Simply Staceymarie : The Review for the Hotel Monaco.... Seattle!

So many great things to do when you stay in Seattle. Hub’s and I decided that we would go and spend some time in the big city. Now if you know me you know I am a Giant Harry Potter fan. With the Part one of the final book out in theaters now this was the perfect time to go to the Hotel Monaco and enjoy their Harry Potter package. A treat for myself and for the “Hub’s”.

Located on 4th Ave in the heart of down town, just across the street from the architectural wonder the Seattle Public Library, which is a complete treat to spend a few hours wondering and exploring in. With movie tickets in hand for 112:00 pm showing at the movie theater. We got our popcorn and pop and settled into our seat’s. After the movie got out we were on our way to the hotel to get settled in.

Making our way up to the front door the bellman were there to greet us with a kind smile and immediately demonstrated that they were well trained, paying close attention to all of their guests. The front desk employees went above and beyond what they needed to do. The entire staff Provided great information at a pace that was energetic but not rushed, the positive energy they show without being insincere was very refreshing.

Walk through the large doors from the street, into the Hotel Monaco and you feel like you are worlds away from the hussle and bussle of the city of Seattle. Your sense’s will come back to when you walk into the lobby. Which is full of wonderful places to sit and visit, enjoying a kissing couch if you would like, read a great book or just gaze at the fire and relax. Reminiscent of ancient Greek seaports, you'll discover large potted Palm plants, blue accents, white Stucco, wrought iron accents, bronze light fixtures, globes of hand-blown glass, velvet curtains flowing from the ceiling to the floor. Take the time to gaze up at the vaulted ceiling to see the dolphin mural, it is breathe taking. The lobby was a highlight to our stay so much that I didn’t want to leave, excited to come back that evening for their nightly wine reception. “Hub’s” and I enjoyed it and loved the fact that the staff on hand pouring the wine and spiked cider were so friendly.

Being there during the holiday season, the tree was up and the all the halls were decked. Stockings were hung on the beautiful fireplace, it was a great pick to stay down town during the most magical time of the year. I was told that the decor is inspired by the frescoes at the Palace of Knossos. The attention to detail is seen in every nook of this hotel. They have a business center that you are welcome to use with Mac computers. (be still my heart) On site. They have a gym with all the major things you need to get your heart rate up! Down stairs is also where they keep the conference rooms, not skipping on beautiful bright decor they make sure top to bottom shows their best.

Going up to our room on the 11th floor was a treat having our own elevator made us feel like we were VIP guests in this great Hotel. I was a little worried at first being that this is a Chain hotel, that it might feel to uniform and muted like a motel 6 or super 8, but to my wonderful surprise and only after ten minutes in the hotel you start to feel as if you are staying in an independent hotel. This is what Kimpton wants you to feel like when you are one of their guests. They are a boutique hotel in all the ways that you would want it to be, along with the fact that it has all the extras a chain hotel has. To me this is a win win, I can’t wait to check out each and every Kimpton Hotel I can.

This picture is one of their other rooms it is busy but so cool!

The Elevator opened and we walked past a few rooms before we made it to our room. Opening the room’s door was like opening a gift on Christmas morning. A gold fish “Peter” was there to help us to continue the adventure. The vivid colorful palate that our hotel room décor had boast of reds, bright yellows, raspberries and cream accents all around. Eye popping Layered patterns & stripped wall paper, like the cherry on top of a sundae the luxurious furnishings and thoughtful details do just that to this fun room! Decorated with Cherry-wood furniture, a flat screen TV coffee table, two side tables, a queen size sleeper sofa was a nice touch. A mini fridge and small table for two, also the complimentary high-speed Internet access & the wonderful robes that “hub’s” and I took advantage of them, to put it simple.... they were amazing.

With a slip from the tie back the curtains separate the living area to the sleeping area, all be hidden from view from your sleeping area. A great thing if you are sharing a room and want that small bit of privacy, it is that simple attention to detail that makes this hotel so great! The sleeping area boasts of two side tables a I-pod dock so you can listen to your music not someone else’s. A second TV is hidden in an armoire, an over stuffed reading chair sits in the corner with a floor lamp. You can completely ignore every thing and just snuggle in the cloud of your King size bed. we also loved looking down on to the 4th Ave street watching the cars and people as they were buzzing by it was nice that we were able to be enjoying our slow paced time in our wonderful room, it was an escape that we need.

Being a Green Girl another great thing is that this hotel, like all Kimpton hotel, they all meet the Green Seal™ Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties for waste minimization, water and energy efficiency, hazardous substances handling, and environmentally responsible purchasing.

The reason we picked this hotel was for their Harry Potter Package which has so much that they included..........

This special offer includes:

• Deluxe accommodations

• Reserve discounted tickets to Pacific Science Center including Mindbender Mansion and Harry Potter™ The Exhibition

• Discounted round trip Monorail passes

• Complimentary Valet Parking

• Offer valid October 22, 2010-January 30, 2011

• Exhibit closed Tuesdays, Christmas Day

• Harry Potter™ The Exhibition is a time-ticketed exhibition; tickets purchased through the Hotel Monaco guarantee entrance within one hour of arrival to Pacific Science Center

• For more details on Harry Potter™ The Exhibition,

To my surprise the staff made us reservations for us to enjoy their wonderful on site restaurant Sazerac, keeping up with the Harry Potter theme they have a special menu just for this wonderful package. it is truly the best experience for an avid Harry Potter fan like me.!! They have many packages to choose from and will do anything for you to have a memorable stay.

When we left the next day after a late check out. I was a bit sad to leave. I know that staying at the Hotel Monaco will be a yearly event when we head to the City for our Christmas tradition, now adding this wonderful hotel to it!

Remember to tell then that Kingstongirl sent you!!