Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC by IHG
Penn Quarter boutique hotel featuring animal-print robes, plush Frette linens, and lively dining at Dirty Habit.
The verdict
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Housed in an old building in Penn Quarter, this boutique hotel pairs soaring ceilings and whimsical decor with plush beds outfitted in Frette linens. Guests appreciate the walkable access to Smithsonian museums and the vibrant scene at Dirty Habit, the on-site restaurant with an outdoor patio. However, rooms noticeably lack coffeemakers, electric outlets can be hard to track down, and first-floor basement rooms look right out onto street-level ankles. 226423
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- The location offers an easy walk to the Capitol building, Smithsonian museums, and surrounding neighborhood dining. 19234
- Beds deliver reliable comfort with soft Frette linens, paired with signature animal-print bathrobes and yoga mats in the rooms. 622
- Staff members earn praise for their genuine warmth, welcoming attitude, and helpful, less formal approach. 210
- The on-site restaurant, Dirty Habit, is well liked by both guests and locals for its cocktails, food, and outdoor patio. 2262
The catch
- Noise levels depend heavily on location; rooms at the back and upper floors stay quiet, while street-facing and lower-floor rooms pick up traffic and crowds from Capital One Arena events. 233
- Room views range widely, from decent city surroundings to bland rooftops or basement-level windows that face the ankles of passersby. 222
Who it's for
- — Sightseers exploring the Smithsonian museums on foot
- — Guests who appreciate playful boutique design and plush robes
- — Dinners and cocktails at an active outdoor patio
Skip it if
- — Guests who need an in-room coffeemaker first thing in the morning
- — Light sleepers sensitive to Penn Quarter street traffic
- — Anyone booking standard rooms who insists on scenic views
Seen on camera
24 moments · 5 videos · Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC by IHG
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“Come into your living room area here. A lot of seating, very spacious.”
youtube.com2:37“They already had one. There were parts of the hotel starting to show some wear. The bathroom seemed to be one of the pla…”
youtube.com4:59“Again, you get these sweeping views of Old City Philadelphia. Really beautiful large king beds.”
youtube.com3:46“And one of the things that I love about the Kimpton properties are oh god, I love this freaking body lotion. I actually…”
youtube.com8:26“with punchy art featuring George Washington's likeness everywhere. It was an easy walk to the Capitol building and all t…”
youtube.com0:22“I love yoga. These are cool robes. They're like thick and the inside is sort of soft and the pockets are big.”
youtube.com1:35“Let's show the TV does pivot out very easily. So if you want to sit at the sofa, you can watch it. Or if you want to see…”
youtube.com4:07“All right, let's start with a room tour, because I mean, you we all know this, on day one, that's when the room is the c…”
youtube.com4:56“After a long day of museums and memorials, our feet were tired and we were excited to have a home base to crash on the s…”
youtube.com8:41“Got a couple robes. Nice weight to them as well.”
youtube.com1:03“Nice size TV in case you want to watch some wild and out QR code for the restaurant downstairs, the Marin.”
youtube.com3:02“Located right in the heart of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this is a premier choice for travelers who prioritize convenienc…”
youtube.com0:30“The next morning, the graband-go continental breakfast included things like yogurt, pre-made breakfast sandwiches, and p…”
youtube.com9:04“Each night, they have a wine hour from 5 to 6:00, but the complimentary fruit infused water available throughout the day…”
youtube.com9:24“They redecorated, remodeled, revamped, and made it look really beautiful with keeping all of that Kimpton kitsch and a l…”
youtube.com0:40“Before we did our tour, we stopped and had a little breakfast. Sourdough bread was amazing.”
youtube.com0:59“We're going to take a look at the view in just a minute as well. You have this great view of Independence Hall, which is…”
youtube.com2:22“Here's the beautiful new bathroom inside of the standard double accommodations as well.”
youtube.com2:41“Closets have your beautiful robes in them. You have a safe in there. You can iron. Again, beautiful restaurant, great pr…”
youtube.com3:22“And look at these beautiful tubs in the room. Bathrooms are gorgeous, great views.”
youtube.com4:07“And then when it comes to the bathroom, the bathroom's actually smaller than I thought. It's I mean it's totally fine. I…”
youtube.com8:14“So, I would say first impressions, I'm actually really excited. It's nice and spacious, places to sit, etc.”
youtube.com9:04“So, just know that this spot, both are in a great location.”
youtube.com11:20“The bathroom seemed to be one of the places where that was most apparent. But things were clean and sunny.”
youtube.com5:13Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
How to book
Score breakdown
How the 84/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
88- “And then here we're going to take a look at the bathroom. This is a great bathroom for you to get ready with the rest of your bridal party. Huge bathroom here. Again, amazing flooring in the bathroom, amazing tile work, amazing tub.” 55:38
- “Here's the beautiful new bathroom inside of the standard double accommodations as well.” 52:41
Food
92- “Before we did our tour, we stopped and had a little breakfast. Sourdough bread was amazing.” 50:59
- “Dirty Habit, the hotel's sole restaurant, is an all-day destination for locals and guests alike. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (plus brunch on Sundays), Dirty Habit is known for its beautiful outdoor patio and fun scene.” 6
Location
97- “The location of Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a dream for anyone who wants to explore Washington, D.C. on foot.” 23
- “Located right in the heart of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this is a premier choice for travelers who prioritize convenience. You are situated just steps away from the city center, putting you within easy walking distance of the vibrant culture, diverse dining options, and top-tier entertainment that Baltimore is famous for.” 180:30
Noise
87- “Noise was basically nonexistent on my floor (4th floor), which I really appreciated.” 3
- “Third is noise and bustle - Penn Quarter is lively, especially on nights with an event or game at Capital One Arena, so rooms facing the street or on lower floors can pick up some of it; if you're a light sleeper, ask for a higher floor or a room set further back.” 23
Room
83- “After a long day of museums and memorials, our feet were tired and we were excited to have a home base to crash on the sofa and decompress with a little Bluey. I don't even need a bed for this. It's like it's so fluffy and nice. I love it so much.” 198:41
- “The spacious suites are worth the splurge, featuring a minimum of 525 square feet. Most suites have a separate living area and bedroom, which is perfect if you're working remotely during your trip.” 6
Service
88Bed & Sleep
88Nothing quotable yet on this one — the score leans on the rest of the coverage.
Value
81- “If the trip in your head is staying in an old building with a story, walking across the street to the National Portrait Gallery, sipping wine under 20-foot ceilings in the lobby in the evening, then strolling to the National Mall in a few minutes, this is one of the most fun and best-value picks on the list.” 23
- “Happy hour runs a generous from 2 to 5 p.m. with an extensive menu, although $1 off beers and $10 wines don't make it the best deal in town.” 10
Where it is, how to reach it
Details checked 2026-09-10
Where it sits
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC by IHG and the 36 other hotels we cover in Washington DC. Hover a marker for the hotel; click to open it.
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
On par with what $$ usually buys
Scores 2 points below the mid-range median of 86, across 655 hotels in the same bracket. In Washington DC it sits 4 points below the local median of 88.
- This hotel
- 84
- Bracket median
- 86
- Index median
- 86
Based on 655 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
- 1 mention
- 2 mentions
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
View the 62 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
- “To be honest, I've had a fantastic stay. The service has been absolutely excellent.” 15
- “Housekeeping was slow and delayed. I'd call before heading to the gym, be out 60-90 minutes, come back and still wait another ~30 minutes, sometimes long enough that I had to leave again and kill time.” 3
- “Your mood will lift as soon as you step into this whimsically decorated hotel, thanks to its fun design and charming, welcoming staff.” 6
- “For delectable eats, head to the Dirty Habit, a cocktail lounge with Asian-influenced small plates.” 4
- “Got a couple robes. Nice weight to them as well.” On camera11:03
- “So, I would say first impressions, I'm actually really excited. It's nice and spacious, places to sit, etc.” On camera159:04
- “Rather than white-glove formality, expect warm, conversational service that feels genuinely welcoming.” 2
- “Extra towels tucked off in the corner right here. You got a blow dryer, hair dryer, whatever. That's a nice little decor.” 1
- “Staff members are knowledgeable, friendly, and notably less formal than what you'll find at many luxury properties in the city.” 2
- “Staff greet guests with genuine warmth and a sense of ease that makes you feel more like a regular than a reservation number.” 10
- “Guest rooms strike a nice balance: airy and modern without feeling sterile, dramatic but not dark. Nautical blues, gold accents, and jewel-toned upholstery keep things fresh, while oversized windows bring in plenty of light and, on higher floors, glimpses of Elliott Bay.” 10
- “Come into your living room area here. A lot of seating, very spacious.” On camera12:37
- “Because it's a boutique in an old building, some room types run fairly compact and floor plans vary quite a bit; a few rooms have limited views or face neighboring buildings, so if you want a large room with a nice view, choose your room type carefully.” 23
- “Let's show the TV does pivot out very easily. So if you want to sit at the sofa, you can watch it. Or if you want to see it from the bed, you just flatten it out and pivot it.” On camera194:07
- “In a historic landmark building, this four-pearl property has 183 rooms and suites with soaring ceilings and handsome decor, plus a wealth of modern amenities.” 4
- “All right, let's start with a room tour, because I mean, you we all know this, on day one, that's when the room is the cleanest. So, I just checked in. I won't film this video until I have experienced it for a few days, but I just want to share some first impressions with you. The first thing is that this place is huge. It has its own separate living room from its bedroom space.” On camera154:56
- “After a long day of museums and memorials, our feet were tired and we were excited to have a home base to crash on the sofa and decompress with a little Bluey. I don't even need a bed for this. It's like it's so fluffy and nice. I love it so much.” On camera198:41
- “Standard Rooms start at a respectable 325 square feet and feature soaring ceilings -- some as high as 20 feet. While impressive, this can sometimes lead to the rooms feeling smaller than they are in actuality.” 22
- “The spacious suites are worth the splurge, featuring a minimum of 525 square feet. Most suites have a separate living area and bedroom, which is perfect if you're working remotely during your trip.” 6
- “And look at these beautiful tubs in the room. Bathrooms are gorgeous, great views.” On camera54:07
- “Nothing stocked in the mini fridge. No quick grab-and-go snacks/drinks in-room, so everything meant ordering room service from downstairs.” 3
- “Rubbing elbows with the National Portrait Gallery and the Verizon Center, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC is just as fun and funky as nearby Chinatown. This stylish Kimpton hotel blends vibrant colors and elegant furnishings in its eclectic decor.” 4
- “Every room is thoughtfully designed to offer a sense of warmth and sophistication, ensuring you have a stylish retreat to return to at the end of a long day.” On camera181:04
- “I stayed in the King Mediterranean Suite and it was clean with a great layout:” 3
- “Second is room size and layout, because this is a boutique in an old post office: some room types run fairly compact and floor plans vary quite a bit, with a few rooms having limited views or facing neighboring buildings, so if you expect a large room with an open view, pick your room type carefully and ask which way it faces when you book.” 23
- “Dirty Habit, the hotel's sole restaurant, is an all-day destination for locals and guests alike. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (plus brunch on Sundays), Dirty Habit is known for its beautiful outdoor patio and fun scene.” 6
- “Downstairs, Dirty Habit serves creative cocktails and share-style food in a relaxed setting, with an outdoor terrace for an evening drink.” 23
- “Each night, they have a wine hour from 5 to 6:00, but the complimentary fruit infused water available throughout the day were more my speed. They had lobby coffee, but I preferred Corner Bakery right next door for my caffeine.” On camera199:24
- “Before we did our tour, we stopped and had a little breakfast. Sourdough bread was amazing.” On camera50:59
- “The on-site restaurant, Dirty Habit, is one of those rare hotel restaurants that also attracts locals, which is always a good sign.” 2
- “Closets have your beautiful robes in them. You have a safe in there. You can iron. Again, beautiful restaurant, great products in the bathrooms as well.” On camera53:22
- “They redecorated, remodeled, revamped, and made it look really beautiful with keeping all of that Kimpton kitsch and a little of the weird stuff that you love about Kimptons. This is the Red Owl Tavern that is connected to the hotel. Great meals here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” On camera50:40
- “Breakfast is straightforward and reliable, but dinner is where the kitchen shines.” 2
- “The hotel's full-service restaurant, Dirty Habit, has a New American menu and specializes in craft cocktails. Its hip open-kitchen dining room and large outdoor patio are frequented by guests, but also draw many locals and other travelers.” 22
- “The next morning, the graband-go continental breakfast included things like yogurt, pre-made breakfast sandwiches, and packaged pastries. But everything contained gluten and dairy, which we can't have.” On camera199:04
- “The Monaco's own restaurant, Dirty Habit, is well-liked for its food and cocktails, as well as its outdoor patio.” 22
- “The attached restaurant is Dirty Habit, and that's where room service food/drinks come from. Everything I tried was good:” 3
- “Happy hour runs a generous from 2 to 5 p.m. with an extensive menu, although $1 off beers and $10 wines don't make it the best deal in town.” 10
- “Penn Quarter is lively, especially on nights with an event or game at Capital One Arena, so rooms facing the street or on lower floors can pick up some neighborhood noise, and some reviews note that city parking is fairly expensive.” 23
- “If the trip in your head is staying in an old building with a story, walking across the street to the National Portrait Gallery, sipping wine under 20-foot ceilings in the lobby in the evening, then strolling to the National Mall in a few minutes, this is one of the most fun and best-value picks on the list.” 23
- “They already had one. There were parts of the hotel starting to show some wear. The bathroom seemed to be one of the places where that was most apparent.” On camera194:59
- “We'll cut over back to the bathroom here. There's your connector door. Massive shower in here. Also accessible if you needed that.” 5
- “Here's the beautiful new bathroom inside of the standard double accommodations as well.” On camera52:41
- “The bathroom seemed to be one of the places where that was most apparent. But things were clean and sunny.” On camera195:13
- “Some bathrooms are awkwardly located, and all include shower/tub combos, decent counter space, and high-end bath products.” 22
- “And then here we're going to take a look at the bathroom. This is a great bathroom for you to get ready with the rest of your bridal party. Huge bathroom here. Again, amazing flooring in the bathroom, amazing tile work, amazing tub.” On camera55:38
- “So, full shower, that's quite nice. Cool.” On camera159:01
- “And then when it comes to the bathroom, the bathroom's actually smaller than I thought. It's I mean it's totally fine. I'm only here for two nights, but sometimes I like like a large luxurious bathroom.” On camera158:14
- “The location of Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a dream for anyone who wants to explore Washington, D.C. on foot.” 23
- “with punchy art featuring George Washington's likeness everywhere. It was an easy walk to the Capitol building and all the Smithsonian museums that we plan to visit.” On camera190:22
- “Located just steps from a Metro station and only a few blocks from iconic DC sites such as the National Mall, White House, and Washington Monument, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is the perfect base for a DC vacation.” 6
- “We see no better place to sate your sense of discovery than in our centrally located Penn Quarter home - a beautiful juxtaposition between old and new - that sits just blocks from some of the most distinguished sights in our nation's capital.” 8
- “The central Penn Quarter location sits directly across from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, about a 3-minute walk to the Gallery Place-Chinatown metro, with the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums and Capital One Arena all within easy walking distance.” 23
- “Located right in the heart of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this is a premier choice for travelers who prioritize convenience. You are situated just steps away from the city center, putting you within easy walking distance of the vibrant culture, diverse dining options, and top-tier entertainment that Baltimore is famous for.” On camera180:30
- “Historic architecture, an unbeatable Penn Quarter location, and one of DC's liveliest courtyards make for a playful, personality-packed stay.” 2
- “So, just know that this spot, both are in a great location.” On camera1511:20
- “In 2015, the Monaco is celebrating its 13th year as one of the city's top hotels, in the heart of D.C.'s hottest neighborhood, surrounded by wondrous museums, like the Smithsonian American Art/National Portrait Gallery, and trendy restaurants.” 4
- “I picked this hotel because it was the closest IHG property to Capital One Arena and I was in town for a Caps game (VIP club tickets). For that purpose, it was a great call and I'd recommend it if your priority is location.” 3
- “Third is noise and bustle - Penn Quarter is lively, especially on nights with an event or game at Capital One Arena, so rooms facing the street or on lower floors can pick up some of it; if you're a light sleeper, ask for a higher floor or a room set further back.” 23
- “Noise was basically nonexistent on my floor (4th floor), which I really appreciated.” 3
- “Additionally, traffic noise can be an issue in some rooms.” 22
- “We're going to take a look at the view in just a minute as well. You have this great view of Independence Hall, which is right where the Declaration of Independence is.” On camera52:22
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about view.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- Noise rests on 3 sources — too thin to rely on.
- 20 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC by IHG
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 61/100We read 24 sources for this property, and pulled 103 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-09-11.
Watch this hotel
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
6 of 6 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 24 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 23Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC by IHG - TopOfHoteltopofhotel.comReview site2026-05-30Current10 quotes used
“Because it's a boutique in an old building, some room types run fairly compact and floor plans vary quite a bit; a few rooms have limited views or face neighboring buildings, so if you want a large room with a nice view,…”
Read originaltopofhotel.com - 3Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC Fri–Mon Reviewreddit.comForum thread2026-01-19Recent6 quotes used
“Housekeeping was slow and delayed. I'd call before heading to the gym, be out 60-90 minutes, come back and still wait another ~30 minutes, sometimes long enough that I had to leave again and kill time.”
Read originalreddit.com - 22Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC Reviewoyster.comReview site2024-08-09Ageing10 quotes used
“Standard Rooms start at a respectable 325 square feet and feature soaring ceilings -- some as high as 20 feet. While impressive, this can sometimes lead to the rooms feeling smaller than they are in actuality.”
Read originaloyster.com - 6Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC Reviewsmartertravel.comReview site2022-06-21Ageing7 quotes used
“Your mood will lift as soon as you step into this whimsically decorated hotel, thanks to its fun design and charming, welcoming staff.”
Read originalsmartertravel.com - 1Kimpton Monaco Seattle Room - Is This Monte Carlo Suite ...youtube.comVideoDate not statedListened for quotes only9 quotes used
“Come into your living room area here. A lot of seating, very spacious.”
Read originalyoutube.com - 2Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DCcntraveler.comReview siteDate not stated7 quotes used
“Even entry-level rooms feel comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with quality bedding, ample workspace, plenty of outlets, plush robes, yoga mats, and large bathrooms.”
Read originalcntraveler.com
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