Hotel Monaco is nearly perfect
by A TripAdvisor Member
Almost everything about the hotel and staff was perfect during my stay. I also got this hotel through Priceline for $65 a night which is a steal. The posted rate was $199 which would also be fair relative to the brand name competition's rates.
Lobby:
The lobby is beautiful. I'm not sure how to descibe it art terms but it is very attractive. There were fresh baked cookies at the counter to enjoy during the quick process. In the mornings there is complimentary coffee in an adjoining room. In the early evening there is wine and cheese, also complimentary. There is a back massage service and a tarot card reader whose services are free but to whom you should offer a gratuity.
Room: Our room was small but otherwise flawless. Everything looked brand new. There were no dents in the wooden furniture or marks on the walls - which were done in deep red and gold striped wallpaper. The colors are bold and the accents show that someone put much thought into decorating. An example is that the artwork on the walls was the right size to make the room look like someone's home - assuming that person had excellent taste. At a large chain hotel I stayed in recently, a huge wall had one small framed print. It looked silly. Other accents included a huge mirror with a very artistic frame and throw pillows on the bed - which was very comfortable - that complemented the rest of the decor.
Rooms have cable TV, CD player, hair dryer, iron, and robes. Soaps and shampoos are by Aveda. For a fee, there is high speed Internet, a fax machine and Nintendo games. The mini bar was fully stocked with snacks, alcohol, soda, water, etc.
Service:
This is where the Monaco stands out. The doorman started to help us immediately. He asked us about our travels, our hometown, etc. while organizing our bags on a trolley. After a few more pleasantries he directed us to the front desk. As I mentioned, check-in was a breeze. We were barely in our room before the bags arrived - brought by another cheerful employee. We didn't have much further interaction with the staff because everything was nearly perfect. We came back one afternoon to find a complementary bottle of champagne in the room as we had mentioned to the doorman that we were in town for our own wedding in a few days. Upon leaving, the bellman was really friendly and talkative. Checkout was a breeze.
I definitely got the impression that the employees really like their jobs and are probably well compensated relative to their peers. Their friendliness never seems forced. It seems that they are in the hospitality business by choice and that they grasp the concept that by being friendly they promote repeat business. This simple idea seems lost in most American companies these days.
Other:
The hotel has a small fitness center with treadmills, stationary bikes, and Nautilus as well as a large Jacuzzi, a steam room and a sauna. As with the guest rooms, everything was clean and well maintained. Towels were provided. There is also a small business center.
There is a restaurant adjoining the lobby, Grand Cafe. I didn't eat there but it got a 21 from Zagat and always seemed to be packed in the evenings.
The location is about 3 blocks west of Union Square so it is within easy walking distance of the Union Square shopping district as well as the Financial District. Public Transportation of all sorts is nearby.
Another great Monaco stay
by A TripAdvisor Member
This was our second Hotel Monaco experience (Chicago being the other). As with our previous stay, the San Francisco Hotel Monaco was a real treat.
The staff was very friendly and helpful. The rooms were clean. The bed was super comfortable. The restaurant was outstanding. Etc, etc...
The rooms are small but cozy. They are perfect for a San Francisco stay -- just enough room to sleep, nap, unwind and clean up. The rest of the time should be spent exploring the city!
The free wine hour is a lot of fun and serves as a great starting point for a night on the town. Additionally, the free morning Starbucks helps kick start your day.
The location is nearly perfect. You're a short walk from Union Square, which in turn is a short walk from Chinatown and the Financial District. Be warned, if you leave the hotel for a walk, turn right once you hit the sidewalk. Going left will drop you in the Tenderloin, a rather depressed area of SF.
All in all the Hotel Monaco complimented a great visit to San Francisco.
Fab Boutique -- esp. if you get a Web rate.
by A TripAdvisor Member
I pricelined a boutique hotel in SF the day before, and got the Hotel Monaco for $65 a night. At that rate I was expecting a key to the broom closet. Instead, they gave me a gorgeous room -- everything brand new, fantastic appointments and linens. The service was fine, staff friendly, and the restaurant downstairs is a fun place to grab breakfast or a drink. All in all, it's a fine place -- I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.
Loved it!
by TripAdvisor Member MikeGrossman
We were looking for a quick getaway to S.F. Found a great deal with air fare and hotel for the same price as the airfare alone! The Hotel Monaco is fabulous....people are VERY friendly. Hotel is very lovely...very art deco era! Rooms are small, European style but still fine. VERY nicely decorated. Make sure to ask for a gold fish and take advantage of the massage..you'll need it if you walk those S.F. hills.
Loved it!
by TripAdvisor Member Cynical
Got this through price line for $65 a night. Stayed there between 18th and 22nd of May. During the nights I stayed there, the rooms were advertised for prices ranging between $220 to $300.
This is a lovely hotel. Check in was fast, staff was friendly and the door man (Ken) down right helpful with directions and sightseeing etc.
The room was spacious, lavishly decorated with all the trappings like mini-bar, steam iron, high speed internet access, fax machine, room safe etc.
The free wine, cheese and massages are good.
The hotel is located in a very central location with the cable car turnaround & Market St station only a few blocks away. Deli's, shops etc are within a couple of blocks radius.
However this hotel borders an iffy area (The Tenderloin). But the doorman can tell you which way you are not supposed to go. I followed his directions and never had any trouble.
For a price of $65 (for a 4 star/boutique), it is an absolute steal. You cant get a decent 2 star in a central location such as this for the same price (I know, I checked!!)
Amazing !!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
What a ablow out sur prize, my second visit once a year ago for business this time for a weekend in the city. The manager has changed and you know it !! They could not stop dotting on me - if you want to spoiled sincerly and genuinly check out this great little place.
Dont miss the personal service from the present, poised staff.
Rooms are small but well appointed with plush ammenities - I will be back !!
Mike
Forum Posts
Advice
by NaseerAli
Hi Guys:
I managed to get Hotel Monaco for $65 a night through priceline during the nights of 18-22 May. My questions are:
1) Is it a good hotel/good deal?
2) What about the area? I think the hotel is in Tender loin? if so, what do I need to look out for?
Thanks in advance everybody
Regards
Re: Advice
by Rixie
I don't know much about this place, other than the fact that it's a fairly new boutique hotel. $65/night is an excellent price -- I've seen it listed from $209-$329. There are testimonials from satisfied guests on the hotel's website: http://www.monaco-sf.com/
I'd consider Geary and Taylor to be closer to the upscale theater/Union Square area than to the Tenderloin, which is a poorer section of SF. I would still recommend taking a taxi at night rather than walking around by yourself -- better to be safe than sorry. I hope you have a wonderful visit.
Re: Advice
by joanmeyer
I've stayed at the Hotel Monaco in SF several times when traveling there on business. You received an unbelievably excellent rate. (I usually pay around $150 per night and regard that as a good rate). The area of the city it is located in is just fine. Ask the concierage about walking at night to be on the safe side.
Enjoy! It is a lovely hotel.
