Hotel Monaco Washington, DC

Frommer's Review

This is where I'd stay if I were a visitor to D.C. The Monaco has been winning awards and great reviews ever since it opened in the summer of 2002. Museum-like in appearance, the Monaco occupies a four-story, all marble mid-19th-century building, half of which was designed by Robert Mills, the architect for the Washington Monument, the other half designed by Thomas Walter, one of the architects for the U.S. Capitol. The two halves connect seamlessly, enclosing an interior, landscaped courtyard. Jutting into the courtyard from the F Street side of the hotel is its marvelous restaurant, Poste, which has established itself as a top spot for dining. The hotel takes up an entire block, between 7th and 8th streets, and E and F streets. Superlatives are in order: The hotel is truly magnificent.

The spacious guest rooms, similarly, combine historic and hip. Their vaulted ceilings are high (12-18 ft.) and windows are long, hung with charcoal and white patterned drapes. Eclectic furnishings include neoclassic armoires and three-legged desks. (The hotel's historic status precludes it from installing closets, hence the armoires, which some guests say are too small.) A color scheme successfully marries creamy yellow walls with periwinkle blue lounge chairs and orangey-red damask pillows. (Be aware, though, that changes were being contemplated as we went to press, to refurnish guest rooms and switch to LCD flat-paneled televisions.)

Interior rooms overlook the courtyard and the restaurant; you'll see the charming, arched passageway through which horse and carriage came a century ago. Exterior rooms view city sights on floors 2 through 4; the first floor is nearly subterranean (a window close to the ceiling lets in some light), which makes these rooms a good choice if you like quiet. This is a great location: When you stay at the Monaco, you're not just downtown, you're part of the scene.

More: The Hotel Monaco gives you a complimentary goldfish at check-in (if you so request) and offers specially designed "Tall Rooms" with 18-foot-high ceilings, 96-inch-long beds, and raised showerheads. Each guest room includes yoga essentials and a free, dedicated exercise and yoga channel on TV; in-room spa services are also available.

Go to the hotel's website or call direct to the hotel to obtain lowest available rates. Best deal: On the hotel's website click on "Reservations" and then on "Hot Dates, Great Rates" to find dates available for rates as low as $149 a night; if you're able to book a room at the upscale Monaco at this price, you'll likely be paying less and getting more than a room at one of the "budget" chain hotels in this neighborhood.

Pets: Pets welcomed -- they get VIP treatment, with their own registration cards at check-in, maps of neighborhood fire hydrants and parks, gourmet puppy and kitty treats.

Facilities: Restaurant (modern American); bar; spacious fitness center w/flatscreen TVs; 24-hr. concierge; full-service business center; 24-hr. room service; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning; 9 rooms for those w/limited mobility, 4 w/roll-in showers.

In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies and Nintendo, Web TV access ($10/day), 2-line phones w/dataports, free Internet access, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, robes, CD player.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top