diming game. 1) Bring your own snacks and cocktails and stay
away from their overpriced mini-bar. 2) Eat outside the hotel. 3) Make certain
they bring you a coffee maker when you check in and bring your own coffee
because you know you'll have to fuss every time you need a new pack.
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
Sept 25, 2009
This is definitely not the cookie-cutter type hotel one is used to in America.
They are definitely trying to be different -- from the choices of wallpaper to
the complimentary goldfish, to the parade of dogs (most of them extremely well
behaved) in the lobby. While there are definitely some misses -- and I can see
how some guests could have disappointing stays -- overall this hotel is fun,
comfortable and extremely well located for downtown Seattle. Definitely try to
avoid bringing a car here as parking is expensive and most destinations are
walkable, or accessible using the excellent public transportation.
I found most of the staff to be very professional and friendly, and more than
willing to help with special requests. I detected no snootiness, and little
pretention. Unless you are totally not into "cool," I think most guests will
enjoy the atmosphere. The free early evening cocktail party is definitely a
plus, and the hotel goes out of its way to make children (and pets!) welcome.
My only real hesitation in recommending this hotel is price. Honestly, it's not
worth their typical rates. But if you can plan ahead, or are willing to try
services such as hotwire, you can often snag a good deal here. Enjoy! |
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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Aug 28, 2009
I stayed here for 4 nights on business and found it to be a great location for
getting around Seattle, both for meetings during the day and then for a little
bit of sightseeing in the evenings. It's 2-3 quick blocks from the University
St. station on the new light rail (and bus tunnel), diagonally across the street
from Rem Koolhaas' beautiful public library building, and within 5-10 minutes'
walk of major downtown sites like the Pike Place Market, Convention Center,
waterfront, and ferry terminal.
Rooms are decorated in that funky Kimpton style that you will either love or
hate. Personally, I thought the decor was fun (leopard-print bathrobes!) and my
room, though not huge, was more than adequate and very clean. It was also nice
and cool despite the heat wave in Seattle at that time. I heard very little
noise from the street below and the curtains actually closed all the way so that
I could keep out unwanted light.
Check-in and check-out were both easy, and on arrival I found a little "welcome"
note from the staff in the room, along with a bottle of spring water and a bag
of sweets from a local chocolate company - a nice touch.
Breakfast at Sazerac was delicious and the staff were very friendly and
efficient. There are some nice little touches like fancy trays of jam & butter
to go with your croissant and interesting Asian-style teapots. It would have
been helpful if they opened earlier than 7 am; each day I had to sit down as
soon as they opened in order to have time to eat before my meetings.
My only quibbles with the hotel were (1) they are not yet 100% non-smoking, and
this was not obvious on their website; it might be worth calling them to confirm
that you will have a non-smoking room, and (2) the hotel staff were not terribly
knowledgeable about the downtown area when I asked for directions. But these are
pretty minor complaints compared to the otherwise pleasant experience. I would
be inclined to stay here again on my next trip to Seattle, whether on business
or on vacation.
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Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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Jun 13, 2009
I have never been in a hotel where a goldfish is in the room. A goldfish with a
name. This place is quite quirky. Here for a huge conference - 7000 lawyers:
insert punch line here - so inevitably some of them were also staying here, but
it was a world away from the hotels downtown, but thankfully not literally.
Staff are friendly. The concierge knew his stuff. Would probably consider
staying here again. Popped into the W over the road and preferred the Monaco. |
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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Jun 3, 2009
East coasters who had never been to Seattle....wanted to explore city before an
Alaskan cruise. Stayed 3 nights pre-cruise and glad we did. Booked a lovely
Monaco suite. Hotel has lots of character and the attached restaurant is
great..Sazarc I believe is the name. Ate their 3 times including once after
returning from cruise. Highly recommended! |
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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May 29, 2009
Stayed for three nights on the Memorial Day Weekend. The location was great and
the rooms were clean. The service was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed the
wine reception in the early evening. The rooms are not super sound proof and on
the first morning we could hear our neighbours a bit too much but thankfully
they must have checked out later that day because we never heard another thing
after that. Parking was expensive but we decided to park on the street right
outside the hotel because it was the weekend and there was no charge. We had
such a great weekend and we would stay at the Monaco again ,happily
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Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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May 3, 2009
Monaco is a boutique hotel but not hip or trendy like W or Hard Rock (though I
usually like those, too). My room was spacious and well appointed, and reminded
me of the Fairmont Olympic across the street. There was free wifi in the room.
Service was efficient and friendly. The small exercise room in lower level has
one treadmill, one elliptical trainer, etc. but does have nice LCD TVs at every
station. Also on the lower level is a small self service business center that
charges for internet use but you can print out boarding passes for free. There
is a good restaurant connected to the hotel which serves three meals a day, and
a convenience store also connected to the lobby. |
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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Apr 28, 2009
Stayed here with 2 friends after booking for $96 US plus tax. I called the hotel
to inquire whether a room with 2 queens was available. The agent said no, but
would make a note on the file for us - I said we'd be fine with a rollaway too.
The hotel was centrally located downtown, with a Starbucks next door, and there
was the usual Kimpton wine reception in the lobby from 5-6pm, which was great
after shopping! Aveda bath amenities (always appreciated!) and an adequate, if
small, fitness room downstairs. We managed to avoid the $40/night (!!) parking
charge by finding free street parking (after 6pm Sat) around the corner. Staff
seemed friendly and helpful, rooms were clean and tasteful - love the goldfish
in the elevator lobby, too!
My only complaints: 1) not good sound-proofing: you can hear pipes running and
doors slamming all night, and the vacuuming early on a Sunday was not
appreciated; and 2) when we actually received a room with 2 queens (which were
more like doubles), I did not expect to be charged $30 extra for this on my
credit card... no one told me on check-in, and I did not get a printed receipt
on check-out, I only discovered it 3 days later when looking at my statement
online. In my opinion they DEFINITELY should have asked us if we wanted to pay
$30 extra for the "upgrade" - it kind of defeated the purpose of the cheap
Hotwire rate. Anyway, I'd stay again if I got a good deal, but just be warned
about those extra fees... they can add up! |
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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Apr 20, 2009
From the valet parking guy to the lady who checked us out when we departed, all
were friendly, personable and professional. Our room on the ninth floor was
large, comfortable, nice and quiet, but a bit dark. Internet service was
provided . The bathroom was large, clean and comfortable to use. The hotel is
about a five minute walk to SAM and maybe a ten minute walk to Pikes Market.
There are lots of great restaurants just a short walk from the hotel as well. I
would absolutely consider staying here again. |
Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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Mar 16, 2009
My husband and I were wowed from the moment we stepped into the lobby. The
check-in was seamless and fast. Our room was average in size, fun colors and
decor, Aveda products in the bath, cozy robes, Starbucks coffee and even a large
umbrella for those rainy Seattle days. The street noise was a bit much for us
because we like to sleep in, but the staff delivered a free fan which took care
of the problem.
Dining, drinking and Pike's were all within walking distance (in good weather)
or a $5 cab ride in not so great weather. There is a Bloody Mary bar on Saturday
and Sunday morning. The bar staff in Sazarac made excellent and creative
cocktails and were friendly beyond what would normally be expected. The same can
be said for the entire staff of the hotel throughout our stay. Hotel Monaco will
be our choice anytime we are lucky enough to be back in Seattle.
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Hotel Review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle
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Feb 28, 2009
We stayed at the Hotel Monaco for Valentine's weekend, and it was great!!
We originally were supposed to arrive at around noon on Friday the 13th, however
it was Friday the 13th, and we had quite the delays with our flights. So by the
time we got to the hotel (8 hours later) we were exhausted and we appreciated
the staff greeting us with genuine friendliness and warmth from the doorman to
the front desk!! The check-in was so quick they had us on route to our room
within 5min!!
The room was HUGE!!! Bed was comfortable, everything was very clean and animal
print robes were hanging in the closet for guest use. Aveda bath products were
great quality.
We had a small bite at Sazerac which is the restaurant in the hotel. It was very
convenient and had good quality food. Restaurant also provided room service. The
wait staff was incredibly friendly and efficient!! Happy Hour had great deals!!
I loved the idea of the wine hour in the evenings, we unfortunately didn't take
advantage of it, but it was very popular. The complimentary Starbuck coffee and
tea in the lobby helped us get a jump on our day!
I was nervous about the location as it was my first visit to Seattle, but it
seemed like anywhere we wanted to go was within walking distance or a $5 cab
ride.
If you book this hotel you will not be disappointed :) |
Hotel Monaco Seattle
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