Beautiful Alternative to the Chains
Written: Feb 25 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful building, eye-catching rooms, good location
Cons: Front Desk a bit slow
The Bottom Line: A great alternative to the common hotel -- worth at least an occasional visit when you visit downtown San Francisco.
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| jmr50's Full Review: Hotel Monaco |
As a frequent visitor to downtown San Francisco, I've stayed at most of the major chain hotels in the area, and there's something comforting about their consistency, but it also gets rather numbing. Sometimes, it's nice to try something with a bit more style -- on these occasions, the Hotel Monaco is a great alternative.
Owned by the Kimpton Group, which owns boutique hotels in a number of hotels around the country with that certain sort of style that makes them interesting. While some boutique hotels seem just an alternative to a good renovation, Kimpton takes gorgeous old hotels and brings out their charm.
Decor
I've stayed in the rooms, and am always surprised by how well they manage to blend some rather intense colors, styles, and textures into something soothing and comfortable. Furniture is comfortable, although worn in some rooms (beyond the guidelines of 'shabby chic'). The rooms are somewhat moodily lit, but I've never had trouble working in them. The style is somewhat hard to define, but clearly it blends modern elements (striking geometrics, pinstripes, etc) with more more classic themes (dark woods, print fabrics).
Amenities
All of the usual major hi-tech hotel features are available: high-speed internet access via wireless (and free - I hate being dinged $10 a day), TV with lots of channels (although not flat-panel or HD yet), fancy clock-radio. with CD player (but, no iPod dock). What about creature comforts, you might ask? Kimpton always has great linens, and the Monaco is no exception. The bathroom has the usual high-quality soap, shampoos, etc (L'Occitaine), and a high-quality shower head. I've had some problems with getting a working hairdryer before, but not recently. The desk area is acceptable, but not superlative: power outlets are insufficient, and the chair could be much more comfortable.
Service
There are all of the usual service amenities: a no-fooling doorman greets you and manages the ugly details surrounding the valet parking system (ah, cities). They've been nothing but helpful, especially when arriving with Too Much Luggage. From there, however, things change a bit: the front-desk is always backed up during peak arrival periods, the line moves slowly, and I've had confusion arrive in my reservations at least once. Being a smaller hotel, their technology just isn't quite there. Don't bother asking at the desk for a restaurant reservation -- ask the doorman if you need it.
Dining
I've never had dinner at the Grand Cafe, their in-house French restaurant. Their neighborhood just has too many good alternatives. Still, I've been there for breakfast, and the room is beautiful. It's hard to judge cuisine by breakfast alone, but they get all the right notes: fresh local eggs, real maple syrup, attentive service. The usual $15 plus in-hotel breakfast bill is at least justified by good components. I've also had dessert at this place, and it's certainly worth a visit: gorgeous interior, pretty good service, great desserts, and the usual fancy coffee.
Summary
There are an awful lot of cities where the only comfortable hotels are bland national chains. San Francisco isn't one of those cities, and when beautiful and cute can also be comfortable and convenient, you owe it to yourself to give it a try.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jmr50
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Location: Northern Virginia
Reviews written: 26
Trusted by: 8 members
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