"What is your first impression of these Denver digs?This energetic downtown hotel starts with bold design the moment you step into the lobby; a one-of-a-kind, brightly colored ceiling is accompanied by geometric patterns and bold greens and reds. Nice. Who do you see here?Families, urban explorers, the business crowd; they all feel comfortable at the Hotel Monaco. How's the service?Helpful staff make check-in a breeze, and the "living room" lobby boasts coffee and tea service and a nightly wine happy hour to recharge. What stands out in your room?The recently renovated rooms are playful and fun, with bold floral wallpaper, rugged leather headboards, and original artwork from local artists. Even the most basic rooms come with an oversized work desk, and larger suites offer separate sitting rooms, huge showers, or soaking tubs. Are there any other little details that stand out in your room?In-room yoga mats, a yoga channel on the tv, and same-day laundry service are helpful small touches, but we really loved the upgraded, super-fast—and did we mention free—wifi available everywhere in the hotel. You mentioned a nightly happy hour. What are our options to refuel?The nightly complimentary wine and snacks—provided by the in-house restaurant, Panzano—in the lobby from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. is fun, but we prefer relaxing in Panzano's restaurant for a sit-down dinner. Expect well-executed antipasti, a range of soups and salads, and some of the best pasta in the city. Panzano also provides 24-hour room service, which means you can nosh on some gnocchi with a glass of red wine in your PJs. What else should we be sure to check out when staying at the Hotel Monaco?An on-site fitness center and spa fill the bill when you need it, but for our money we prefer taking the hotel's complimentary bicycles on a quick spin through the city. And if you can't leave Fido at home, the Hotel Monaco also is pet-friendly. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Good value, renovated rooms, and a top-notch onsite restaurant helps the Hotel Monaco stand out." - Megan Barber
