Hotel Monaco Chicago Rating: 4.0 Pearls

The Loop, Chicago, Illinois

The lobby

The Hotel Monaco is part of the Kimpton boutique hotel chain, and it's got the typical Kimpton offerings that make for a fun, intimate boutique experience: a free nightly wine and beer hour, free coffee and tea in the mornings, an open-arms attitude toward kids and pets, and most significantly, quirky, stylish decor. The hotel is located in an old hat factory, and its design does have an element of Mad Hatter-esque, Alice in Wonderland whimsy to it. But it also incorporates some Art Deco details: in the elegant lobby, the light fixtures and the detailing on the ceiling and walls; in the rooms, carved geometric wooden headboard with mirrors.

Every Kimpton hotel has a theme, and at the Monaco it's "Great Taste" in honor of Chicago's rich culinary tradition. Most guests probably won't notice that there is a theme, but it is manifested in a number of details, some subtle (customized turndown treats; apples and candy at the front desk) and some not so subtle (the American restaurant South Water Kitchen; the evening wine and beer hour).

View on a Larger Map

The Hotel Monaco is set in the northern part of the Loop, with a great location close to hundreds of dining and shopping options, and steps from the Theatre District. Many tourist attractions, like the Millennium Park and the world-class Art Institute of Chicago, are only a couple of blocks away. For longer distances, all subway lines are within three blocks.

• 6-minute walk to the Theatre District
• 7-minute walk to the Millennium Park
• 12-minute walk to the City Hall
• 8-minute walk to the Magnificent Mile
• 9-minute walk to the Art Institute of Chicago
• 20-minute walk to the John Hancock Observatory
• 20-minute walk to the Buckingham Fountain
• 19-minute subway ride to the Old Town
• 20-minute subway ride to Pilsen neighborhood
• 24-minute subway ride to the Wrigley Field
• 11-minute drive or 29-minute subway ride to the Museum of Science and Industry
• 20-minute drive to Midway International Airport
• 30-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport

Goldfish are provided upon request

The Hotel Monaco has 192 bright, quirky rooms (think: green striped wallpaper), with comfy beds, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and window seats. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, but at least they're equipped with high-end toiletries.

• Bathrobes
• Bathrooms with shower/tub combo (except in the suites) and luxe toiletries
• 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable access and on-demand movies
• CD player
• Mini-bar
• Safe
• Goldfish (upon request)
• Wi-Fi is $10 per day (free for Kimpton loyalty program members)
• Free yoga accessories (upon request)

The fitness center

• 24-hour business center with Mac and PC computers and a printer
• 24-hour fitness center
• "Tall Rooms" featuring 9-foot-long king beds; tall showerheads; and big bathrobes.
• 24-hour front desk staff; concierge usually available in the mornings and afternoons (hours vary)
• Pricey valet parking
• Free evening wine and beer hour
• In-room spa services available (massages; facials)
• Meeting spaces: 4,100 square feet, including three flexible rooms with multimedia and audiovisual equipment
• Daily fee for Wi-Fi (free for Kimpton InTouch members)
• Free overnight shoeshine service
• Babysitting services
• Pet-friendly: Pets of all shapes and sizes welcome, as at any Kimpton, and receive their own bevy of free amenities

South Water Kitchen serves American comfort food, like ribs or mac and cheese; open for breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner. Tavern menu available also available throughout the day.