Hotel Monaco, San Francisco
 

My husband and I will be in Northern California in mid-late October. Will be flying into San Francisco and then going to Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur. Our ages are 44 (me) and 52, no kids, love to travel. We like good food, wine, and accomodations. It seems that everything I have read about Hotel Monaco in San Francisco (will be there 2 days) fits the bill but I just read a review saying the rooms are small and getting shabby. Has anyone stayed there recently? We don't want small and we don't want a hotel that is "Victorian" in decor. Have researched Carmel area somewhat and it seems like we would like Highlands or Post Ranch Inn (but so expensive!). Any thoughts if we would like the Monaco?

Never stayed at the Monaco so cannot answer your questions but if you like modern/sleek I can recommend the Hotel Triton which is right at the edge of Chinatown and the Donatelo which is just up the street from the Monaco. Both have very nice sized rooms and are more on the modern scale for furnishings. Hope this helps. Shar

I recently stayed at the Monaco and enjoyed it. Location is excellent, two blocks off Union Square. Our room was small but very nicely deocorated and not "shabby" at all. Funky colors and nice beds and bathrooms. The daily wine tasting is a definite plus and a great way to get ready for a nice evening. I would recommend the Monaco.

We stayed at the Monaco a few years ago, and it reminded me why we don't like boutique hotels. It was not shabby then, but the rooms were very small. The kind where there is just enough room to walk around the bed. I have decided boutique means - pay a lot for elegant decor and small space. I prefer pleasant decor with more space.

Hmmm...different strokes for different folks. I LOVE the Monaco and so has virtually everyone I know that I've recommended it to that wants something different from the typical hotel room. Every time I'm in SF for a conference I come in early or stay later and the Monaco is a big reason why. I have to check into two hotels each trip (Monaco and Hilton/Hyatt/Marriott/etc). I make sure to request my vacation pet, the goldfish, for my room. Loved the spa treatments I got last time. If you want a larger, more traditional, (IMHO more sterile) hotel room, the Monaco isn't for you.

The Triton was/is a sister boutique hotel as part of the Kimpton Group.

stj.....I second the Donatello....stylish boutique hotel, perhaps the largest "standard" hotel rooms, 400 sf 10ft ceilings....very European.....

I've never stayed, but the "Grand Cafe" restaurant is always a pleaser when it comes to good dining.

Location is right in the theater district - so you're only a few minutes walk for the best traveling Broadway shows in town.