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Greetings from the Chic Hotel Monaco in Downtown Baltimore!

I’m writing from my room this morning at Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco in downtown Baltimore. My husband and I were invited to visit this unique boutique hotel that is housed in the historic former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad headquarters, and I’m so grateful to my mom for coming up to keep the kids so we could get away for a night. I guess we got our romantic 20th anniversary getaway after all!

hotel monaco front awning

This hotel is super cool. I love how they managed to blend the signature Kimpton upscale contemporary style and design with the original historic architecture in this amazing building. I think I took 250 pictures because there’s so much I want to capture. This is the first level where you enter the hotel.

Hotel Monaco Baltimore

Check out the elevators.

elevators

Then you look up to see Tiffany stained-glass windows and this cascading marble staircase. It just blew me away. I seriously took about 50 shots of this area alone.

Hotel Monaco Baltimore

We spent a while walking around and taking it all in before walking down towards the Inner Harbor in search of some lunch.

paul

The weather this weekend has been absolute perfection, so we wanted a spot where we could sit outside. We found this cute Tuscan bistro called Brio with plenty of outdoor seating and no wait for a table.

brio

I had a delicious salmon salad, and Paul has flatbread. We just sat and chatted and soaked in the atmosphere.

lunch at Brio

After lunch, we walked back to the hotel to check into our room and found this posh suite waiting for us. Just look how cool this is with the bold colors, bedside tables that resemble steamer trunks, and that striking headboard.

Hotel Monaco Baltimore

baltimore15

They even had a tray of snacks and a bottle of wine was waiting for us in the sitting area. I always appreciate those welcoming touches when we’re being hosted by a new hotel.

welcome goodies

Then we discovered this amazing bathroom with an elevated tub and the mirror with tortoise shell scalloped edges. SO cool.

Hotel Monaco Baltimore

Also note the spacious vanity with plenty of space to spread out when you’re getting ready in the mornings. These are the things I look for in a hotel.

mirror

Everything about the suite is designed for the modern traveler in mind — from the spacious desk and flatscreen TVs in each room to the free WiFi and in-room dining menu to the luxurious bathroom with complimentary hair dryer and lighted makeup mirror.

Attached to the Hotel Monaco is the B&O American Brasserie, a restaurant that combines rustic, regional American fare with the atmosphere of a European brasserie. They invited us to experience their dinner menu, so we got gussied up and went down to check it out.

dinner date

b and o american brasserie

The bar area was hopping, and they have a great selection of artisan wines and unique cocktails. We sat on a comfy couch and enjoyed the scene. I tried the Tin Cup — a vermouth based cocktail with rhubarb spirit, strawberry syrup, and rosemary lemonade, garnished with a sprig of rosemary. It was different than anything I’ve ever had, and I’m trying to figure out how I can recreate it at home. There is also an exhibition kitchen with a brick oven and counter seating. It’s a cool place to hang out, and it’s clearly a popular spot.

b and o brasserie

When it was time for our reservation, they brought us upstairs to the restaurant area, where we enjoyed an artisan cheese tray and appetizers. For dinner, I had a steak that was phenomenal. They used a combination of fresh herbs to make a pretty presentation as well as a scrumptious meal. Even though it was steak and potatoes, it wasn’t heavy.

Paul had the crabcake, which was also presented beautifully and had a great mix of fresh flavors. I can attest because I scarfed a few bites when he wasn’t looking. Ha! I do love a good crabcake, but I was pleased with my steak dinner. My pictures didn’t turn out so good, so you’ll have to use your imagination.

The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere is cozy yet chic. Their attention to detail is as present in the restaurant as it is in the hotel. They even have chairs and table lamps from original B&O dining cars.

This morning, it’s up and at ’em. We have to get home to have lunch with my mom and then see her off. She’ll be returning to Virginia tonight.

The hotel serves complimentary coffee in their colorful lobby, so we took advantage of that. They call it the Living Room, and you can see why.

hotel monaco living room

If you’re ever in Baltimore and you’re looking for a luxe, chic hotel experience that combines the contemporary with the classic, definitely check out the Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco. There are so many fun touches that I didn’t even mention — like, they welcome pets (we have seen more dogs walking around than I can count!) and encourage families. You can borrow bikes and explore the city, and they provide a complimentary selfie sticks, which I thought was super clever and fun. It just goes to show that they embrace the modern traveler and try to make your experience fun.

While the atmosphere is posh and luxurious, it also feels welcoming and inclusive. As nice as it’s been for a romantic couple’s getaway, it would be just as appropriate for a family stay. They even have rooms with bunkbeds and X-Box! My kids would never want to leave.

Neither do I, but every good thing must come to an end. My husband’s chomping at the bit to get on the road, so I need to wrap this up. I hope you and yours have a lovely Sunday!!

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8 Responses

  1. We love Kimpton-Baltimore property had wonderful staff and cool rooms. We were just at the Pittsburgh property for our anniversary and got upgraded to a huge suite. Also just went to an amazing dinner at the James Beard House in NYC last week. 4 chefs from Philly and Pittsburgh
    Kimptond-amazing! Look into getting Kimpton Karma inner circle status.

  2. How gorgeous is this hotel?!?!?
    The suites with bunk beds and Xbox sound like my kids dream hotel room!!! Definitely adding this to our list.

  3. Oh my gosh – the Kimpton is GORGEOUS. I so love how you were able to get away and be spoiled so beautifully. I might not have left the room 🙂 I also might have sat in the bathroom the entire time and admired the surroundings. The Brio we have here in St. Louis is wonderful too. So perfect for time for two. Baltimore is definitely on our list. Hope to visit next year.

  4. Wow This looks just gorgeous! I have heard about the Hotel Monaco before and hope to get the chance to check one out sometime. Looks like you had so much fun!

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