Review of the Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, VA: A Boutique Hotel That's Family Friendly!

by Micaela Williamson

At first glance, the chic and trendy Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton Hotel,  in Old Town Alexandria seemed like a great boutique hotel for a romantic getaway, not like a spot I wanted to take my kids. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about all their family friendly offerings and creative touches that make the hotel a special place for children.  Plus, with an unbeatable location close to many shops, restaurants, and attractions in Old Town, the Hotel Monaco is a great site for a getaway. 

We stayed in an incredibly spacious 750 square foot Loft Suite (Notably larger than my first apartment!) The suite offered a main level living area with large pullout sofa bed couch, flat screen TV, table, and half bathroom. Upstairs in the loft was a guest bedroom with another large flatscreen TV, and a state of the art bathroom featuring a Fuji tub (sadly my kids used this tub, not me,) and separate shower. 

Due to the stairs and different levels, I would not recommend this room for families with toddlers, but it was ideal for me. I was able to read and watch a television show in my own space while my kids slept downstairs ( jumped on the bed and chatted in the dark.) Kimpton's Hotel Monaco has a diverse offering of suites and accommodations that fit different needs.  Learn more about all the wonderful types of rooms available here. 

Another highlight of the stay was eating at the onsite restaurant,  Jackson 20, which boasts a great menu for kids and adults alike. At Jackson 20,   Chef Brian McPherson’s menu features modern American comfort food with Southern influences, and relies heavily on fresh, local ingredients. The menu is diverse and has something on there from the picky eater to the aspiring foodie.  We highly recommend the signature country ham & corn fritters for an appetizer...amazing!  

Interior of Jackson 20, Hotel Monaco

( I ate one before we got a chance to snap a picture!)

Jackson 20 has a great cocktail menu!

Other Family Friendly Features of Kimpton's Hotel Monaco Alexandria, Virginia

• Great Indoor Pool: Hotels with indoor pools are a plus for families, and the pool at the Hotel Monaco is 40 feet, modern and has a lifeguard on duty. Plus, every Saturday at 8:00 p.m. is  Dive-In Movie Night –the hotel dims the lights, pulls out the inflatable pool furniture and shows great family-friendly moves on a big screen right by the pool.

• Kids Hour – Kids command the living room for a whole hour every day Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. with games such as Wii, Trivial Pursuit, and coloring books plus fruit snacks, juice and freshly popped popcorn to fuel kids for an evening with parents. (Offered every day over holiday weeks and through summer.) Note: Adult Happy Hour is from 5-6 every night in the lobby and features complimentary glasses of wine.  

•  Bikes and Wagons that are Free to Borrow– Take the family for a ride along the Potomac river by using one of the hotel's free PUBLIC bikes and Phat Cycles,  available in different sizes for adults, teens and kids. Or ditch your stroller and take advantage of the hotel's Radio Flyer wagons for a stroll through Old Town. 

• Breakfast Vouchers: For just $1, you can purchase breakfast vouchers at check in for a complimentary continental breakfast at Jackson 20.  If you would rather eat off the menu, each voucher is worth $7.50 off. Considering the low cost of breakfast items, it's an amazing deal! 

• Guppy Love: Request a live goldfish for your room (free!) You don't even have to feed it or clean the bowl. Kids will love having a little pet away from home. 

• Complimentary equipment for little ones: When you make your reservation, don't forget to ask for a crib, play yard, high chair or booster seat for your little traveler. 

•  Forgot it? We’ve got it! Program – Don't you just love the craziness of traveling with kids? Until you realize you've left some must-have item behind. No worries. With the Forgot It? We've Got It! program, it's no big deal. Hotel Monaco has cosmetics, personal items and grooming appliances at the ready, and many of them are complimentary. (http://www.kimptonhotels.com/services/forgot-it-we-got-it.aspx)
  

Hotel Monaco Alexandria
480 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314      
Reservations: (800) 368-5047      
Hotel: (703) 549-6080   
http://www.monaco-alexandria.com

I received a complimentary overnight stay at the hotel and dinner for my family at Jackson 20 in return for doing this review. We appreciated the thoughtfulness and dedication of all the staff members at the property and tipped highly. All opinions are my own. Due to the incredible service I received, I am now a fan of Kimpton Hotels for life!