Hotel Monaco Washington DC, a Kimpton Hotel

Fantastic hotel! Super friendly staff, reasonable prices, and outstanding location. Its steps away from 3 Metro Lines, they offer valet parking which is super expensive unfortunately, but their are so many sites to see and places to eat at within walking distance. They offer great free coffee and tea in the morning and beer and wine for free from 5pm to 6pm. And they are pet friendly.

I want to express my thanks to the hotel and the staff during our stay Saturday evening, April 23^rd. A very special thank you to Jamal, who worked Saturday night. Jamal made our engagement night outstanding. He was attentive, personable, and went out of his way to make it the perfect night. We were greatly impressed by the rest of the staff as well, especially the staff at Poste. We really enjoyed our stay and can’t wait to return! Thank you!

Staff was wonderfully accommodating. The bed was comfy, and that’s where I’m always pickiest. The room itself was small, but with 20′ ceilings, you didn’t feel it. The décor throughout was not at all your typical hotel, and I loved that! There was a surprise hanging on the wall above the bed – unique and fun. All in all, I’d stay here again in a minute!

Beautiful old building renovated, classic deco hotel. Very deffierent from other hotel. Suite was decorated with Vesace Style design

My review is for others thinking of hosting a conference at this hotel:
Pros:
Event staff is great to work with. Very professional!
Food is tasty. Rare for conference venues.
Rooms have lots of natural light and are generally pleasant to be in.
Reasonable prices by DC standards.
Cons:
Not enough electrical outlets in the conference rooms. Attendees were constantly on the hunt for somewhere to charge their devices.
Attendees kept having weird issues with the wifi constantly cutting out on their tablets and phones. Didn’t seem to be an issue with laptops for some reason.
Not particularly ADA friendly especially for entering and leaving the hotel.
Avoid having them use the silver painted chairs. The paint was rubbing off on the backs of suits/​clothing!

Great hotel with beautiful room and a very unique design, as all Kimpton hotels manage to do so well and unique.
Another great thing about the Kimpton’s is they all always have those evening happy hours! Who can complain about a free happy hour.
Furthermore, the location is so great for DC. Among so many amazing restaurants. Near the national mall. Within a block of the Verizon center so perfect if you have any interest in seeing some kind of event.
Over all a solid choice for a hotel in DC. My only criticism, and why I didn’t give it 5 stars, is the price. It tends to be in the higher range and when you consider all of the other great hotels in DC…

Stayed here for two nights with my family for a wedding. Best thing about the hotel is the location, which is fantastic for seeing the touristy parts of DC. Worst thing is that the front desk staff are unfamiliar with the hotel (perhaps because of recent renovations) to provide an accurate description of rooms and amenities. When reserving the room, I asked if we could reserve a cot for the room for the kids to sleep on and was told that wouldn’t be a problem. However, when I called back to confirm some details, front desk told me they couldn’t put a cot in the room. As a result I had to upgrade to a suite. Again, front desk made a promise that all rooms had working refrigerators for food and they would take out the usual minibar fare. They also told me that my sister-​in-​law /​babysitter would have an adjoining room. When we arrived, I was told that there were no suites with adjoining rooms available. When we got to the room, minibar was full and fridge was nonfunctional. I was later told by a hotel repairman that minibar fridges were not designed for food and didn’t stay cold. Relatively small annoyances by themselves, but definitely made our stay less than convenient.
Outside of those things, room was nice, although not much room for in-​room dining due to very small table in living room portion of suite. Great freestanding tub with tremendous water pressure… wished that the shower had some of that water pressure as the shower felt more like a light trickle. Again, location is everything for this place as the rooms and staff don’t stand out in any way.

Great Hotel. Clean, roomy, and the staff was very accommodating. They have big containers of shampoo and conditioner so you don’t have to worry about that or most of the toiletries you need.

My experience with an employee at this hotel was so horrible I will not be returning and I know the large group I was with feels the same way. We were accosted by one of the employees to the point where I was very uncomfortable and just wanted to leave. The manager and other staff did nothing to make this right for us when we complained.
Of all my years of growing up in DC and visiting hotels and shops I have never seen an outburst so bad from someone who works in the service industry. Even staff at McDonald’s are more well behaved. This is unacceptable for a hotel of any kind let alone a «four star» one.
I emailed through their website to reiterate what I had told the manager that night and again have yet to hear anything so here I am telling the Unilocal world –Don’t go to this hotel, there are plenty of others that are actually in much better locations of DC, with better restaurants, staff, décor and everything.
Sincerely a Ritz girl

Beautiful hotel. Celebrated our wedding anniversary here, and had a lovely stay. Staff is pleasant and helpful, décor is inviting and vibrant. Great location– far enough from the heart of downtown for a little quiet, yet close enough to walk to the Mall on a sunny day.
Wine hour keeps us coming back to Kimpton Hotels, again and again!

Bottom Line: Upscale, a little quirky and close to the National Mall, a stay in the historic General Post Office, makes for a unique experience.
I am a huge Kimpton fan but admittedly, my stay here wasn’t five stars like usual. For starters, I didn’t like that my room was on the «first floor» better known as the subgrade basement. Moreover, I paid more to get a King size bed to find out it was actually a California King. I missed those extra four inches as did my SO when I clubbed him in the face in the middle of the night. Anyway, I realize those are minor things so lets move on to what I really liked about this hotel:
— The building is very old. In fact, it was once the General Post Office (not to be confused with the «Old Post Office» being renovated into a hotel by Trump) and dates back to 1842. I will not even begin to take away the amazing transformation from office building to hotel that has transpired here. Truly, it is very cool to stay in a building that is pre-​civil war. Because the building is 174 years old and is being used for something other than its intended purpose, there are certainly some quirky things here that are charming and make for a unique stay. For instance, in the basement, the floor dips down so there is adequate room to pass underneath whatever unexpected structure is overhead. Another example is the super thick (24 inches maybe?) exterior walls.
— Another great feature of this hotel is its proximity to the Metro (Gallery Place station on the Red Line is right across the street), the National Mall (about ½ mile or 15 minute walk) and other nearby attractions (Verizon Center, Ford’s Theater, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Downtown Holiday Market (in December), etc.)
— The hospitality here was generally very good except some miscommunication amongst front desk agents. The valet and bell hops were on point and the checkin process was easy.
— Other things I like about this hotel was the funky but fun and cohesive décor (which I certainly expect from Kimpton) and the awesome bath products. Like all Kimptons, there is a complimentary wine reception at 5pm and I like that they also had sodas and beer. Moreover, the adjoining Poste restaurant is a convenient option for a quick meal or night cap.

We booked through Hotwire and had a really good surprise. Also, through Hotwire, the price was really reasonable.
The Monaco hotel is original, yet cosy. There are fun touches and interesting prints, and the rooms are comfortable. I really liked the vibe and the details, which was not a given as they made really bold choices, but the result is great.
We even had the choice to order a fish bowl and had a cool pet during our stay! Awesome!
Every hotel should have this!
The location is quite central and the staff was really cool and accommodating.

After booking a very cheap flight to Washington, D.C., we put a great amount of effort into finding a hotel room that was affordable and close to our favorite tourist attractions. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find it this trip! Something was happening during the week that caused hotel prices to surge. The hotels weren’t quick to give up a reason for the large price increase (double the rates of the previous week) but heard from another visitor that there were some high profile events.
My traveling buddy found this hotel and, although it was more than our original budget, it was worth every penny. We were walking distance to major tourist sights and close to various restaurants and stores. The structure of the building is so historic but lacks easy to access wheelchair ramps which are necessary to us traveling with two strollers! We had to go all the way around to the back to enter in through the restaurant.
The staff at the front desk had a toy chest for my friend’s toddler to pick out a surprise. They were very accommodating in regards to forgot items and making sure we had what we needed. There were refreshing pitchers of flavored waters and even a happy hour in the lobby!
If I ever come back to DC, I will look into staying at this hotel again and would recommend to traveling friends.

I used to be a Hilton girl but now I am definitely a Kimpton girl. This hotel is so awesome. The location is perfect. We are two blocks from Ford’s theatre, four or five blocks from the east end of the national mall, four blocks from the White House and right across the street from the National Portrait gallery, and kitty-​corner from the Verizon center.
Currently I am enjoying the hosted happy hour where guests gather in the lobby and enjoy free (you read that correctly FREE) wine, beer and soda. Seriously this is the greatest amenity.
The staff are also incredibly nice. Everyone has greeted us and wished us a great day every time we’ve passed.
The hotel is incredibly quiet. I couldn’t hear anyone else except for when they walked past my door. I’m sure the hotel was full because it is a holiday weekend.
The rooms are clean and so comfortable and decently sized. Being an old building I totally expected the rooms to be small but the king size room we stayed in was very comfortable. If I ever come to Washington again, I will stay here.

I am a Kimpton Karma member since 2012 and I highly recommend this route, it is free to join. Kimpton is truly service oriented and aims to give personalized service in their boutique style hotels.
Hotel Monaco is an amazing property. I first stayed in April 2013 and have since returned for brunches.
The ambiance is the best. You are greeted by valet on F between 7^th and 8^th streets, a sprawling street in DC full of tourists, cyclists, runners, and cars. The location is by far one of the highlights of this location. Within a 1 mile walk or run you can be at the National Mall or amazing restaurants. I did have to call into the lobby for valet– we arrived Friday around a busy afternoon with nice weather. Once valet did come outside they were very helpful. You’re greeted by 4 staff members manning the concierge booth to the right and main lobby desk directly ahead of you. This building’s historical beauty can take your breath away if you have time to notice it! They wished me a happy birthday and asked about my Nats game. (These are the personal service things you can expect to happen at Kimpton, if you tweet them or make a note on a reservation they do their utmost to personalize your journey)
When we got up to the queen room you may be disappointed. While the hallways are grand like the rest of the building the rooms are quaint. Much like when the building was built in 1839 individual rooms were not the highlight of buildings. (This was the first all-​marble building and used as a post office) The room is SMALL. Enough room for a nook with a desk and SMALL bathroom. I absolutely adore this hotel and even have it marked as my favorite on my Kimpton Karma profile but unless I want to spring for a spa room or suite to get that added 200 sq ft I’d choose another location. The bathroom was just too small, forget about having room for two people or a woman (or man equal opportunity here) with a few palettes of make up in tow.
The bathroom size will deter me from staying again but Kimpton as always has the best amenities. I was greeted by complimentary champagne, ice bucket, two glasses and a birthday card on the desk! Kimpton really is my favorite :) Combined with their complimentary wine hour at 5 PM they never fail to impress me.
The brunch here at Poste has the most amazing outdoor patio and indoor seating arrangements. It is very normal to see people in suits with shirts untucked or a smattering of boat shoes and pastel colors lounging around outside accompanied by a fully stocked bloody mary bar. I really enjoy brunch here. The Poste has a cool separate entrance off of 7^th street, but it is accessible via the lobby.

The Hotel Monaco in Washington D.C. is located in a National Historic Landmark, the General Post Office building, and was a perfect setting for a good friend’s wedding a couple weekends ago in July. The first all-​marble building in Washington D.C. it was patterned after the Roman Temple of Jupiter and was designed by both Robert Mills (designer of the Washington Monument) and Thomas Walter (an architect for the U.S. Capitol). Entering a building with such history and seeing how the main post office area and sorting sections were transformed into a lobby and restaurant leaves you wanting to explore more and more of what this place has to offer.
In addition to attending a wedding here, I was a guest of the hotel as well. The location could not have been better… a couple blocks from the National Mall, right across from National Portrait Gallery, a quick hop and step from the Chinatown subway stop, it was the perfect location to venture out and explore this nation’s capital. Whether by public transit or your own vehicle, it is easy and convenient to travel to. Free valet parking is available for guests.
Check-​in was a breeze. I received an email the day before to check in and detail when I might be arriving, any special requests (in my case, to be located near to the other wedding guests), and unique room specifications such as a goldfish for the room, foam pillows, etc. As I entered the hotel on my arrival, I was met with an eclectic assortment of furniture, colors, and décor. The front desk staff were quick, efficient, and welcoming. If you sign up for the Kimpton Rewards Program ahead of time, you will receive a $ 10 credit to the room’s mini bar or to the Poste Moderne Brasserie within the hotel. Attached to the lobby is the just mentioned restaurant/​bar with a beautiful outdoor courtyard area.
I stayed in a Queen Deluxe room which was cozy space-​wise but considering it was just me, the size was inconsequential. The height of the vaulted ceiling made up for what this room lacked width-​wise. It was an interesting mix of old and new décor… right down to the zebra print bathrobe supplied in my armoire. The goldfish in my room was a nice touch, along with the fully stocked mini-​bar, drawer of snacks, maps, corkscrew, yoga mat w. dvd, so on and so forth. If you are not one to require room service every day of your stay, hang the card on your door indicating so and you will receive a $ 5 credit to the restaurant downstairs. As someone who loves a good deal, I enjoyed racking up my credits! There are a number of other amenities to take part in here that I didn’t have a chance to utilize… in-​room spa treatments, the fitness center, pet-​friendly details, etc.
As for the event space itself, it was a beautiful, well-​organized 4^th floor venue with staff who were very friendly and welcoming. I would certainly put this place on the list of contenders if you are looking for somewhere to hold your event.
I would absolutely stay here again if I visit Washington D.C. in the future. The rooms can get a bit pricey but if you keep an eye out you can get a really good deal!

My latest work trip to DC put me at the Hotel Monaco for five wonderful nights. It was my first time at a Kimpton hotel and I was impressed from the very start.
I was recovering from being sick and arrived feeling slightly drained, but the simple check-​in, warm cookies, and two different fruit infused ice waters to choose from had me feeling better instantly. Not only was check-​in a breeze, but I was given a choice of rooms — I picked the first floor corner room with huge shower/​double shower head situation. I also asked that they send up my pretty pet, a goldfish! I grabbed a fruity water to-​go and got to my room.
Room was dark, looking up at the street from slightly below– I was happy with how quiet it was despite the closeness to traffic in busy Penn Quarter/​Chinatown. Leonor, my fish, arrived about five minutes later and flopped around like crazy for a good while. Bed was ample and comfy, fridge stocked with expensive and exotic treats.
I highly suggest signing up for the Kimpton rewards program– you get a coupon to use at the bar. In addition, all guests are offered wine & olives/​crackers during happy hour in the hotel lobby, and those amazing freshly baked cookies around 3pm until they run out. Free arabica coffee and a variety of teas available for here or to-​go every morning. Can’t beat it!
I am not one to use maid service every day, so I received more bar/​restaurant discounts for holding off on cleaning — I think you get up to three days of vouchers if you set out the «no cleaning» door hanger by a certain time.
The gym is super fabulous with upscale machines (e.g. bikes and treadmills with built-​in TV!) cold water, sani wipes, and clean towels.
Overall, everything was perfect– comfy, and convenient. I could have used the fancy gym across the street, too! Perfectly located near Chinatown/​Gallery Place Metro for my quick commute to Capitol Hill. Area has many restaurants of all prices and flavors, and I would definitely stay at Kimpton Monaco again!

Vacation for 2.
— Location (⁵⁄₅)
In the heart of DC right next to Gallery Place/​Chinatown metro stop, it doesn’t get more convenient than that.
— Service (¹⁄₅)
Service was a major issue at check-​in. I had paid $ 60 for guaranteed early check-​in at 10:00 am. When you offer me guaranteed (and paid) early check-​in, and I make plans around this, you better come through! The lady just said that because they were fully booked the night before, they wouldn’t have the room ready in time. There was no such disclaimer on the website during booking. After some discussing, she said that she would do me a favor and waive the $ 60 fee. Really?! That’s your favor? I was expecting to hear something like… «so sorry we didn’t follow through on our promise causing you to head out on your Saturday activities without showering, so we’ll upgrade you to a nicer room so you have sleep well in the evening». Nope. We also needed to check our bags, but since I hadn’t counted on needing to do so, I was scrambling to figure out what to take out and what to carry with us. The lady just stood there tapping her foot, looking extra impatient even though there was no line behind us! You’ve already inconvenienced us… the least you can do is be a little patient. Sheesh!
— Amenities (⁵⁄₅)
Saw a nice gym with cardio machines and free weights but didn’t use.
— WIFI (²⁄₅)
Repeatedly told by the front desk the WIFI was free, but it was not.
— Bathroom (⁴⁄₅)
Very nice and homey bathroom, though the shower had a really high step. Water pressure was really good.
— Toiletries (⁵⁄₅)
Very nice. My hair smelled nice afterward :-)
— Towels (³⁄₅)
For a Kimpton hotel, I was expecting softer, fluffier towels.
— Heat/​Air (⁵⁄₅)
Temperature remained good throughout with very little noise.
— TV (⁴⁄₅)
Good wall mounted setup.
— Value (⁵⁄₅)
For the heart of DC, it’s pretty inexpensive.

There’s a good reason Hotel Monaco is Kimpton Hotel’s original flagship brand. Not cookie-​cutter, each hotel is housed in creatively re-​purposed historic buildings. Hotel Monaco Washington is the old General Post Office and Tariff building designed in the 1800s by the same architect who designed the US Capitol and Washington Monument.
Facing the Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery, this plush, boutique hotel is also kitty corner to the Gallery Place/​Chinatown Metro station, a very central downtown Penn Quarter location.
I’ve stayed at this hotel many times, most recently a few weeks ago. IMHO, the best rooms are on the 2^nd & 3^rd floors, with grand corridors and high ceilings and windows.
I am grateful the front desk staff gave me a complimentary suite upgrade with a huge jacuzzi tub (which I didn’t get a chance to use). The bathrooms are clean and the clearly Hotel Monaco-​style furnishings impeccable.
The beds and sheets are super comfortable. I slept better than on my own bed. The room safe is large enough for a laptop and more. The only improvement could be having a larger room TV which is almost as small as my computer monitor at home.
I always I attempt to get to the hotel in time for the complimentary wine hour, 5 – 6 pm!

Our family of five spent 4 nights here last week.
We were in rooms 417 and 420, technically a «Mediterranean suite» (though I have no idea what it has in common with that region) plus a regular double. Overall it was a good choice for our family/​tourist purposes because of the outstanding location and large rooms.
It’s worth noting that even more than other Kimptons, this boutique hotel felt quite different (both goods and bads) from what you’d get in a mainstream place like Starwood or Hyatt. Examples:
— Building is an 1800s postal center, so sports things like 1+ foot thick cement walls
— Hallways are weirdly long and echo-​y, meaning any talking in hall filters right into your room
— Original woodwork in our rooms was charming, but also very beat up and tired
— Optional pet goldfish in each room during our stay
— Cheese plate for grown-​ups and bag of candy for each kid waiting on arrival
— Very friendly and helpful front desk staff, almost Ritz level personal attention
— Different company’s valet parking service at front entrance; weirdly sullen group who tended to block the stairs and just be in the way
— One night there was a wedding just down the hall from our room and it was crazy loud. Staff were apologetic, but it was almost like they had never thought of this before.