After a long weekend in the mountains, I returned back to Denver for a few more days of exploration and relaxation. After sleeping on a couch for a few nights, it was a welcome feeling to return to a space that was my own with a giant king bed all to myself. Hotel Monaco Denver is located right off of the 16th Street Mall and a half mile away from Union Station making it ideally located to wandering Denver on foot. Named one of the “Top 20 Hotels in Denver” by Conde Nast Traveler, it’s no surprise Monaco made the list. The service was incredible, the room unbeatable and the experience memorable.

Checking In
An in-the-moment decision had me trekking the half mile from Union Station to Hotel Monaco with my luggage. I pack light but rolling a suitcase after a three hour train ride and a weekend without much sleep, walking was the worst decision. Upon arrival, check-in was fast, easy and the receptionist was very nice. She gave me directions to my room, shared information about the hotel including happy hour drinks and bites every afternoon, and gave me recommendations for Panzano, their restaurant.

Walking into Monaco is like stepping into an old movie. The spaces are all soft lit and the decor is very luxe but in an eclectic way. The whole building - from the lobby to guest rooms - has a European design, Venetian if I were to pick a region, and it feels like luxury without the exclusivity. It’s warm and welcoming, something that can most likely be attributed to the color tones and friendly staff.

The Room
As soon as I opened the door to my guest room, I felt the load of the trek release from my body. I stayed in a Deluxe King Suite which had plenty of space. Nothing felt cramped by any means in this room. Two large sets of windows took up the majority of the far wall bringing in plenty of light during the day. A desk sat in the corner with a comfortable chair and next to it a dresser with large, flat-screen TV and a drawer fitted with snacks and drinks. I loved the little mascot that greeted you by the TV.

The bed was, in a word, heaven. I slept like a baby every night. The bathroom was clean and spacious, and the suite had plenty of space to store luggage and clothing. They also provide these funky animal print bathrobes that I found hilarious. Housekeeping comes to the room each day and tidies up. This isn’t something that I’m particularly in need of since I’m a rather neat traveler but it doesn’t hurt to have your bed tucked in nice and tight every day!

Bites
Hotel Monaco Denver’s restaurant, Panzano, serves Italian fare with local, organic and sustainable ingredients. They focus on contemporary Northern Italian cuisine and serve a variety of innovative cocktails as well as tasty happy hour, breakfast and brunch menus. I didn’t dine in the restaurant itself but I did order room service for breakfast on my last morning. It’s a tradition I seem to have started while traveling. It takes the stress away of having to leave the hotel before checking out to grab a bite.

I ordered a carafe of coffee (of course) with Egg White French Toast. The French Toast doesn’t appear to be on the menu any longer unless they don’t have the “healthy” options listed online. Regardless, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from including Pineapple Pancakes, Zucchini Bread French Toast, and Chicken Hash. This is all in addition to fresh squeezed juice, espresso drinks, teas and more. My modest breakfast was the perfect start to a day of travel.

The Neighborhood
Monaco is located right off the 16th Street Mall and within walking distance of a variety of Denver attractions including Larimer Square, and as I mentioned earlier, Union Station. Two blocks down and around the corner on 15th Street is Sam’s No. 3, a diner that appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, that has killer breakfast food and, allegedly, burgers. Denver Pavilions is right up 17th Street along with the Paramount Theatre. The State Capitol is a bit more of a walk but worth it when the weather is warmer to walk the Civic Park Center as well.

The Verdict
While I’ve stayed in Kimpton Hotels before, this was my first time in a Hotel Monaco. The experience was a pure delight. From excellent service to scrumptious food and a dreamy bed, I don’t have any negative things to say. The location is ideal and the amenities are top notch. Hotel Monaco Denver really goes out of their way to provide an exceptional experience away from home. Whether your travel is for business, leisure or a bit of both, I recommend Hotel Monaco for your home away from home.

*This post was not sponsored or affiliated in any way with the Hotel Monaco Denver or Kimpton Hotels.*