Hotel Monaco San Francisco

Hotel Monaco Review

San Francisco Luxury @ Kimpton Hotels

501 Geary Street @ Union Square

San Francisco's Hotel Monaco is the cute and luxurious kind of hotel that you might think belongs in a storybook more than in downtown San Francisco. As a four-star hotel, and especially as part of the Kimpton group of boutique hotels, all the “little touches” are done right here. It’s one of those few hotels where you feel like you can ask anybody anything and get your answer immediately—with a smile, and often a complimentary glass of wine. The service is impeccable, friendly, and knowledgeable. If you need a reservation made or simply can’t find your way, there’s no better team in town to assist you. While the rooms are small and a bit pricey, the rich décor and French style seduces you from the moment you enter. Ask about the life-size sculpture of the tree with monkeys in the main hall—it’s a good story!

The Monaco in San Francisco has 201 superior rooms and suites, and the structure itself boasts fireplaces and frescoed ceilings tucked away throughout. The staff is also extremely pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your dog and feed him with complimentary bottled water. Forgot, lost, or couldn’t bring Lassie? The Monaco will give you a goldfish at no charge—housekeeping will even feed him for you! Unless you opt for a suite, the rooms are typically small and cozy, furnished with whimsical but fancy items like canopy beds and oversized oval mirrors—and despite the size of the room, there’s always a second phone in the bathroom. All the rooms come standard with down pillows, video games, an excellent sound system, in-room safe, Aveda bath amenities, and complimentary wireless internet. If you forgot anything at home (besides your pet), the Hotel Monaco will get a replacement for it up to your room immediately.

It should also be noted that the hotel is in a prime location, just a couple of blocks from Union Square, in the heart of the theatre district. It’s also close to the TIX booth that offers half-price tickets for same-day shows playing just next door. Of course San Francisco’s many famed attractions are also close by, including cable cars, as well as major bus, tram, and train lines. If you’ve got the heart to brave walking the city—and you should—many tourist attractions like Chinatown, the Museum of Modern Art, and Yerba Buena gardens are all a few minutes away. A nearby cable car or bus will take you to North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Park. The SFO airport is just 14 miles away and easily accessible by shuttle or the BART train system (exit at Powell station). The hotel staff will arrange a shuttle for you if you ask them.

The Hotel Monaco is a real gem in the city. A complimentary wine and cheese every afternoon gives you the midday opportunity to unwind. It can be quite social and an opportunity to meet others with the same exquisite taste in accommodation as you. If that’s not enough, there are free on-the-spot massages and a tarot card reading available at the same time. For more pampering, make an appointment at the Hotel Monaco’s spa, or eat at the delicious Grand Café attached to the main lobby.

This well-run luxury hotel is so much fun that it’s sometimes hard to leave. Tourists always seem to leave their hearts in San Francisco, but guests here just might leave their heart at the Monaco.

L.S. writes, "Hotel Monaco is located right in downtown San Francisco, on one of the better blocks. If you can afford to stay here...I would definitely recommend it. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.

While hotel prices fluctuate -- prices recently quoted ranged from $225-$250 with a median price quote of $235.

When we arrived, our room was not yet ready so they gave us free drinks at the bar of The Grand Cafe, which happens to be located in the hotel. (great food....by the way), The concierge said they would get us when the room was done. At the bar, I ordered a cranberry vodka and the bartender immediately suggested that I order Kettleone because I wasn't paying for it anyway...I took his advice.

When our room was ready, we were escorted to our room by the bell boy who not only carried our bags but also offered cheese and wine for the elevator ride. (Free for all guests....there is a certain reception time to be aware of) Our room was beautiful! It had two separate areas, one for the bedroom and one for the couch, table, extra closet etc.. The room included all the usual things: TV, clock radio, etc. as well as a great stereo equipped with CD player, plenty of space for your belongings, and an ironing board plus iron, just a few of the amenities not all hotels have.

The bed was comfortable and the room was very clean and well decorated. My favorite part of the entire room was the insanely, large bathroom with the 6 foot Jacuzzi (surrounded by mirrors on 3 sides) and completely separate all glass shower. My boyfriend seemed to find the phone conveniently placed right by the toilet quite amusing.

Five minutes after we entered our room, we were again greeted by a bottle of wine brought to our door. And in the morning, we had two continental breakfasts delivered to our room, which were small, but tasty. Hey...I'm not saying that I didn't deserve this treatment!

This was the VIP room. But it was very romantic, close to the Curran Theater, where we saw Phantom of the Opera, and there were a million things to do in the morning. I definitely recommend it to anyone who has the budget and wants to appreciate San Francisco's city atmosphere in luxury!