October 12th, 2012 
In September Hotel Monaco‘s social media seek-and-find, Where are the Monacan’s?, started the buzz for the new boutique hotel in Old City, Philadelphia. And the grand opening dedication ceremony October 11 proved that this hotel is the new place to stay in and play in. Mayor Nutter was on site to help celebrate the grand opening and be part of the dedication. Nicole Cashman of local PR firm Cashman & Associates, Nigel Richards of 611 Lifestyle and Lisa Thomas-Laury of 6ABC were just a few of the other familiar faces in the crowd today.
Nick Gregory, Hotel Monaco General Manager, Niki Leondakis, Kimpton COO, President, Mike Depatie, Kimpton CEO, Mayor Nutter (Photo Credit: Cashman & Associates)
This fun and whimsically decorated Kimpton hotel now residing within the Lafayette Building on 5th and Chestnut Streets has 268 guestrooms and over 13,000 square feet of meeting space. The name Monaco stands not for the Principality but for the definition: “world travelers,” and that definition is reinforced by one-of-a-kind surprise accents all over the hotel.
Hotel Monaco Front Desk (Photo Credit: Stef Emery)
From the calligraphy brushes behind the check-in area to out-of-the-way seating area’s for travelers to relax or enjoy breakfast on, you can find something new to marvel at every time you turn around.
Hotel Monaco Lobby (Photo Credit: Stef Emery)
Stephen Girard, a French born philanthropist and banker who resided in Philadelphia, was the originator of the Lafayette Building where Hotel Monaco now stands. Small details throughout the hotel pay homage to Girard, such as the gorgeous boat shaped chandelier hanging in the main foyer when you enter the hotel.
Hotel Monaco Chandelier (Photo Credit: Stef Emery)
Red Owl Tavern, a new American cuisine restaurant, seats 120 people and offers a menu created by Guillermo Tellez. It was listed as one of Zagat’s 16 newly opened restaurant’s to visit in Philly. Zagat describes the decor as an “industrial-meets-rustic aesthetic” and says it “is complemented by historic views – literally, as it’s across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell”.
Red Owl Tavern (Photo Credit: Stef Emery)
Stratus Rooftop Bar & Lounge is a breathtaking space that offers a full bar, lots of outside seating and two pavilions, Mist and Vapor, situated on either side of the rooftop. Already a hot-spot for local sports players (Philadelphia Eagles’ Donovan McNabb was spotted there this past weekend), Stratus will be the place to see and be seen.
Stratus Rooftop Bar & Lounge (Photo Credit: Stef Emery)
