Kimpton's Hotel Monaco - Denver

They have a green procurement program, ensuring purchases are as environmentally friendly as possible. The hotel has a variety of programs of social and environmental benefit and impact.

The hotel allows pets.

We loved the dogs! Not only is the Dumb Friend's League an active aspect of the hotel with dogs present in the living room area during the wine hour, but also the hotel has adopted a dog -- Hercules is a darling Shih Tzu who greets all the dogs and people who come into the lobby. There was a card in our room promoting a fish tank and goldfish in the room -- but we never saw or heard anything from the staff about that. Great idea. Wish we'd had some fish in our room.

Fresh cookies also greeted us at check in. Yummm!

Environmentally this hotel is doing some good things. Though the hotel promotes energy conservation as part of its earth friendly actions, we found no CFL bulbs in the hotel -- and that's a great way to save energy. Further more, our bedside lights and radio were on when we returned from dinner; I love turn down service, but I hate the energy waste.

I love what the hotel has done with its decorating touches that keep their environmental friendliness going strong. The shower curtain was made of terry cloth and the hotel's vibrant logo was embroidered on it (and the liner was also fabric). The amenities are quality products, though they aren't provided in bulk dispensers. The bedspread isn't the boring "hotel bedspread" but a white sheet covering a down-like quilted blanket and a faux-fur throw folded at the foot. And the fabric curtains close well (keeping the room dark in the afternoon for a nap) and add a colorful touch to the room. What a great way to educate the traveling public about keeping their environmental convictions active while on vacation and business by having a recycling trash can in the room -- and none of the trash cans are lined with plastic but are easy to wipe out and clean.

The bathroom was filled with special touches, as was the bedroom. A lighted mirror with magnifier was on the counter beside a tray of coffee and teas to make, cream, and sweeteners. The coffee cups were ceramic with spoons, not stir sticks. The toilet paper was wrapped in what looked like a recyclable paper sleeve and there was a container filled with cotton balls and Q-tips. At the desk in the bedroom there was not only a comfortable desk chair but also an overstuffed chair on the other side of the desk (it made it a bit tight to sit at but looked good and worked for two of us sharing the desk).

The hotel is a fun and lively place (something I find in all of the Kimpton hotels I've stayed in). I worry that some business communication gets lost in the fun -- being offered a goldfish or the option of not having a newspaper delivered being examples. The staff are friendly and the furnishings are fresh and lively, making the stay at the hotel a good over all experience.

August 2007