Hotel Monaco Baltimore....A Cool Breeze From California
Written: Sep 02 '09 (Updated Sep 02 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A new and handsmoe hotel in a restored historic landmark. Good rooms and dining.
Cons: No views to speak of. No pool.
The Bottom Line: This can-do new hotel may energize the Baltimore hotel scene. Good service and excellent dining await.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Hotel Monaco Baltimore |
The Hotel Monaco recently opened its doors in a downtown Baltimore landmark, the former headquarters of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, built in 1905. With such a handsome shell, it's almost hard to go wrong, but there are myriad ways in which they could have accomplished this. Happily for the traveler, they have managed to get most things right. Kimpton Hotels, started by the late Bill Kimpton in San Francisco, has had a presence in the Washington area for the past few years, but they have embarked upon a strong expansion program lately. This is their newest hotel.
The Building
Solid and permanent in its limestone dressing, the former office building of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was moldering away with only partial use in its 14 floors (reallly 13, as there is no 13th floor). The lower lobby suggests more of a bank or an insurance company with its bronze elevator doors and ponderous double stairway of gleaming white marble. Tiffany glass skylights filter the soft light in an inviting way. A bellmen will greet you at the doors and direct you to the elevators. The door is attended properly, as there is nearly always a doorman or bellman there.
Lobby
After the magnificence of the main floor, the real hotel lobby is almost something of a letdown. Never mind, as it's all very plush and is a breath of fresh air in a city full of rather staid hotels. Modern art and dramatic lighting help to create a sense of place, while the back and white marble floor hints at the traditional. The Monaco really is something of a new creature in the Baltimore hotel market.
Registration didn't take long at all. They informed me that I had been given an upgrade. At the rate I was paying, I wasn't going to argue with them about what kind. Minutes later, I was on the elevator to the 14th floor.
One of the first things you might notice on your way to the room is that the elevator lobbies are huge. As this wasn't built as a hotel, the floorplan doesn't always suggest a standard hotel. There are also unusually high ceilings in most spaces, including the rooms. Thee are just 202 rooms here, as the first sevral floors of the building remain as office space.
Room
Room 1402 was a spacious corner room with no view. How, you might ask, was this accomplished? Essentially, my room faced the rear wall of the adjacent Hotel Lord Baltimore and the interior walls of the building. If it's any compenstation, there really are not many spectacular views to be had here anyway, as the building is surrounded by mostly tall structures. Fortunately, you won't need to stare out of the window to enjoy these rooms.
The oatmeal colored walls were set off at once by the red lacquered desk and the cobalt coverlet on the king bed. As you may or may not know, Kimpton Hotels are not afraid to use color to its greatest advantage. There was nothing timid about the room, and I liked this. The tones were vivid, but still restful. The zebra and giraffe printed bathrobes ($120.00 if you want to buy one) were a kick.
Everything in the room functioned properly, but then the hotel has only been open for a month. There was a flat-screened television and an I-Pod docking station on the night table too. If I had thought to bring my computer, there was wi-fi as well (free, but you must be a member of their frequent guest program).
Bath
Brown marble, a big tub and amenities from L'Occitane. Could you want more? apparently, some do, because I've already read howls of protest over the bathrooms here on other sites. I couldn't possibly see what could hqave been missing. Some of the more luxurious rooms even have whirlpool tubs. As for the amenities, sure the soap and shampoo bottles are small, but you can always ask for more. While the mini-bar was stocked with overpriced toothbrushes and such, you could always call down to the friont desk if you have forgotten basic toiletries and they will be supplied without charge. No issues with hot water or plumbing.
Dining
Rarely is a restaurant in a new hotel as good as the B&O Brasserie. While my stay was short, I managed to have lunch, dinner and breakfast there. All three exceeded my expectations. Particularly good was the evening selection of comfort food like the 24 Hour Vande Pot Roast ($21.00). The lunch special included soup (a flavorful summer corn chowder), whatever sandwich you liked from the menu and cookies for $14.00. This is a great deal for the area. Breakfast was pleasing, but not as interesting. All in all, the scene was a hopping one, though many may be drifting in to check out the new place in town. I'll bet that many of them will be back. Bear in mind that the emphasis is on comfort food, not culinary derring-do. Best of all, it works well in this setting.
Lobby Lounge
Bright colors, capacious sofas and a flickering double-sided fireplace make this a welcoming space at any time of day. Another nice feature here is the afternoon "cocktail hour" at 5:00 PM. There are no cocktails, but complimentary red or white wine is offered during this time. There were also pitchers of sangria. I don't recall the labels or vintage, but you know what they say about gifts... Cookies and milk are also provided here from 4:00-5:00 PM. As if this weren't enough, coffee and tea are put out each morning.
Fitness
The fitness room on the third floor had just opened the day prior to my arrival, thus everything was sparkling and clean. I was a bit disappointed that they no longer offered passes to the health club down the street which happened to have a swimming pool. Perhaps this offering may be revived. The fitness room is open 24 hours, a good feature for many.
Service
The staffers I dealt with during my brief stay were friendly and seemed to enjoy working at the hotel. It should be noted that there is no concierge. I asked one of the desk agents for a restaurant recommendation and she produced one of those freebie magazines... Maybe they need to do a bit of work there. On the whole, the service was enthusiastic and perky.
Cost
The hotel recently opened, so they are still running opening specials which hover at around $149.00 or so. I paid $119.00 by calling the hotrel directly. I have heard of rates of $99.00 being offered through Hotwire, but this cannot be guaranteed. The posted rate for my room was $399.00. Once the hotel gets on its feet, I wouldn't be surprised to see the rates creep upward. If you are bringing a car, think twice. The $36.00 daily parking charge may not be as expensive as some places in Washington, but it is close.
Location
You could hardly be more central than at the corner of Charles and Baltimore Streets. Just across the street is the doomed Morris A. Mechanic Theater, scheduled to disappear for another condominium tower. Harborplace and its attendant overpriced restaurants are just three blocks away. The convention center is perhaps a ten minute walk. The nearest light rail station is at the Camden Yards/Convention Center stop. If you need to get to Pennsylvania Station, it's about an $8.00 taxi ride. BWI airport is easily reached by train or taxi. The trains take ten to fifteen minutes.
Overall
The Hotel Monaco may be poised to give the Inter-Continental Harbor Court a real run for its preeminent place in Charm City hoteldom. I wasn't impressed with the Hilton at the convention center (not for the prices they charge anyway), but I haven't yet stayed there. Still, it seems a safe bet that this hotel will be getting better and not the reverse.
Hotel Monaco Baltimore
2 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-3754
Tel. 443-692-6170
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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