The Hotel Monaco is the pet-friendliest hotel in town: not only are pets catered to with special events like canine fashion shows, but anyone who had to leave the pets at home can opt to have a goldfish (who comes with an adorable "hello my name is" introduction card) keep them company. The hotel is full of other fun touches, like bright raspberry-and-cream striped wallpaper, gold sunburst decorations, and animal prints. The bright lobby is a little less whimsical, with hand-painted nautical murals inspired by the fresco at the Palace of Knossos in Crete. There's a nightly wine reception in the lobby, which sometimes includes chair massage or fortune-telling services. Amazingly, none of this fun feels forced or contrived, and guests wishing to have a more low-key experience will be able to do so; they, however, should opt for a room with blue-and-white walls -- the eclectic decor is a little easier on the eye in these than in the ones with the raspberry striped wallpaper.
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