My company had a business conference at the Monaco. I regret only having the ability to stay one night!
All staff, from the doormen to the concierge, were friendly and professional. Stayed in Room 907, a king , which was spacious and beautifully appointed.
Linens and towels were fresh and plentiful. There are no refirgerators in the rooms.This room faced the street, and there was some traffic noise, and the sound of the "El Train" which was 1 block away.
A goldfish bowl was delivered, and I promptly named my fish "Wilson"; he was great company! I hated to say goodbye to him!
The meeting accomodations were in the Tokyo Boardroom, a small yet elegant room which was perfect for 8 people. We had some minor issues with the wireless connection provided but the staff was prompt and attentive in resolving this. Breakfast beverages and pastries were plentiful.
So many attractions close by: too numerous to list. Marshall Field's/Macy's, and other major retailers,the jewelry district, etc and lots of restaurants.
Pricey, but a nice place to experience.

What a great property and stay:
- the location is great for tourists: 1 block from the north branch of the river and it's riverwalk; 1 block from the 'L and a half block farther to the subway, but not on a transit route itself (quieter); 5 minute walk to Millennium Park (and the least expensive long-term parking in the area); three blocks from the major live theatres; close to everything or to how to get to everything.

- without fail, we were greeted at the door and front desk coming and going.

- clean, comfortable, functional throughout; our room was spacious and the bath and shower were excellent. Although we didn't confirm that we'd been given it, we'd requested the "Tall" room that some Kimpton properties offer: since we ended up on the Business floor (but well separated from the meeting rooms) which often have higher ceilings, the shower head was 6 inches over my 6'2" scalp, and the complimentary robe *actually* fit me (they almost never do) I'd guess that that's where they put us - loved it.

- very nice restaurant/bar on the premises with free continental breakfast (coffee/tea/juice!, toast and large fresh fruit plate for each person)

- free Starbucks coffee (6-9am) and wine (5-6pm) in the lobby daily

- they are pet-friendly (and have a photo album of their previous 4-legged guests)

- all the city's attractions were within walking distance - either directly or via the extensive and efficient transit system; get a CTA visitor pass for unlimited L/subway/bus usage, it's not worth driving to most places.

In contrast to previous reviews, the only noises we heard were the occasional siren (we were downtown so this is to be expected) and the occasional faint screech from the 'L cars on the turn at the end of the block - the A/C was like central air at home, but quieter.

We'd recommend this property to anyone - especially tourists - who are traveling to or thru Chicago.

While this is a decent hotel, it was not in our experience one of the best Chicago has to offer.
We arrived at 2:00 on a Friday, with check in being at 3:00. No rooms were available, and were told to come back at 3:00. Came back at 3:00, still no rooms? My husband was in his work clothes, after a meeting. It was a hot day, and he just wanted to shower and change. We were told they would call us in a few minutes with a room. By 4:00 still no call, so we called.
Amazingly a room became available, but probably the worst in the hotel.
Right next to the fitness center, and across from the elevator.
Obviously we ticked someone off by actually expecting check in at check in time. Usually this is never a problem with us, just one of those days my husband really needed a room.
The room had no view, was rather small with a small bathroom.
Nothing spectacular.
We did call to complain, forget it, no rooms until tomorrow.
We were only staying two nights, and really did not feel like packing everything up after staying one night.
Who knows when we would have gotten the room anyway, After we had already gone to sleep?
Perhaps we were treated this way, because we got a great rate through a travelzoo promotion. I don't know. But we are Klimpton in touch members.
We stayed at the Nine Zero Klimpton hotel in Boston with a travelzoo rate and were treated wonderfully, by the way. The Monaco could learn something from this sister hotel.
We did enjoy the hotel restaurant, South Water Kitchen. Service was good and food, tasty and fairly priced we thought.
There is also construction right in front of the entrance to the hotel/restaurant, which is a bit of a hassle.

Our family (two daughters 13 and 10) just returned from a stay at the Hotel Monaco for one night (also stayed at the Park Hyatt~ wrote a review for that hotel as well). The Hotel Monaco does a nice job making you feel welcome but it is no Park Hyatt as far as the greeting goes. What I mean is that the PH has at least 6 people meeting you between the car and the front desk. At the HM there is a person to help you with your luggage (dressed a bit casual, I thought) and the person at the front desk.

The front desk was very pleaant and informed us that our room was not ready but would call when it was, which she did.

We had the hotel hold our luggage while we went to see Wicked (loved it!). When we returned our room was ready and we were given a key. Unlike the Park Hyatt, we were not taken with our luggage up to the room. Instead we were pointed to the elevator and the luggage came up a few minutes later.

We splurged and stayed in the Karen Newburger (sp?) suite. Since I was not able to find any info on this suite, I will try to elaborate as much as possible.

The door is special with curtains pulled back along the side and the door itself is padded. Nice touch! You feel special just arriving!

Inside the door is a small hallway with a closet containing the robes (safari prints), even ones for the children, Karen N. pjs and socks that you can buy, ironing board and iron, blankets, etc. The blanket was extremely soft~ My dd13 loved to wrap it around herself while lounging in the window seat!

Next is the dining/living room. There is a small round table with two chairs, a couch that makes into a queen size bed (not too comfy according to dds), a cupboard with games and misc. in it with a fountain hanging above it. They make a big deal of this fountain on the website but it's just ok. This room also has a LG flat screen tv on the wall and a big window seat with lots of pillows. Each window seat (I think there are four total) has a very comfortable cushion to sit on...So comfortable I could easily sleep on it! The window seats are very deep with a ton of pillows. Our family loved to people watch from these, especially the construction of the Trump Tower just across the street. We also enjoyed watching the boats on the river.

The next room contains the king size bed which was very comfy with a pillowtop on the mattress. There is a bench at the foot of the bed, a tv in an armoir which also holds the honor bar, a large, very tall chair with a small table next to it where we put our 2 goldfish, and 3 more window seats.

Lastly is the bathroom with a very large deep tub with a built in sitting area like in a juccuzi. It has jet sprays too. The sink is adequate with a rolling cart underneath with a blowdryer, wash clothes, and fizzing bath balls (I tried one and it was just ok, I think it cost $6). The shower stall is very small with no room for the shampoo, conditioner, and soap. The shower is stuffed into the corner like they used up too much room for the tub and the shower was an afterthought. The toilet is in the same room as the shower and tub. There was only one garbage can in the whole suite, the one in the bathroom. The towels are very soft!

We had room service which was timely and very courteous. The bellstaff was friendly, helping with restaurant suggestions. On our departure, the bellhop was also efficient and friendly. We didn't partake in the evening wine festivities so can't discuss that.

Overall, my family enjoyed the hotel and would recommend it. Especially if you are planning on doing activities close by. We were able to walk to the following places: Millenium Park, Art Museum, Oriental Theater, Chicago Architectural Boat Tour (go early if you plan on doing the 10:00 ride).

If/When we return, we will probably try the Rock Star suite as it seems like it would be more fun. The Karen N. suite is great for a romantic visit.