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Hotel check: Hotel Monaco

Originally published on businesstravelerusa.com 17/10/2011 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Hotels » United States »

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HOW MANY ROOMS? 241 guestrooms, 28 terraced rooms (Monty Carlo Terrace rooms), 13 suites

ROOM HIGHLIGHTS Stylish décor, complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet for Kimpton Intouch members.

PRICE Internet rates for a September stay during a weekday range from $199 – $279 for standard rooms.

CONTACT Hotel Monaco, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA Reservations 800-KIMPTON, www.monaco-alexandria.com

VERDICT The price, personalized service, comfort, and access to the metropolitan area make this stylish hotel an escape from any business day. And it’s only a very short trip from downtown Washington, DC. 

BACKGROUND Since 1981, Kimpton brand hotels have opened in select locations across the United States. At the time I made my booking at the Hotel Monaco, it was one of  55 Kimpton properties across the country, each with its own unique style, energy and personality.  

The Market Metrix Hospitality Index gives Kimpton the highest customer satisfaction scores (more than 93 percent) and emotional attachment scores (89 percent) of any hotel company operating in the United States. Given my personal experience, this kind of customer happiness seems well-deserved. 

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Stroll the cobblestone streets of Alexandria, and you’ll find historic sites, art galleries, designer boutiques and the landmark Hotel Monaco. This six-story hotel blends perfectly into the quaint neighborhood.  The inviting entrance, replete with welcoming doormen, draws guests into a stylish lobby where the cheerful front desk staff quickly engaged me in conversation beyond the necessities of checking-in.  

WHERE IS IT? Nestled in the heart of historic Old Town, the Hotel Monaco is surrounded by over 100 shops, historic sites, and restaurants.  Should you need to reach beyond the immediate area, trolleys, hotel shuttles, ferry boats, the nearly-ubiquitous DC Metro and cab stands are all nearby. Reagan National Airport (DCA) and downtown Washington DC are both just 15 minutes away; Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 40 minutes by car. The Hotel Monaco also provides water access to National Harbor and Georgetown for meeting or events.  

ROOM FACILITIES Anyone visiting a Kimpton property like the Monaco should take a minute to become Kimpton Intouch member. It doesn’t change the room you reserve; however it changes your experience upon arrival.  

Entering the spacious room at this property, an Intouch member will be greeted with a “personal” note and as important, personal items – such as bottled water, feather pillows, and yoga mats – identified in their Intouch profile. 

The standard rooms are large, and feature stylish décor with comfortable bed, Frette linens, terry bathrobe, and luxury Aveda bath products. A full size desk with comfortable seating, Internet connections (wired and wireless) and a 37 inch flat screen TV contribute to the agreeable surroundings.

Before starting the day, Monaco provides all guests gourmet coffee and teas every morning in the lobby. At the end of the day, enjoy their “Hosted Wine Hour” every evening, 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The restaurant adjacent to the hotel is named Jackson 20, after President Andrew Jackson (and the bill that bears his likeness):.  Executive Chef Dennis Marron, a 2011 Diners Choice winner, prepares American fare with a southern twist. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.

While the Jackson 20 certainly offers a unique dining experience, just steps from the property, Old Town Alexandria provides a vast collection of quaint dining and entertainment choices. 

MEETING And LEISURE FACILITIES With 8,000 square feet of flexible space, Hotel Monaco offers ten choices that can host from a dozen to 250 attendees. 

Adjacent to the 40-foot indoor heated swimming pool is a fitness center, complimentary to all guests.  The facility includes exercise equipment, free weights, yoga mats and balance balls. 

For those looking for a run outdoors and don’t want to use the fitness center, the Monaco has mapped out a 2, 5, and 10 mile route through the city and bike paths.

— Ross Atkinson

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