While we only spent the one night, that one night has lingered in our memory for the last month.

Not your typical cookie cutter hotel, Kimpton’s Monaco Washington DC is both worldly and a world in itself.  With an attitude and decor which exudes eclectic luxury, one evening was all it took to be completely seduced by the Kimpton Hotel.

An evening at the Hotel Monaco is an experience like no other.  Housed in the original General Post Office Building, history and luxury come together in this National Historic Landmark building. Converted into a 183-room boutique hotel in 2002, the integrity of the original structure was preserved, and today the historical significance and architectural grandeur of the building reflects the grandeur of Washington DC itself.

In both attitude and decor the hotel has a personality which both surprises and delights.  It’s classic, it’s savvy and it’s eclectic. It’s an urban oasis; luxurious and sophisticated, yet colourful, spirited and enchanting.  We were transported into a world of romantic and stylish travel, enveloped in sheer comfort.

Walking through the halls and corridors of the building was an attraction in itself.  We were almost convinced we had fallen down a rabbit hole into a completely different world.  Original art lines the hotel corridors playing on the themes of travel, time, music and literature.  An eclectic range of furnishings with contemporary designs sits against plush carpeting. Patterns of bold stripes with vibrant, rich color line the walls. Marble floors and classic 19th century columns line the lobby. Every nook reveals a dash of style – but no where was it overdone.

Walking the corridors of the Hotel Monaco was an attraction in itself.

Original art plays on the themes of travel, time, music and literature.

Every single need is anticipated at Monaco Washington DC.  Small gifts such as laundry detergent, bath salts and moisturizing balms made the transition from home to travel easier. Surround sound and a DVD player included with our overly large flatscreen TV was a treat. Complimentary high speed internet access (provided you sign up for free  to become a Kimpton member) kept us connected.

Between a hosted evening wine hour and morning coffee, complimentary custom bikes for guest use, and the Women in Touch amenities program for female travelers who may have left items such as slippers, heating pads, nail polish etc at home; the Monaco Washington DC goes far and beyond any other hotel to make their guests feel at home.

There is a playfulness in their approach to amenities – yoga mats included in every room, and plush leopard print bathrobes urging you to embrace your ‘wild side’.  The inclusion of Nintendo’s in every suite.  Kimpton have set a new standard for customer satisfaction!

In providing every comfort of home, the Monaco Washington DC is a pet friendly hotel.  Those who choose to travel without their furry canine and feline friends however can opt in for companion goldfish – part of the hotel’s temporary pet program! Other unique offerings include “Tall Rooms” – 20 guestrooms have been customized for tall people featuring extra long beds (90 inches), high ceilings and heightened showerheads.

Yoga mats provided in every room – although I ended up on the ground every time!

In an incredibly convenient location, the Hotel Monaco occupies an entire block in the heart of the vibrant downtown arts and theatre district.  Within a block of the Verizon Center, Shakespeare Theatre, National Portrait Gallery and the Spy Museum, all DC has to offer is within walking distance, including that incredible ‘White House’.

In fact, the hotel is so centrally located that the Heritage Tourism Coalition of Washington DC gives walking tours of the Downtown Historic District beginning at the hotel every Saturday and Sunday.

Walked to the White House … and kept dry with umbrella’s provided in the room!

Our bedroom – Kimpton’s Monaco Washington DC

Our suite

We were seduced by Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco, and the experience will linger in our memory for many months to come!

 About Megan Claire

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging around the world for the last 7 years to inspire others to embark on their own worldwide adventure!  Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

We were guests of the Hotel Monaco. All opinions are our own.