This was my first trip to Chicago and to the Hotel Monaco. I was not sure what to expect with either, but was pleasantly surprised. The hotel is a smaller hotel with lots of special things about it. Upon arriving, parking was a real issue and we found it easier to just let the valet do the parking. When checking in, we were asked if we would like a goldfish for our room. Welllll....sure....why not??? This was a first for me. Upon getting to our room, we found a very nicely decorated room with a wonderful view of the waterway to our right. Each window had a good sized windowseat, where you could sit and watch the action down on the street. Just be aware that there is a building across from you and they can also watch everything going on in your room. :) It is a quiet hotel and did not hear any noise from the neighbors, which is important to me. They also provide very nice funky robes...not just the white ones you find in other places. There is a very nice bar and restaurant downstairs if you chose to stay there and eat. The hotel is pretty much in the middle of a very active area of Chicago and within walking distance to quite a few great restaurants. This is an upscale hotel with very friendly and helpful staff. A great place to stay in the middle of everything.

We took advantage of a winter weekend special at a very reasonable price. Even though we knew nothing about this hotel or the Kimpton chain, it sounded nice and the location was good.

I was expecting to find it just a good value, but we were more than very happy with the weekend we had at the Monaco, we were delighted. The king-sized bed was very comfortable, the linens were excellent, the window seat overlooking the Chicago River was a lovely touch, and the staff was excellent in every way. It was a great experience to go down for the free morning coffee and free newspapers and sit in the window looking over the city and reading the papers (although we had to use the footrest of the easy chair as a step to get up there).

The free evening wine hour was also a welcome touch.

We were not fans of the rather heavy decor, and the bathroom ventilator was a bit noisy, but these are minor quibbles when everything else was so good.

We would definitely look at the Kimpton chain on future trips.

This is my second time staying at the Monaco in the past year, and it only gets better. I reserved a suite facing the river. From the moment I stepped into the hotel I was treated like a VIP. When I left or entered the hotel I was called by name and always asked how my day was. Anything I needed was handled immediately and professionally. Few hotels today make each guest their top priority, The Monaco Chicago does.
I ordered room service for breakfast. Israel took care of my order, and the next time I ordered breakfast he remembered everything I wanted, even the extras. Now that is outstanding customer service.
The room was kept immaculately clean.
Few hotels that I have stayed in treat their guests as well as the Monaco. I can only say if you have the chance to stay here, take it. (And make sure to get a river view room.)

Three friends stayed for a concert at the Chicago Theatre, just a block and a half away. We had plenty of room in a freshly carpeted room with two queen beds. Front desk service was lively and helpful as was the doorman throughout the the afternoon and evening. We ate dinner at the adjacent restaraunt, and again service was really good as was the food.

Everything was better than expected.