Foyer of Hotel Monaco
by janicewilsonFacilities. Decent.
The hotel redeveloped an older property, built in 1924, having previously owned by the historic Continental Bank. The hotel didn't spend much time on the exterior as it was quite drab, leaving a depressed first impression. However the interior was warm and colorful, but couldn't avoid being awkward due to a floor plan intended for a financial institution. The rooms could only be described as adequate and upon seeing the bathroom, I understood immediately why the hotel couldn't charge more then $109 for a Deluxe Room. The bathroom was small, cramped and a bit worn around the edges. One excepts a Kimpton experience to be anything but worn. All in all, the furnishings seemed a bit "thrown together" rather than "quirky" and more "Bombay Company*-ish" than "luxuriously contemporary". But there was the occasional nice touch, e.g. leopard print robes, terry cloth shower curtain, tootsie rolls left bedside.
*Bombay Company is an American franchise that sells "unique" reproductions, with a touch of the exoctic, that can't quite camouflage the veneer of commercial furniture. Nice, but certainly not luxurious.
Service. Poor
I know few hotels that can meet the Four Seasons standard, but I do expect at least a 4 star standard from a Kimpton. Hotel Monaco barely manged a 3 star standard. Upon arrival, I was beleaguered by valet, because I chose to park the car 20 meters away for $21 dollars less (over the course of two days) then the vaunted hotel parking. I love the Kimpton "goldfish" standard, but hated that I had to ask for that sucker three times before the provided pet was at long last brought to our room (the goldfish was not delivered until the following day). At best, the front desk seemed absent minded and more often negligent re the few requests we made (e.g. goldfish, dry cleaning and late check out).
Location. The location of the hotel was fantastic. A few blocks walk from Temple Square and diverse range of restaurants. After a quick jaunt to Red Iguana (excellent restaurant), I was able to park my car for the remainder of the weekend.
Advice. 1. If I have the opportunity to visit Salt Lake City again, for $90 more I'll be happy to choose Grand America over Monaco. I dined at the hotel's Garden Cafe for brunch and was very impressed with both the interior and exterior finishes and furnishings of the hotel. 2. Disregard the valet. Valet parking is $15.50 per night. Self parking in the hotel lot is $13.50 per night. Self parking next door (adjoined to the lounge, Red Door), $5.00 for the entire weekend (as long as the care remains parked, otherwise, $5 per night).
