Rooms with Views: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

Photo: Independence National Historic Park and Hotel Monaco (back center), Philadelphia

Arguably the most historical city in the country, Philadelphia is brimming with the tumultuous history of the nation’s birth. From the debates that lead to America’s separation from Great Britain, to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, Independence Hall is the center of it all. And conveniently located just across the street is the historic Hotel Monaco.

Photo: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

The boutique hotel is located in the historic Lafayette building on the corner of 5th and Chestnut, catty-corner (diagonally opposite for non-Americans) to the Independence National Historic Park. The eleven-storey white and tan building was erected in 1907 for the Girard Estate and was to be used as office space. Laying empty and abandoned for years, boutique hotel brand Kimpton Hotels chose the building as the site for their new four-star hotel. Partnering up with architect firm Gensler, they went to work transforming the century-old building from the dilapidated office space it once was to the 268-roomed boutique hotel that finished completion in October of 2012.

The exterior had to undergo extensive repair and restoration to ensure the building was restored its original likeness, which Kimpton ensured by closely working with Philadelphia's Historical Commission as well as the National Park Service.

Photo: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, Living Room Lobby

The interior of the hotel maintains its historical and cultural integrity, while being sophisticated, yet playful. The interior design was the inspiration of Todd-Avery Lenahan’s TAL studio and is meant to evoke the inner explorer through an eclectic mix of historical items and contemporary pieces.

Photo: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, Living Room Lobby

The living room lobby is decorated in warm tones and has a very welcoming feel to it. We happened to be checking-in just as the daily wine tasting was starting, making for a very intimate setting as guests were lounging on the plentiful sofas and chairs swilling the evening’s offerings. We later learned the lounge pays tribute to historical figures important to Philadelphia, banker and mariner Stephen Girard (as seen in the sepia mural and mast riggings that wrap around one of the columns) as well as the French-inspired furniture which pays homage to French aristocrat, General Marquis de Lafayette who fought for the United States in the Revolutionary War.

After checking in, we made our way through the hallways, which displayed images of historical importance such as the famous Philadelphia’s New Year’s celebration, the Mummers Parade.

Photo: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, King Room

Our room was on the fourth floor with views to Independence Hall. Bold, modern geometric wallpaper and matching curtains in light blue and white, along with a bright red TV stand and eccentric details (such as the funky leopard-print robe found in the closet) gave the room a very Alice in Wonderland-vibe.

The bathroom, although small, was as aesthetically pleasing as the room itself with contemporary, floral wallpaper accented with a bright yellow door and complete with C.O. Bigelow bath amenities.

And if the decor and location of the hotel aren’t good enough, there are always the seemingly endless services offered including the previously mentioned wine hour every evening from 5 to 6 pm, morning coffee and tea served in the living room, and the “Guppy Love Program” which gives guests the option to have a goldfish put in their room during their stay.

Fitness options are just as impressive including a yoga mat roll-out service (mats are included in every room), complimentary bicycle hire, a fully equipped fitness center with free group classes on Wednesdays and an opportunity to fly an old fashioned kite (also found in every room) in the nearby park.

Finally, the most useful for those of us constantly on the move and forgot a thing or two at home. The Kimpton “Forgot it, we’ve got it” service which offers guests amenities they may have left behind, including the necessary plastic bag for carry-on liquids, a curling iron and hair straightener.

The ease of exploring the city of Brotherly Love from Hotel Monaco is another big draw. Other than being located right in the historical center, the underground subway is minutes away by foot offering an easy way to explore other Philadelphia sites.

The Hotel Moncao is a wonderful combination of old and new that has equal amounts of quirk and class, and as a result is one of the most appropriate places to stay when in Philadelphia.

For reservations call (855) 298-2355

www.monaco-philadelphia.com

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