FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Kimpton Monaco Washington, D.C., Review

by Francis X. Gallagher

Nov 2, 2021
November 2021
Kimpton Monaco

PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I took a leisurely drive from Philadelphia on a Thursday this past summer to visit Kimpton Hotel Monaco, the site we selected for the 2021 FXExpress awards (see the recap on page 36). The drive was easy, and travers- ing from the Baltimore–Washington Parkway to the hotel was simple. The property sits across the street from the National Portrait Gallery — close to everything but a few blocks from the National Mall, so traffic is not as congested. The hotel valet took my car and parked it in the hotel garage, as I would not need it for the rest of the day. It was great to just pull up in front and not have to worry about finding parking in D.C.

The hotel is a historic landmark designed by Robert Mills, who also designed the Washington Monument. The original building was completed in 1842 to house the General Post Office, which soon outgrew it. In 1855 Thomas Ustick Walter, also the designer of the U.S. Capitol dome, designed a new section. This construction was suspended during the Civil War. After the post office moved to a new location, the building housed many government agencies. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. The building stood abandoned from 1997 until 2002, when Kimpton turned it into the Monaco.

Check-in was swift and friendly. This was the period in July when Washington, D.C., dropped the mask mandate for vaccinated persons, so everything felt normal again.

GUEST QUARTERS: My room was on the third floor, and to get there I had to take the elevator and then walk into the other section of the hotel and down a wide hallway adorned with large shades hanging from the center, covering the lights. It made an impressive view. The entire building has very high ceilings, which helped keep the building cool before air-conditioning.

The large room had a king-sized bed to the left and a large lion sculpture above the bed to protect you while sleeping. To the right was a round glass-top table with chairs facing a built-in cabinet holding a flat-screen TV and a large bust of Thomas Jefferson. This made a good functional workstation, as I had to attend two Zoom meetings when I arrived. The table and the headboard had convenient power outlets and USB power sockets. Against the window sat an additional comfortable chair with a table/foot stool.

The bathroom was large with a tub/shower combo, a bowed shower curtain and great water pressure. Shampoo and amenities, by Atelier Bloom, were scented with basil, green apple and orange blossoms.

The room was comfortable, and the bed made for a perfect night’s sleep.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I enjoyed dinner and drinks at Dirty Habit, the on-site bar and restaurant. There is also an outside patio, frequented by Washingtonians. Make sure you try the tuna tartare dressed with watermelon — it was out of this world! The following month we hosted our event in Kimpton Monaco’s Paris Ballroom, beautiful and full of history. A huge dome at the center lets in natural light; remember, this building was constructed nearly 40 years before cities were electrified. There is also another meeting space on the other side of the building, the Athens Ballroom — I am told both make great wedding venues.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Dirty Habit offers the feel of outside — it is all glass — without being exposed to the elements.

The location cannot be beat: a short walk to nearly everything in Washington, D.C.

KIMPTON MONACO WASHINGTON, DC
700FSt.NW Washington, DC 20004
tel 202 628 7117
monaco-dc.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
March 2025
Mar 15, 2025

Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option

Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a new late check-out service on select ships and European sailings, allowing passengers to remain on board the ship until 12:30–1 p.m. to enjoy a few more hours of relaxation, lunch and other amenities before going home. The new service still requires passengers to check out of their staterooms by 8:30 a.m., but guests can now store their luggage at the cruise terminal for the remaining hours.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
Mar 14, 2025

Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover

Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.

Airlines
Mar 14, 2025

Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan

All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Daily
Mar 14, 2025

Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary

Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.

eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025

Air India Partners with Lufthansa Group, Virgin Australia

India’s leading global airline recently announced its expansion of codeshare partnerships with both Lufthansa Group and Virgin Australia. Through these new partnerships, travelers can enjoy access to more than 100 routes combined across the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025

SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels

SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.