Hotel
Monaco
Review
San
Francisco Luxury
501
Geary Street @ Union
Square
San Francisco's Hotel Monaco is the cute and luxurious kind of
hotel that you might think belongs in a storybook more than in
downtown San Francisco. As a four-star hotel, and especially as part
of the Kimpton group of boutique hotels, all the “little touches”
are done right here. It’s one of those few hotels where you feel
like you can ask anybody anything and get your answer
immediately—with a smile, and often a complimentary glass of wine.
The service is impeccable, friendly, and knowledgeable. If you need
a reservation made or simply can’t find your way, there’s no better
team in town to assist you. While the rooms are small and a bit
pricey, the rich décor and French style seduces you from the moment
you enter. Ask about the life-size sculpture of the tree with
monkeys in the main hall—it’s a good story!
The Monaco in San Francisco has 201 superior rooms and suites, and
the structure itself boasts fireplaces and frescoed ceilings tucked
away throughout. The staff is also extremely pet-friendly, allowing
you to bring your dog and feed him with complimentary bottled water.
Forgot, lost, or couldn’t bring Lassie? The Monaco will give you a
goldfish at no charge—housekeeping will even feed him for you! Unless
you opt for a suite, the rooms are typically small and cozy, furnished
with whimsical but fancy items like canopy beds and oversized oval
mirrors—and despite the size of the room, there’s always a second
phone in the bathroom. All the rooms come standard with down pillows,
video games, an excellent sound system, in-room safe, Aveda bath
amenities, and complimentary wireless internet. If you forgot anything
at home (besides your pet), the Hotel Monaco will get a replacement
for it up to your room immediately.
It should also be noted that the hotel is in a prime location, just
a couple of blocks from Union Square, in the heart of the theatre
district. It’s also close to the TIX booth that offers half-price
tickets for same-day shows playing just next door. Of course San
Francisco’s many famed attractions are also close by, including cable
cars, as well as major bus, tram, and train lines. If you’ve got the
heart to brave walking the city—and you should—many tourist
attractions like Chinatown, the Museum of Modern Art, and Yerba Buena
gardens are all a few minutes away. A nearby cable car or bus will
take you to North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Park. The
SFO airport is just 14 miles away and easily accessible by shuttle or
the BART train system (exit at Powell station). The hotel staff will
arrange a shuttle for you if you ask them.
The Hotel Monaco is a real gem in the city. A complimentary wine
and cheese every afternoon gives you the midday opportunity to unwind.
It can be quite social and an opportunity to meet others with the same
exquisite taste in accommodation as you. If that’s not enough, there
are free on-the-spot massages and a tarot card reading available at
the same time. For more pampering, make an appointment at the Hotel
Monaco’s spa, or eat at the delicious Grand Café attached to the main
lobby.
This well-run luxury hotel is so much fun that it’s sometimes hard
to leave. Tourists always seem to leave their hearts in San Francisco,
but guests here just might leave their heart at the Monaco.
L.S. writes, "Hotel Monaco is located
right in downtown San Francisco, on one of the better blocks.
If you can afford to stay here...I would definitely recommend it.
The staff was very friendly and accommodating.
While hotel prices fluctuate -- for June 1-5, 2006--
prices quoted ranged from $225-$250 with a median price quote of
$235.
When we
arrived, our room was not yet ready so they gave us free drinks
at the bar of The Grand Cafe, which happens to be located in the
hotel. (great food....by the way), The concierge said they
would get us when the room was done. At the bar, I ordered a cranberry
vodka and the bartender immediately suggested that I order Kettleone
because I wasn't paying for it anyway...I took his advice.
Hotel Monaco Discount Reservations
When our
room was ready, we were escorted to our room by the bell boy who
not only carried our bags but also offered cheese and wine for the
elevator ride. (Free for all guests....there is a certain reception
time to be aware of) Our room was beautiful! It had two separate
areas, one for the bedroom and one for the couch, table, extra closet
etc.. The room included all the usual things: TV, clock radio, etc.
as well as a great stereo equipped with CD player, plenty of space
for your belongings, and an ironing board plus iron, just a few
of the amenities not all hotels have.
The bed
was comfortable and the room was very clean and well decorated.
My favorite part of the entire room was the insanely, large bathroom
with the 6 foot Jacuzzi (surrounded by mirrors on 3 sides) and completely
separate all glass shower. My boyfriend seemed to find the phone
conveniently placed right by the toilet quite amusing.
Reserve Hotel Monaco Discounts
Five minutes
after we entered our room, we were again greeted by a bottle of
wine brought to our door. And in the morning, we had two continental
breakfasts delivered to our room, which were small, but tasty.
Hey...I'm not saying that I didn't deserve this treatment!
This was the VIP room. But it was very romantic, close
to the Curran Theater, where we saw Phantom of the Opera, and there
were a million things
to do in the morning. I definitely recommend it to anyone who has
the budget and wants to appreciate San Francisco's city atmosphere
in luxury!
By: Benny Zadik, Copyright
SFTRAVEL LLC 2006
Hotel Monaco Reservations
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