Our family (two daughters 13 and 10) just returned from a stay at the Hotel Monaco for one night (also stayed at the Park Hyatt~ wrote a review for that hotel as well). The Hotel Monaco does a nice job making you feel welcome but it is no Park Hyatt as far as the greeting goes. What I mean is that the PH has at least 6 people meeting you between the car and the front desk. At the HM there is a person to help you with your luggage (dressed a bit casual, I thought) and the person at the front desk.
The front desk was very pleaant and informed us that our room was not ready but would call when it was, which she did.
We had the hotel hold our luggage while we went to see Wicked (loved it!). When we returned our room was ready and we were given a key. Unlike the Park Hyatt, we were not taken with our luggage up to the room. Instead we were pointed to the elevator and the luggage came up a few minutes later.
We splurged and stayed in the Karen Newburger (sp?) suite. Since I was not able to find any info on this suite, I will try to elaborate as much as possible.
The door is special with curtains pulled back along the side and the door itself is padded. Nice touch! You feel special just arriving!
Inside the door is a small hallway with a closet containing the robes (safari prints), even ones for the children, Karen N. pjs and socks that you can buy, ironing board and iron, blankets, etc. The blanket was extremely soft~ My dd13 loved to wrap it around herself while lounging in the window seat!
Next is the dining/living room. There is a small round table with two chairs, a couch that makes into a queen size bed (not too comfy according to dds), a cupboard with games and misc. in it with a fountain hanging above it. They make a big deal of this fountain on the website but it's just ok. This room also has a LG flat screen tv on the wall and a big window seat with lots of pillows. Each window seat (I think there are four total) has a very comfortable cushion to sit on...So comfortable I could easily sleep on it! The window seats are very deep with a ton of pillows. Our family loved to people watch from these, especially the construction of the Trump Tower just across the street. We also enjoyed watching the boats on the river.
The next room contains the king size bed which was very comfy with a pillowtop on the mattress. There is a bench at the foot of the bed, a tv in an armoir which also holds the honor bar, a large, very tall chair with a small table next to it where we put our 2 goldfish, and 3 more window seats.
Lastly is the bathroom with a very large deep tub with a built in sitting area like in a juccuzi. It has jet sprays too. The sink is adequate with a rolling cart underneath with a blowdryer, wash clothes, and fizzing bath balls (I tried one and it was just ok, I think it cost $6). The shower stall is very small with no room for the shampoo, conditioner, and soap. The shower is stuffed into the corner like they used up too much room for the tub and the shower was an afterthought. The toilet is in the same room as the shower and tub. There was only one garbage can in the whole suite, the one in the bathroom. The towels are very soft!
We had room service which was timely and very courteous. The bellstaff was friendly, helping with restaurant suggestions. On our departure, the bellhop was also efficient and friendly. We didn't partake in the evening wine festivities so can't discuss that.
Overall, my family enjoyed the hotel and would recommend it. Especially if you are planning on doing activities close by. We were able to walk to the following places: Millenium Park, Art Museum, Oriental Theater, Chicago Architectural Boat Tour (go early if you plan on doing the 10:00 ride).
If/When we return, we will probably try the Rock Star suite as it seems like it would be more fun. The Karen N. suite is great for a romantic visit.
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