Looking for an inexpensive and clean hotel in Philadelphia’s historic district, my friends and I found Hotel Monaco, conveniently located in Old City steps from the Liberty Bell and the neighborhood’s best restaurants. Though we arrived on a busy Friday afternoon, my group was immediately escorted to the uniquely decorated lobby, decked out in fun yellow and red-striped wallpaper, and checked in by a polite employee standing in front of a hot pink wall adorned with hanging brushes of different sizes and styles.
Along with 268 guestrooms, including 17 suites, Hotel Monaco offers a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking for $40 a night, in-room spa services, beautiful event space, a free yoga mat in each room, complimentary WiFi to members of Kimpton’s Karma Rewards loyalty program and a complimentary evening wine hour from 5–6 p.m. each day, which my friends and I enjoyed in the modern living room lobby before our dinner reservations at nearby FARMiCiA.
Located on the ninth floor and decorated with fun wallpaper featuring images of clocks, peacocks and geometric patterns, our room boasted two comfortable queen-sized beds and an excellent view of Independence Historic National Park. In-room amenities included a large workspace, an iHome docking station we used to play music and a flat-panel LCD television with cable and on-demand access. The bathroom was clean and spacious, providing Kimpton’s house brand of Etro toiletries.
After a delicious dinner, we returned to the hotel to check out its popular rooftop lounge located on the 11th floor. One of the only rooftop social spots in the city, Stratus Rooftop Lounge offers a variety of handcrafted cocktails and seasonal bites. We capped off our night with local beers and dancing before making our way back to our room two floors down.
We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel’s Red Owl Tavern in the morning before checking out and exploring Old City. All of us were pleased with the hotel, with only one complaint about our neighbor’s dog barking for a short period of time in the middle of the night (the hotel is pet-friendly).
433 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
tel 215 925 2111
Read This Next
Hotel Le Jolie
Hotel
Aug 4, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedCruises
Jul 14, 2026“Seabourn Quest” Receives Expansive Update
Seabourn Quest originally launched in 2011, so this is a ship that’s getting up there in age — but recent updates ensure this luxury, boutique cruise vessel is anything but outdated. In June, Seabourn wrapped up a drydock it described as the most comprehensive interior update it’s ever made to any of its ships.
Sponsored Content
The Province That Surrounds Seoul — And Outshines It
Skip the Seoul Crowds. The Real Korea is in Gyeonggi.
Slideshow
Jul 14, 202613 Must-Visit Lighthouses in the United States
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are 13 must-visit lighthouses in the United States.
Cruises
Jul 14, 2026First-Ever Gluten-Free Ocean Cruise Sets Sail in 2028
A 100-percent, gluten-free cruise hits the high seas in 2028, giving travelers with celiac disease and other dietary restrictions the chance to enjoy 11 onboard dining options worry-free. Celiac Cruises partnered with Oceania Cruises to launch a 12-night cruise across England, Ireland and Scotland onboard Oceania Vista.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
North America
Jul 13, 20264 Napa, Sonoma Rosé and White Wines to Pour This Summer
Summer means crisp whites and fruity rosés, whether sipping at home in your backyard with family and friends or on the terrace of a winery in California. And if you can’t actually make it to a vineyard any time soon, bring California’s iconic Napa Valley and Sonoma wines to you with these four exceptional wines.
ShareThis