Hotel Monaco, Washington, USA

The Hotel Monaco is a four-star luxury boutique hotel situated in Washington DC, in the historic Tariff Building. The hotel opened in 2002 and has achieved the AAA four diamond award from 2003 to 2006, as well as being voted one of the top 80 hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler.

The hotel came about through the architectural transformation of the Washington DC General Post Office building. Originally designed by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument, it was completed in 1842 as the first all-marble building in the city.

In addition, US architect Thomas Walter created the design for the extension on the north façade of the building, which was completed in 1866. The hotel was fully restored between 1999 and 2002 and is now able to show the historical significance and architectural grandeur of the original landmark building.

The hotel project is the result of a joint venture between Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group and the US Government body General Services Administration-Portfolio Management.

SERVICES

The 183-room hotel is located within walking distance of the National Mall in Penn Quarter, by the Verizon Center and Washington Convention Center, in the heart of downtown.

Every room features original vaulted or segmented arched ceilings and a blend of eclectic yet comfortable furnishings. The hotel has an excellent 24-hour fitness centre and combines the original architecture (marble hallways and stone stairways) with a modern outlook.

The 174-seater Poste-Moderne Brasserie is the main restaurant and bar serving a selection of modern international cuisine.

ROOM SERVICES AND CONFIGURATIONS

Room services and amenities include cordless telephones with voicemail and two-line data ports, in-room refrigerators stocked with gourmet treats, Aveda toiletries, in-room safety deposit boxes that can hold laptops, 5-disk CD players, DVD players and Nintendo consoles.

The hotel offers high-speed internet access and a variety of other guest comforts such as a complimentary evening wine reception and a 24-hour business centre.

The Majestic Hotel Suites located on the fourth floor can be converted into one- or two-bedroom suites. Each features a dining table and sitting area for six guests. Other features include a couch that converts to a queen-sized bed and a full bathroom with jacuzzi.

There are six Robert Mills Suites honouring the original architect of the hotel. These suites are located on the corners of the building and feature 20ft vaulted ceilings with ornate mouldings and over 600ft² of space. Suites include a private bedroom with king-sized bed, spa bath and separate shower.

Finally, the Mediterranean Hotel Suites feature a private bedroom with a king-sized bed and a spa tub and shower. The separate living room accommodates six guests and offers a couch that converts to a queen-sized bed.

Some of the rooms are offered as 'Tall Rooms' with 90in king-sized beds and higher showerheads for the taller traveller.The hotel is also pet friendly. Guests can borrow a goldfish for their room for the duration of their stay (Guppy love).

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

The hotel project was the result of a partnership between the federal government, seeking to restore the Old General Post Office that had fallen into disrepair, and a private developer, who wanted to turn the building into a profitable commercial venture.

In 2000, with guidance from both parties, a design team was able to preserve the structure; the main post office area was converted into the lobby, the mail-sorting pavilion became a restaurant and guest rooms were adapted to preserve the building's historical integrity.

Both clients were able to adapt the architecture in a way that allowed for continued community use of the building. The architect for the project was Michael Stanton Architecture with the associate architect being Oehrlein & Associates Architecture.

Click here for printable version