Just Like A Fine WineThe Kimpton Hotel Group Is Aging With FlairBy Madelyn Miller
I chose the Triton Hotel on the edge of San Francisco because I wanted to be in walking distance of my favorite downtown things at a reasonable price. It was almost fifteen years ago what I remember most was the art and amenities. Instead of “hotel landscape art” there were pictures of Rock Stars (apparently big fans of the Triton Hotel) and the rooms had kind of themes—mine was stars. The “star” room had stars in the carpet, the fabrics and even star soap. But the best thing of all was the mini-bar. In the old days, all anyone offered was coke, wine, beer and nuts, plus perhaps a chocolate bar and potato chips. The Triton offered “pez” , junk food and other amenities I had never experienced in a hotel room. They had a “happy hour” of wine for guests. Fast forward about fifteen years and I was lucky enough to stay in a Kimpton Hotel in downtown Denver. The Hotel Monaco Denver is a sleek, sophisticated relative of the memories I have of the Triton, but with all the whimsy and charm. Each Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant tells its own individual story and features special amenities. Hotel Monaco has a décor that makes me feel like I am a little girl in Alice in Wonderland, as the oversize furniture has a graphic style that seems both playful and fantasy-like. But it was the faux Mink throw on the bed that was most unforgettable.
Each night from 5-6pm there is a happy hour with wine and appetizers from Panzano the restaurant right next door. In the morning, there is free coffee and tea in the lounge (but the staff does not seem to check supplies as often as they should, several of us waited and waited for cream. I finally went to the front desk and asked for some. We still waited and waited some more.) Other than that, the service was perfect, from the shoe polishing each night, to the exceptionally helpful concierge and staff. The concierge really seems to want to be sure you have the most enjoyable experience possible. They will get you a reservation at the hippest restaurants, send you to the coolest concerts, or even draw you a map to the best shopping in town. When I wanted to take a bus to Cherry Creek Mall, concierge Laurie walked me outside to show me exactly where the stop was. PUPPY LOVE
But I haven’t told you about the two most unique things of all—the mini-bar and the bathroom. MARVELOUS MINIBAR In the minibar, several sections offered. I would break it down into beauty, beverage and snack. There is what I found: An Astara Facial kit ($60)—perhaps the most non-imbidable thing I ever found in a mini-bar, Faux mink sleeping mask ($37.50), and cotton moisturizing booties ($8), Monaco Yo-Yo ($8), Yoga CD ($12 and I almost bought this one) Hangover Kit ($6) and a Lily Sopris Dog ($12) If you are hungry, and want more than a mere shopping experience, they have Banana Moon Pretzel ($2.75), Snickers candy bar ($2.50), Gummy bears ($2.75) and even Altoids ($3) and a picnic pack ($7) SINFUL BATHS BECOME YOUR OWN PERSONAL SPA My bathtub at home is hardly used. I am a shower-girl. But reading the bath menu at Hotel Monco Denver made me want to change my lifestyle. Or at least print out this menu and frame it by my shower so I can remember how sybaritic life can be when you are traveling. SINsational $20 Can’t get naked with Mr. Right? Then why not get naked with Mr. Bubble. Do you want to get clean but feel like being dirty? Then this bath is calling your name! The devilish girl will surrender herself to a delicious, and much deserved dirty martini after a hard days work. Accompanied by her filthy drink, she can enjoy some salty potato chips, and a decadent chocolate bar, as well as some good ol’ gossip magazines where she can catch up on all of the latest Hollywood scoop. Bonus item: If you really feel like being bad, Hotel Monaco will even throw in a single cigarette! Archive hye Bath Aveda Bath Rituals Aveda Rehydrating Bath Facial $49 To order a bath, just dial 0. If you would like to compliment your bath with a glass of wine or dessert, please reference The Hotel Monaco's guest directory. This is one of the joys of traveling. No one brings me dessert or wine at home. I live alone. I have to get it myself. And if all these were not enough, there are frequently fresh chocolate cookies at the front desk. (I never quite figured out the schedule, but they were yummy) About Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
KIMPTON HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS Hotel Monaco Denver MORE DENVER DETAILSWHERE TO EAT Palm Restaurant Vesta The Hornet BEST BAKERY Cosmopolitan Bread Café WONDERFUL WEATHER With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you can almost always count on fair weather A CAPITAL IDEA The Colorado State Capitol stands a mile above sea level with a plaque on the 13th step to mark the spot that is 5,280 feet high. The dome is covered with 200 ounces of pure gold. A beautiful view from the rotunda captures the entire Front Range, from Pikes Peak to the Wyoming border. At 300 east Colfax Avenue. 303-8662604 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLORADO GREAT GUIDEBOOKS Culinary Colorado Hidden Southwest Let's Go Adventure Guide Southwest USA 2003 The Guide to Colorado Wineries Oddball Colorado The Old West |
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The first time I stayed in a Kimpton Hotel, I wasn’t a travel writer. I had no idea that the funky and fun Triton Hotel in San Francisco was the first in a group (certainly not a cookie cutter chain) that would grow with great style and sophistication yet always keep a touch of whimsy.
As I entered the long hallway to my room (ask for 701..great layout) I realized the hallway was almost a mini-room that I could use as a dressing and staging area. I left all my luggage in the “master hall” (3 bags from a multi-city journey) but nestled into the computer table with high speed access. I opened the closet and found not just the usual virginal white terry robe, but a leopard print one as well. (I guess so you could be naughty or nice, or perhaps his and hers)
A dog friendly bulletin board shaped like a terrier announces the dogs in residence each day. There is a resident dog you can walk if you are missing your own, or wish you had one. (as a non-pet owner, I do not get it, but clearly it is very popular). If you just want a little company in your room, they will deliver a goldfish in a bowl.
Kimpton is a San Francisco-based company known for its collection of stylish boutique hotels that are coupled with bustling chef-driven restaurants. Founded in 1981, the company currently operates 38 hotels and restaurants across the United States and Canada. Kimpton’s combination of boutique-style, four-star service and an adjacent destination restaurant has proven a great success. Kimpton’s signature elements are care, comfort, style, flavor and fun.