"We hold these truths to be self-evident: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of a bubble bath with a view of Independence Hall. It’s all possible at this luxe hotel, a 2013 addition to the Old City scene. Hotel Monaco is set in the historic 1907 Lafayette building directly across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Kimpton enlisted historic hotel designer extraordinaire Todd Avery Lenahan to transform the stately 11-story Greek Revival building, and his vision takes guest on a stylish ride through Colonial and Federal styles while preserving the dignity of the edifice. Lenahan infused historic whimsy into every nook and cranny, mixing period wainscoting and original coffered ceilings with Federal-nouveau furnishings and bold hues, from a front desk backed in hot pink to the fireplace living room lobby in yellow. Completing the scene are the Red Owl Tavern, a gourmet gastropub glamorizing a bygone agrarian era, and rooftop Stratus lounge with a 30-foot fireplace wall and city views. Lenahan’s Colonial-chic concept extends to 268 guestrooms and suites where no wall is left uncovered with print or color. You’ll find a menagerie of exaggerated damask, floral, and paisley in each room. Furnishings range from glossy red armoires to black lacquered bookshelves to mirrored end tables, to bonded leather headboards; picture windows are draped with bold blue and gold drapery. Massive granite bathrooms have soaking tubs, glass-encased showers, and a nod to Philly’s most famous resident: Every bathrobe is hung with Rocky-style robes."
