Nestled in a chic 1907 building across from Independence Hall, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco seamlessly blends historic charm with vibrant, whimsical decor.
"Make the most of your stay with these editor-favorite and award-winning hotels. Nearby attractions include Washington Square, Liberty Bell, and Independence National Historical Park. It is located 9 miles from PHL airport." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Participating in the 'Forgot It? We've Got It!' program offering accessories like belts, purses, and sunglasses." - Bailey Berg
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of a bubble bath with a view of Independence Hall. It’s all possible at this luxe hotel, a 2013 addition to the Old City scene. Hotel Monaco is set in the historic 1907 Lafayette building directly across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Kimpton enlisted historic hotel designer extraordinaire Todd Avery Lenahan to transform the stately 11-story Greek Revival building, and his vision takes guest on a stylish ride through Colonial and Federal styles while preserving the dignity of the edifice. Lenahan infused historic whimsy into every nook and cranny, mixing period wainscoting and original coffered ceilings with Federal-nouveau furnishings and bold hues, from a front desk backed in hot pink to the fireplace living room lobby in yellow. Completing the scene are the Red Owl Tavern, a gourmet gastropub glamorizing a bygone agrarian era, and rooftop Stratus lounge with a 30-foot fireplace wall and city views. Lenahan’s Colonial-chic concept extends to 268 guestrooms and suites where no wall is left uncovered with print or color. You’ll find a menagerie of exaggerated damask, floral, and paisley in each room. Furnishings range from glossy red armoires to black lacquered bookshelves to mirrored end tables, to bonded leather headboards; picture windows are draped with bold blue and gold drapery. Massive granite bathrooms have soaking tubs, glass-encased showers, and a nod to Philly’s most famous resident: Every bathrobe is hung with Rocky-style robes."
"Can you tell us a little about this place? Where is it, and what's the general vibe?Fronting quaint Washington Square West, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is housed in the former Lafayette Building of Old City, Philadelphia. From the outside, it looks like your run-of-the-mill Greek Revival building, but step inside the lobby and colorful whimsy abounds. Eighteenth century-inspired wainscoting, coffered ceilings, and Millwork treatments juxtapose boldly hued walls, Federal-nouveau furnishings, and a wall of antique calligraphy pens behind the front desk. What other types are staying here?Given its close proximity to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, Penn’s Landing, and other major historical attractions, the hotel sees a touristy crowd. Now, onto the good stuff: Tell us about the digs.The 268 guest rooms are divided into a few categories, including Parkview, Deluxe, and King Spa (which have a vintage soaking tub), and various levels of suites. Each one is outfitted with 300-thread-count Frette linens, Atelier Bloem amenities, and more colors and patterns than you’ve ever seen in one single space. Printed wallpaper, patterned drapes, glossy red dressers, mirrored side and coffee tables—the combination can feel a bit overwhelming (or disjointed), but you can’t fault the Kimpton for daring to be different. How about the little things, like the mini-bar, or shower goodies? Was there anything that made your stay more comfortable?If your room comes with a tub, take advantage of the personalized “Soak Session” amenity. For $40, a custom bath kit from local soap makers Duross & Langel will be delivered to your room—along with a curated Spotify playlist to further your relaxation. How about room service, or the dining options in general? Worth it?The lobby-level Red Owl Tavern is a convenient place for a meal at any time of the day (room service is also available 24/7). The menu covers all the bases—rack of lamb, Atlantic salmon, house-made fettuccine—sourcing ingredients from the top local purveyors, cheesemongers, farmers, and sustainable fisheries. Even the draft beer is local. If cocktails and light bites are more your thing, head upstairs to indoor/outdoor Stratus Rooftop Lounge. The industrial-chic interior features concrete floors and a grey granite bar, while the outdoor patio, separated by steel garage doors, has a 30-foot fireplace and DJ booth. Shareable plates accompany spirit-forward libations such as The Grand Bucharest, a mix of Jack Daniel’s rye whiskey, Aperol, grapefruit, blueberries, and rosemary. Any other services or features you'd like to shout out? We love the hotel’s wellness-centric amenities, including custom-designed bikes that you can ride around the neighborhood; an in-room yoga mat to help kickstart the morning; and in-room spa treatments, such as the tension-relieving Calm Mind Massage, which incorporates a specialized blend of peppermint and lavender. Bottom line: Why are we choosing the Kimpton Monaco?There’s no place better if you’re looking to access the historic heart of Philly." - Katie James Watkinson
"Fronting quaint Washington Square West, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is housed in the former Lafayette Building of Old City, Philadelphia. From the outside, it looks like your run-of-the-mill Greek Revival building, but step inside the lobby and colorful whimsy abounds: Eighteenth century-inspired wainscoting, coffered ceilings, and Millwork treatments juxtapose boldly hued walls, federal-nouveau furnishings, and a wall of antique calligraphy pens behind the front desk. The confluence of old and new continues through the 268 guest rooms, where printed wallpaper, patterned drapes, and glossy red dressers result in a fun, sometimes overwhelming, combination. Fortunately, the hotel sits firmly in the present, with wellness-centric amenities that include Monday evening yoga classes, in-room yoga mats, and custom-designed bikes." - Regan Stephens, Katie James Watkinson
