A Wedding Venue in Philadelphia with a Ballroom Fit for Happily Ever After
The Lafayette Ballroom ~ classically chic with majestic lighting, bold finishes
and views overlooking Independence Park and the lively streets of Philadelphia.
I cannot say enough amazing things about Hotel Monaco. I planned my 130-person wedding in 5 months and to say it was so smooth and easy is an understatement. I love their inclusive packages, their list of reliable vendors, location is the BEST and Katie our coordinator went above and beyond. She was so great to work with, organized, professional, and so accommodating. We added end-of-the-night soft pretzels for the guests the night before our wedding and she was able to easily make it happen. She went above and beyond. We did our cocktail hour on the Stratus Lounge rooftop and it was SO fun, our guests loved it and raved about the food and amazing bar service. Our guests loved walking to all the historical sites in Old City. The hotel is beautiful and such a fun ambiance. We have the prettiest photos. The rooms were beautiful, we had the Presidential suite as the bridal room and it was the perfect spot with gorgeous views of the city. Reviewed on 11-12-2023
Saneria Henderson-Reed(other)5 out of 5 Rating
Words can not explain how magical our special day was thanks to the team at Hotel Monaco. Katie our coordinator was extremely responsive and gave great ideas for our special day. From the server Bernado who served the wedding party and guest to the bartender Brittany we received exceptional service. Bernado was very high energy with his amazing voice! Katie took a ton off our plate in what is a very stressful experience. The morning of our event, Katie came to my suite to assist with decorative items and ensured everything was perfect! I truly appreciate the service we received and can't wait to visit Hotel Monaco for our 1 year wedding anniversary! Reviewed on 27-11-2023
Christina Hernandez(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We just had a wedding here early November and they executed everything so flawlessly. Katie was so responsive and helpful through over a year of planning. She got back to us with any question, doubt or change so quickly and went above and beyond for helping us organize things with our vendors from the dj and timeline to the flowers and officiant. They know what they’re doing at hotel Monaco and you won’t have to worry about anything cause they will be very hands on helping you along the way. We had our ceremony of 74 people on the roof and then went to the ballroom for our reception. Everything looked really beautiful in our pictures. People loved the food, the vibe and atmosphere and the hotel itself. Communication was always clear and we ended up doing a rehearsal dinner with them which they did a great job with. They catered to my special diet and worked with me with the cocktail hour making sure I could eat and enjoy the day. Katie made us feel confident any time we saw her during the wedding and rehearsal dinner that she had us taken care of and things would be alright. Reviewed on 23-11-2023
Brandon Pereira(other)5 out of 5 Rating
Me and my husband got married at the hotel monaco on September 30th 2023, and we truly couldn't have had a better experience.From our very first tour of the venue, we fell in love with the hotel, and all of its allure, especially the ballroom and the rooftop lounge. our coordinator and social catering manager Katie is really what made us feel inclined to sign our contract and have the hotel monaco be our place to host our dream wedding.Katie was incredibly helpful with all things pricing, food, sharing preffered vendors etc all things that come with her job Im sure, But what made our experience truly special is that we felt katie really understood our vision, and goals for the wedding, and she was so incredibly helpful in helping us execute that down to perfection. Being a very hands on person myself, katie was so great with communication, constantly staying in the loop and checking in, and always making sure she was on the very same page as us throughout the planning process.very long story short, Katie Killman and Hotel Monaco are at 11/10, we cannot recomend them more, and we couldn't have possibly had a better wedding, thanks to them! Reviewed on 30-10-2023
Jennifer H(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We are still on cloud 9 after our daughter’s beautiful wedding weekend at Hotel Monaco!!! Katie & her team are the absolute best at all things wedding!!! From the very first tour of the venue Katie walked w us through the planning every step. She was above & beyond with her strong , smart and thoughtful approach. Katie & the entire staff at Hotel Monaco were all top tier making the celebration feel as seamless and stress free as it could possibly be.... The best!!! We appreciate you all!!!Jennifer & Mark H Reviewed on 30-10-2023
Carolina vT(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We had our wedding at the LaFayette Ballroom in Hotel Monaco in September of 2023. Desiree was our wedding coordinator and she went above and beyond to ensure that everything about our special day was perfect. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and the level of service we received. I would unequivocally recommend this venue for your special day! Reviewed on 23-09-2023
Andy R(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We just got married here and are so glad we chose Hotel Monaco for our event! Desiree was absolutely critical to helping us plan the entire thing, going above and beyond what we could have hoped for, and made sure that it was flawless on the day-of. Even the rain during our cocktail hour couldn't stop everyone from having a good time, and we would recommend any other couples interested in a \"partially outdoors rooftop experience\" choose this venue. The way everything is set up here makes weather concerns a complete non-issue. We couldn't be happier Reviewed on 22-09-2023
Lauren Evron(other)5 out of 5 Rating
Amazing night for our welcome party at Stratus Lounge. It was the perfect spot to start off our wedding weekend in Philly! Reviewed on 18-09-2023
Robert Kornblatt(other)5 out of 5 Rating
Couldn’t recommend a venue more for a wedding. The team was so responsive and supportive. Venue was gorgeous. Had everything we needed. Wish we could do it again!Desiree Sklar in particular is a rockstar and would recommend her in a heartbeat to anyone throwing a wedding! Reviewed on 01-09-2023
Leah Kelsen(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We cannot say enough good things about our experience having our wedding at the Hotel Monaco--it was simply amazing! Planning a wedding was new territory for us, but Desiree and the entire Hotel Monaco Team made it such a wonderful and pleasant experience. Desiree and the team were unbelievably patient, accommodating, creative, friendly, and just SO much fun to work with. Not only is the venue itself amazing with a beautiful ballroom and stunning rooftop, the food and atmosphere are truly top notch. Our wedding weekend was perfect--we couldn't be happier with our choice to get married at the Hotel Monaco, and we HIGHLY recommend the venue to any couples looking for a beautiful, classy, elegant, and fun place to get married! Reviewed on 01-09-2023
Camellia H-K(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We were married this month and I am so beyond thrilled we chose the Monaco for our venue! Desiree made us feel heard, seen, and so special throughout the planning process and during our wedding weekend. I was really looking for a unique venue and Desiree helped make my dreams come true. We held the ceremony in the sunny and beautiful ballroom and the cocktail hour and reception were held on Stratus. All of our guests stayed in the hotel and loved it! The location and the hotel itself was perfect. If you're looking for a unique, beautiful venue with an incredible coordinator, choose the Monaco! Reviewed on 25-08-2023
Lindsay M. Mayo(other)5 out of 5 Rating
My spouse and I can not rave about Hotel Monaco enough! Our guests, too!-- We continue to get so many compliments on our wedding celebration.This celebration was a long time coming! My husband and I started planning in 2019, but postponed a couple times due to the pandemic. We finally hosted our reception this past weekend and we are SOOOO glad we followed through with this party of a lifetime!Desiree, the Director of Catering, was a fabulous planner and coordinator. Her passion for her job shines through in EVERY conversation and EVERY detail. Her and her team were so attentive and made sure our delayed celebration was nothing less than magical. The Monaco's team, especially Desiree, stay calm, cool, and collected and really help ease the nerves that come with planning a party. They ensured that everything carried out swimmingly! Even on the day of the party, Desiree made sure to check in with me and my husband and reassure us that all our plans and decor were getting set up as planned. At the celebration, the food was incredible! The atmosphere was stunning. And, the staff was attentive, friendly, and so cheerful to be apart of the party!We held our cocktail hour in Stratus the rooftop lounge and then moved down to the ballroom for dinner and dancing. We also had a room block with the hotel. And, we even had breakfast the next morning in the attached restaurant, Red Owl. Hotel Monaco has the FULL package and made this party truly a dream come true. Reviewed on 04-08-2023
Trudi Meehan(other)5 out of 5 Rating
The wedding coordinators provided knowledgeable suggestions and advice throughout the planning process for my daughter and son in law’s celebration and always made themselves available for questions. The entire staff at the event were professional, accommodating and friendly. Reviewed on 02-08-2023
Melanie Millner(other)5 out of 5 Rating
amazing!!! The Hotel Monaco staff is absolutely the best. From our catering manager, Katie, to our housekeeper, Nicole, Bernardo who took amazing care of us at the wedding, the fantastic front desk staff - we cannot say enough about the team at Hotel Monaco. They are professional, attentive, FUN and truly went above and beyond in every single way. I am still blown away by the level of service and care that we received every step of the way. I highly recommend the ballroom or Stratus Lounge for any wedding. It was beyond perfect! Reviewed on 19-07-2023
Jen Stebulis(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 28-05-2023 I don't even know where to begin to explain how amazing our experience with Desiree and Hotel Monaco was. From the second we saw Stratus Lounge, we knew that was the exact vibe we wanted for our wedding. Stratus is modern, intimate and the perfect rooftop setting. Desiree not only understood the vision for our day, but went above and beyond to make sure it happened. We were absolutely treated like royalty from start to finish throughout the entire planning process. Any little question/concern I had, Desiree was there to calm my nerves as an anxious bride and ensure every single detail was perfect. She even found the most perfect musician for our ceremony--Brian Fitzy (absolutely amazing!!). Our guests RAVED about the food (believe me, this is not your typical wedding food) and speciality cocktails (smoked out old fashioned bar & espresso martinis!). Desiree and the staff got to know us so personally, that they even delivered gifts for our dog when we arrived. The bartenders at the wedding even went as far as to assist us with an after party location (also met us there to continue the fun!) I cannot say enough good things about Hotel Monaco and their entire staff who all made our day an absolute dream come true. Don't think, just get married here! Reviewed on 31-05-2023
Jackie Olsen(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-10-2022 Booking at the Hotel Monaco and working with Desiree and her amazing staff is hands down the number one reason my wedding went so smoothly and was so magical! We opted to do a full Stratus Rooftop wedding buyout to keep it modern and fresh. When we told Desiree our vision she grabbed the reigns and made our entire vision came to life. We wanted modern, we wanted black and white, we wanted sex and we wanted appeal. Ok too far but you get the picture. Her and her staff were incredible. They were responsive, they were transparent, they worked around any obstacle, any pricing hurdle, had amazing creative ideas, they were so knowledgeable about literally every detail. Need help with decor? Ask Desiree. Need help ironing out where your guests can stay and get ready? Call Desiree? Need an X-factor but don’t know where to start? 1-800-DESIREE. The perks, the people, the venue are beyond 5 stars. Desiree booked Luke Carlos O’Reilly (does marvelous mrs maisel ring any bells??) to play piano at our wedding!!! The chef is INSANE! If you don’t want Boring old wedding food but a fine dining flavor explosion at your wedding-this is the spot. Oh did I mention they have a full service bar? Forget about make shift bars with limited ingredients. You are getting craft cocktails!! The hotel staff is also incredibly accommodating with booking and scheduling wedding events. From booking the initial tour, the tastings, booking other vendors, booking the tour of the venue, booking the room block, coordinating hair and makeup times, breakfast and get ready details, wedding timelines, you name it, they do it. This is a full service wedding venue and they give you full concierge five star treatment. Even the lighting was perfect! And I don’t just mean the sexy, modern, warm charm (and very flattering-you’ll look 10 years younger in your wedding photos) bulbs at the Stratus Lounge, I mean half of your venue scape is the Philly sky and skyline. If you have any reservations about booking here- don’t. This will be the most magical day of your life! I cannot thank the hotel and people here enough! Reviewed on 16-11-2022
Stasia Fulginiti(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 08-10-2022 I cannot say enough about how great our experience at Hotel Monaco was from start to finish. Desiree made sure every little detail we planned for and even ones we didn't think about were covered. She was so responsive and supportive throughout the whole process and day of. We made sure to use all the beautiful space from our room block for guests, Stratus for cocktail hour, and the Ballroom for our reception. They truly made our wedding day dreams come true and MANNN did we throw a party! The entire staff was so accommodating making the whole weekend stressless which is crazy to say when you spend so much time and energy planning something. We truly got to enjoy the party we planned and there's no doubt we wouldn't get the same experience elsewhere. Our guests are still raving about it months later and how they got to experience all things Philly around the area too. We really couldn't ask for more and wish we could redo the whole day!! Thank you to the whole Hotel Monaco staff for making our day unforgettable! Reviewed on 06-11-2022
Cynthia Aureli(other)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-08-2022 Absolutely fabulous post-wedding breakfast after my son'swedding on August 13th in your Copenhagen Room.Staff was friendly and super-efficient; breakfast was plentiful and delicious; mimosas flowing!My guests and I had a marvelous time and highly recommend you!Cindy & Charles Ingoglia Reviewed on 21-08-2022
Susan Kerr(other)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-05-2022 At the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Desiree Skylar, their Director of Catering, made all the difference when we planned a Welcome Party the night before our son's wedding. When she took over we felt comfortable we were in good hands and we were right. Throughout the process, she was enthusiastic and very engaged in making sure our event would run smoothly on their Rooftop Stratus Lounge Patio and Vapor and Mist Rooms. She even helped set up before the event along with her other colleagues. They were very helpful and professional too. Everyone had a great time! I would recommend Desiree and the team at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco for any wedding event. Our family and friends had such a lovely time the whole weekend. Reviewed on 19-05-2022
Janna Lambson(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-05-2022 We chose the Monaco as our wedding venue for its convenience and amazing reviews and we weren't disappointed. We were initially planning to get married during the early pandemic months and decided to completely cancel our wedding only to rebook a year later, and Desiree could not have been more gracious to welcome us back. We decided to do a completely vegetarian menu and while the chef had some limitations on what he could do outside of their usual offerings, we ended up with a wonderful custom buffet that we and our guests were very happy with. Desiree was hugely helpful both before and on our wedding day and with her help we did not need to hire a planner or day-of wedding coordinator. The Monaco also hosted our post wedding breakfast which was perfect. Our family and guests were all incredibly impressed with this venue and staff. Thanks so much! Reviewed on 14-05-2022
Sean Strachan(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-05-2022 We just had our wedding at the Hotel Monaco and it did not disappoint. The venue is gorgeous and centrally located in the city and to the airport for people traveling in. It also has both indoor and outdoor space which we alternated with for our wedding. Desiree and the team made all of our dreams come true and then some. Everything was seamless and the food was amazing. We had many comments on the food. Highly recommend the hotel for any event, especially a wedding. Reviewed on 10-05-2022
Myles Daigneault(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-04-2022 Getting married at the Monaco was nothing short of a delight. Desiree made sure all of our dreams happened and made sure everything flowed perfectly on the weekend. We didn't have to worry about a thing. All of the event staff is friendly, attentive, and energetic. After our wedding we received multiple compliments on the service and the attention to detail.The venue itself is beautiful with unique, eclectic charm, and a stunning rooftop cocktail lounge that elevated our entire wedding to a new level. We loved working with everyone here and felt like we were in genuinely caring and supportive hands. Reviewed on 27-04-2022
Vicky Shirreffs(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 22-01-2022 When you visit Hotel Monaco the space speaks for itself - but the best part of having your wedding at Hotel Monaco is working with Desiree. Our original wedding date was January 2021 and we delayed until January 2022. Desiree was extremely helpful throughout the process of rescheduling. Desiree is unbelievably good at what she does, and it was amazing working with her. Everyone else we worked with was great as well, especially Sara who coordinate the room blocks. Our wedding couldn't have been more perfect and it would not have been possible without Desiree! Reviewed on 03-03-2022
Marirose Benedict(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 31-12-2021 Our NYE (12.31.2021) Wedding was nothing short of AMAZING! I may be biased, but hands down this was the best wedding I've ever experienced. We booked the venue with Desiree in November 2020 and immediately knew from her welcoming, fun, and easy-going attitude that this was the right place for us. Shannon was our coordinator for the actual event, and in the months leading up to the wedding she was more than accommodating to all of our questions and concerns. She was helpful, patient, and understanding- qualities that are so important now more than ever. Shannon sincerely wants to make sure that you have the best day ever and will do everything in her power to make sure that it happens. As a bride, planning can be a stressful experience at times, and Shannon was always there to lend a helping hand (or a glass of champagne) to help guide me through the process. Every detail was carefully and exceptionally executed, and things were taken care of before I could even ask. The food is absolutely incredible, so seriously look no further if you are interested in feeding your guests a meal that they will rave about for years to come! Shout out to Chef Jonathan! Our signature drinks from Christopher were also a major success and specifically tailored to what we were looking for-all guests were very excited about these! We had our ceremony on-site, cocktail hour on the rooftop at Stratus, reception in the Ballroom, and an after hours event in Red Owl, and everything went off without a hitch. The Hotel Monaco is a one of a kind venue, and there is nothing else out there like it! If you're thinking about it, don't wait!! Reviewed on 05-01-2022
Adam Valone(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 22-10-2021 I don't know where to begin in this review for Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. Even from our initial appointment way back when, we were given the royal treatment. All of the small little moments & details (which many may overlook) were made to be incredibly special. Desiree Sklar (director of catering and the venue's dedicated wedding coordinator) is INCREDIBLE at what she does. Anytime we had a concern or a question, she quickly put us at ease. This certainly was not an easy feat given how particular we are and all of the gymnastics she had to go through in the height of the pandemic. She truly makes magic happen. She was who we met with initially, and she was there with us through the thick and thin of it all along the way, including the entire day and night of! The hotel is beautiful, eclectic, extravagant, and so much more. We've never had a bad meal the many times we've eaten there. It honestly feels like home, and we were made to feel like family. The energy we created was infectious. Not only were we as newlyweds and all of our guests having the best time, all of our vendors worked together in harmony and all of the staff were excited to be there too. There are too many to name, but all of the staff was fantastic and went out of their way to ensure we were well cared for. Our wedding was perfect and it was well worth the wait (even with the extra year we needed to wait because of Covid). I can't think of anything I would've wanted to go differently. We knew it was going to be great, but we're still blown away by how amazing everything was. We still have people coming up to us telling us it was the wedding of the century, the best wedding they've ever been to, the best time they've ever had, the most beautiful venue, and more! Thank you to everyone that came together to make this happen, we can't wait to share our photo and video footage with everybody and relive it again. We'll never forget this, and luckily since we're local we can come visit anytime! Reviewed on 11-11-2021
Lynn Nguyen(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-10-2021 Desiree was amazing during the initial planning process. We had to make so may special requests in order to have our culturally specific moments and the Hotel Monaco was beyond accommodating. We had to get our wedding pushed out a year due to the pandemic - and when Shannon took the reins, no detail was missed! She was amazing at keeping us aligned to the schedule and was able to really assist me with the planning since we lived out of state. From hosting our Vietnamese tea ceremony and cocktail hour at Stratus, to a fun filled reception in the Lafayette Ballroom, this venue was perfect! Our guests raved about the location (for many of our guests - it was their first time in Philadelphia) and the abundant and delicious food and drink. A HUGE THANKS to all of the staff, including Connor and Sara managing our wedding block, Bernardo being the best maître d', and anyone else who had a hand in making our day feel so special. Reviewed on 19-10-2021
Alexandra Prestipino(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-10-2021 Desiree was amazing in our planning process. We postponed in 2020 due to COVID, and held our rescheduled wedding in 2021. Desiree and her team were supportive, responsive and accommodating throughout the entire process. The Hotel was beautiful and we held our ceremony and cocktail hour on the roof - our guests loved it! Book your wedding here, you won't have any regrets! Reviewed on 07-10-2021
Nicole Sosalski(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 25-09-2021 Desiree was absolutely amazing through the entire process of my wedding! She helped coordinate every little detail and is the sweetest person ever. She makes you feel like the absolute most important person on your special day. Several of my guests complimented how wonderful she was and I couldn’t agree more. Hotel Monaco is absolutely beautiful, wouldn’t have changed a thing! Reviewed on 07-10-2021
Ayana Gibbs(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 15-08-2021 I got married here two weeks ago, and I'm still getting praises for the beauty and location of our wedding. I stayed here for my 30th in December 2020, and after having a tour of the rooftop, I was sold. From the food to the drinks and our wedding coordinator Shannon, I was amazed! Thank you, Kimpton Monaco, for making our day special! Reviewed on 01-09-2021
Britney Soto(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 18-07-2021 GET MARRIED HERE!!! It’s over a week since we had our wedding here and our guests are still raving about it. So many told us it was the best wedding they have ever been too! I can’t say enough good things about this venue and every single employee that helped with our wedding. We had to postpone twice because of Covid and they were extremely flexible and accommodating. Desiree went above and beyond to make sure we had the wedding of our dreams and she delivered! She’s so sweet and fun to work with. The entire hotel is gorgeous but also unique and quirky. We loved it so much we made an entire wedding weekend out of it and had all of our events there… rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, after party and farewell breakfast. We had our reception on the rooftop Stratus and it was just magical. Desiree set up extra twinkle lights for us and we literally danced under the stars all night. Our Maitre D for the night was Bernardo and we absolutely love him. He’s so sweet and welcoming and keeps the energy going. He took such great care of us, bringing us all the drinks and all the food all night long. He even serenaded us during our cake cutting (he has an incredible voice) Conner was super helpful making sure our room block was in order and Anthony checked in on us in the bridal sweet multiple times throughout the day to make sure we had everything we needed. Also, they’re dog friendly so our fur baby was able to be apart of our big day. The venue is beautiful, the staff is amazing, the food is delicious and you’re treated like family. Reviewed on 29-07-2021
Andrea Wilp(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-07-2021 We LOVED having our wedding at Hotel Monaco and would do it all over again if we could. We decided to move our postponed wedding from another city/state to Philly and pull up our date due to COVID, so we had ~4 month left to replan. Shannon was an angel and the best - we couldn't have asked for a better coordinator and partner. She not only answered our emails quickly, but she went above and beyond to squeeze in a tasting for us when we were in town for a short trip, not to mention everything she did for us during the wedding weekend. She set up the decorations I brought exactly as I had imagined it, and her team gave myself and my husband special attention throughout the night (made sure we ate and drank!). We had a small wedding and wanted to keep it all on the rooftop, and Shannon made it happen just like we hoped. Also, the food was actually so good - we got so many compliments on it! Our wedding was seamless and so much fun. I can't say enough good things about the venue and Shannon!! Reviewed on 21-07-2021
Julie LoSasso(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 12-06-2021 We had our wedding at the Kimpton Monaco Hotel in Phila. It was postponed due to COVID. Desiree the event planner was wonderful!! We had to keep changing things to go along with covid guidelines and she was so knowledgeable and efficient in helping to guide us on what to do. Desiree and her team helped to pull off what our friends call the best night ever! She is a true professional at her job and a pleasure to work with. Our friends and family had a wonderful time and we received many compliments on how much they enjoyed our wedding. Our wedding was picture perfect and a night we will always remember. Desiree helped to create the most magical night for us on top of Stratus Rooftop Bar. I highly recommend this venue. Reviewed on 23-06-2021
Maria Ablonczy(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 28-05-2021 We had the best time at our wedding all thanks to the team at Hotel Monaco. Everyone went above and beyond to help make our day special. With all of the Covid related rules in the city, they made navigating them very easy. The food and drinks were also incredible. I had several people tell me that they have never had better food at a wedding before. I am so thankful to have found this venue. I highly recommend booking your wedding here! Reviewed on 22-06-2021
Mary Canuso(other)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-06-2021 We had our daughter’s wedding at the Kimpton Monaco Hotel in Phila.It was postponed 2 times because of COVID.Desiree the event planner was wonderful!!We had to keep changing things to go along with covid guidelines and she was so knowledgeable and efficient in helping to guide us on what to do.Always pleasant and efficient, I felt so good working with her and her team.We had to change things again 4 days before the wedding and I cannot believe how she handled everything and made my daughter’s day perfect!!She is a true professional at her job and a pleasure to work with, I actually will miss talking to her. She worked well with our wedding planner too and that made everything easy. My daughter felt very comfortable working with Desiree and her team.Our friends and family had a wonderful time and we received many compliments on how much they enjoyed our wedding.My husband and I were so pleased but more importantly my daughter and son-in-law loved it too!! Reviewed on 20-06-2021
Pat Chukala(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 16-05-2021 Desiree worked with me from day 1 for a wedding brunch we were planning. She was so professional, well informed and would go the extra mile if I needed her too. She was going to make the entire event perfect. I loved working with her. In all my years of dealing with event people Desiree is at the top of the list. Good going Hotel Monaco you have a real gem in your midst.Pat C Reviewed on 08-03-2021
Sam t(bride)1 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 03-07-2021 David the Assistance Front Desk Manager is atrocious. I called to confirm my appointment to meet with Desiree for my wedding who was great and accommodating. David not only keep me on hold for 26 minutes; but answered the phone and said \"sorry for the long hold please hold\" I waited an additional 7 minutes before he returned. I greeted him with respect and stated why I was calling and then he hung up the while I was speaking! He never attempted to call back or inform Desiree of what happened. Once I arrived I informed Desiree and Gary the (Bellman) what happened and they were extremely apologetic. I left my name and number at the front desk for David and he never bothered to call me back. I will NEVER refer ANYONE to this hotel EVER! I have never been so disrespected and disregarded in MY LIFE!!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE! Reviewed on 28-02-2021
Louis Schwartz(parent)5 out of 5 Rating
We would like to thank Kimpton Hotel Monaco and Desiree Sklar, Director of Catering, for their excellent customer service during this challenging time with Covid-19. The team operation was outstanding. The food was delicious. The Chef has created from a very simple basic food an exotic and exquisite food. The venue is beautiful, perfect for an elegant event. Thank you for all the hard work. Reviewed on 20-01-2021
Kiera Tran(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-10-2020 We couldn't have been more relieved and happier to have had such an amazing team behind us throughout our entire wedding planning process. Desiree and her team were phenomenal. We had a two year engagement with our perfect date set for 10.10.2020! When covid hit, Hotel Monaco truly stepped up and did everything in their power to make our dream wedding come true. They were incredibly generous and kind through all of the city changes and updates. Even up until the day before the Wedding, they were constantly in the know and making the best out of the situation possible for us. We were able to have our beautiful wedding, and their staff was able to meet all of the city requirements and kept our guests safe. We had 100 guests, and zero illnesses after. We had such a blast and that day/ weekend was perfect. They made the pandemic disappear from our minds. We had our ceremony and reception on site, in addition, we hosted a farewell brunch the next morning. Our guests continue to share how memorable and fun the weekend was. I absolutely recommend Hotel Monaco for absolutely any event. They pull out all the stops, and really focus on your needs. Their attention to detail and everything they provide was a huge stress reliever, especially needing to plan during a pandemic. I am so relieved we signed on with them, and they had our backs through the whole endeavor. I have heard horror stories of other venues raising prices and going back on contracts, refusing to give back financial commitments. This Hotel was completely transparent and offered us full refunds, if the city requirements were to prevent them from providing us with the best possible experience. I must say, despite all of the ever changing requirements, they absolutely delivered and gave us an amazing experience throughout the entire two year planning process. Can't wait to host another party at Hotel Monaco, maybe even marry my husband all over again! Reviewed on 02-12-2020
Alyssa Chapnick(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-11-2020 Hotel Monaco has been amazing. We were planning our wedding, which is normally a stressful process and they made it as smooth and easy as possible. On top of that Covid hit and they were once again nice and accommodating. While we unfortunately did not get to go through them for our wedding brunch, I would highly recommend them for any and all events! And I will be sure to use them in the future. Reviewed on 16-11-2020
Sara Singla(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 13-03-2020 The staff at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia was just the absolute best!! We had our Hindu wedding ceremony there and then we stayed at the hotel through the weekend as we had our second Jewish wedding across the street the next night. To say that the staff was amazing and accommodating would be an understatement. Desiree was with us every step of the way from taste testing, to room layouts, to sending the procession down the aisle. The hotel is gorgeous (our getting ready shots in the room are phenominal), our food was OUTSTANDING and the staff was just as excited for us as we were! We were able to get our wedding in right under the wire of the COVID shut down and the staff was there to encourage us, calm our nerves and celebrate with us. We are SO lucky to have worked with them in planning and executing our magical weekend. I couldn't recommend them more!! We cannot wait to return for many an anniversary! Seriously, run don't walk to work with this team and celebrate your wedding with their personal touches, professionalism and warmth! Reviewed on 23-03-2020
Betsy Allinson(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 21-09-2019 This MOB is still floating on air after our daughter's amazing Hotel Monaco wedding. Everything was perfect. Perfect! Desiree Sklar was a huge part of that. She patiently answered all of our questions and accommodated all of the happy couple's requests throughout the months of planning and the weekend itself. Desiree's bubbly personality and kind, patient and thoughtful demeanor made the rehearsal a pleasure and the ceremony itself the best ever. Desiree went out of her way for us and no request or concern was too big or too small. She cheerfully made all our dreams come true so we could fully enjoy the weekend festivities because everything was taken care of for us. Our guests had magnificent experiences with all of the staff (I wish I could remember all of your names)--from the valet parking to check-in, to the cocktail party (could Bernardo be any more wonderful?!), to the service, to the reception, to the Sunday morning continental breakfast, to check-out. At the breakfast, staff went out of their way to not only serve us but also help us decorate the ballroom. We didn't expect that! Thank you, Desiree, and the entire Hotel Monaco staff. We wish we could experience the wedding all over again because it was that wonderful. Our family thanks you with grateful hearts. Reviewed on 07-10-2019
Julieanna Gubitosa(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-09-2019 Hotel Monaco is an amazing venue! We were really struggling to find a location that felt like \"us\" but also supported the reality factor of our guests (some disabled and not able to move easily in outdoor terrain or any venue with limited handicap capabilities). From the moment we pulled up, we were treated like the King and Queen. Desiree and her team are fantastic and Desiree does everything she can to make your life easier. She went above and beyond to take care of our \"high maintenance\" guests and to make my life easier. It perfect for pictures near by the historic landmarks, the food is amazing, and all of our guests had a wonderful time! All of the vendor recommendations were stellar - our florist, musicians, DJ, cigar lounge, wedding cake all came from their list and they were all amazing! Reviewed on 25-09-2019
Emma A(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 21-09-2019 I wish I could get married all over again! My wedding last weekend 9/21/19) was the best night of my life x 1000. And it wouldn't have been so wonderful without Desiree. Her attention to detail and dedication to her clients is truly special. She answered every little question I threw her way promptly and patiently. I only wish I could be so organized! She exudes happiness & kindness. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does.Bernardo attended to our every need and was so much fun! Everyone loved him...especially my husband & me! Aurel does a great job of managing the valet. It's such a busy corner--I don't know how he does it!Tinisha, Connor, and Carly helped so much with my guest room blocks & seating chart.Everyone, from the moment I walked in the moment I checked out, was kind and professional. I look forward to coming back every year to celebrate our anniversary!!!!!!! Reviewed on 24-09-2019
Lisa Taormina(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 03-08-2019 It was love at first sight! The Hotel Monaco was the perfect venue for our August wedding. We planned a Stratus rooftop ceremony and cocktail hour followed by a fabulous dinner reception in the LaFayette Room. It was seamless! Desiree, Carly, Tinisha, Bernardo and the front desk staff treated us and our overnight guests like family. They worked well together and made our planning super easy! Desiree answered our questions and suggested ways to make the night flow for uninterrupted fun. She's great at what she does for a reason...it's a passion and she perfect! The entire day/night was filled with delicious food, fabulous music, and our best friends and family...truly flawless! Bernardo was perfect, had our guests laughing and catered to us! The day was spectacular and our guests said it was the \"best wedding ever \"! Reviewed on 24-09-2019
Brandon Jany(groom)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-10-2020 My partner & I are getting married in October 2020, and we are so excited for the day to finally arrive! The Monaco was our first venue we toured and it just out ranked every other space we visited. The way we have been treated since day 1 has been remarkable. Desiree is one of the sweetest people we have ever met; our wedding could not be in better hands! The process thus far has been so smooth, she really does cater to our every single need. I cannot wait to begin working with her more and more as our date approaches! Wish I could rate higher than 5 stars! Reviewed on 23-09-2019
Tim Rubin(groom)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 21-09-2019 \"Best wedding ever\". That was the quote of the weekend! From beginning to end our wedding weekend was absolutely flawless. Every last detail was perfectly executed and nothing was forgotten or left to chance. Not only was the staff competent and professional but they were FUN and truly a pleasure to work with in every respect. From Desiree's bubbly personality and careful attention to detail, Anthony's bar tending/mixology skills and Bernardo's radiant smile and comedic nature, the Hotel Monaco team was truly a HUGE part of the weekend's rousing success. The venue is amazing and there is truly something for everybody. In addition to boasting arguably the best location in Philadelphia, directly across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell the hotel is clean, comfortable, uniquely decorated and has one of the only rooftop bars in Philadelphia. We are already planning to return at least once a year to celebrate our anniversaries with all our friends at Hotel Monaco. Reviewed on 23-09-2019
Josh Zlatkus(groom)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-08-2019 My wife and I had an incredible experience from beginning to end with the Monaco, especially with our wedding coordinator, Desiree. Desiree is an extremely effective in-person communicator who clearly loves what she does. She brings detail and passion throughout the entire process. The venue is terrific. The supporting staff (Bernardo and Jackie, for us) were incredible during the tasting and the wedding night itself. The location is prime for those familiar or unfamiliar with Philadelphia. We could not recommend a place more highly than this! Reviewed on 12-08-2019
Samantha Bowman(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-05-2019 I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Hotel Monaco. From the moment we met Desiree, we knew that we wanted to have our wedding there. She made us feel like we were the most important people in the world, treated us like we were superstars, and made a very anxious bride feel like everything was going to be perfect. She remembered every detail of our wedding and I felt super comfortable leaving the day of execution and coordination in the Hotel Monaco's hands! Bernardo the Maitre'd was amazing. He made me and my husband laugh and helped us when we had no idea how to cut our cake!! He was so good, I put my drink down for one second and had another one right in my hands. We had a request to have one specific outside food item at our wedding (my husband's favorite) and Desiree worked tirelessly to make sure his dream of having this food at our wedding came true. She went above and beyond numerous times to make sure that we were treated beyond exceptionally. I could cry telling you all of the stuff that the Hotel Monaco did for us that they went out of their way to do!The wedding was flawless, delicious, amazing, and people are still talking about it! Hands down the best day ever and it was thanks to Hotel Monaco!! Reviewed on 12-07-2019
Stephanie Borzillo(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 08-06-2019 I got married on June 8th, 2019 at Hotel Monaco. It was truly the most amazing wedding ever (I may be a bit bias) and exceeded every single one of our expectations!!!!! Desiree Sklar was our contact throughout the planning process and was there for us on our wedding day through the entire day/night. She is AN ANGEL! Truly she was made for weddings. She was so chill to work with and totally understood the vibe we were going for. Thank you so so so much hotel Monaco for bringing our vision to fruition and making it a day we will never forget. Reviewed on 08-07-2019
Robert Borzillo(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 08-06-2019 The Hotel Monaco did a wonderful job through the whole wedding planning process and at the day of the event, all went smooth....from the roof top cocktail reception to the formal reception in the ball room. Thanks! Reviewed on 25-06-2019
Nicole Magrino(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-12-2018 Desiree, the Hotel Monaco and the entire staff made our wedding the best day ever!! People are still talking about it six months later! After our original coordinator had left, we met with Desiree and realized we were in even better hands. Every detail from the bridal suite, the cocktail hour, the numerous bars, the signature cocktails, the food, and literally everything in between was taken care of and meticulously looked after by Desiree and her staff. She responded to every email and question that I had along the way, and really made me feel at ease throughout the whole process. We had 196 people, and our ability to use the ballroom, the hallway and the room across the hall, we were able to create a really great flow for our guests. Our choices for dinner were the braised short ribs, frenched chicken, butternut squashed agnolotti, and the pan seared cod; and every single choice was absolutely delicious. Our maitre' D Bernardo was phenomenal! He catered to our every move and made sure we were well fed and watered that night! His spirit was electric and fun and he really made sure that we were having the absolute best time! He even let me cry on his shoulders during the Mother/Son dance! We loved every minute of our day and owe it all to Desiree, Bernardo, and the entire Hotel Monaco staff!! Thank you so much!! Reviewed on 03-06-2019
J D(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 12-01-2019 I highly recommend the Hotel Monaco, especially the Philadelphia location! We used the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia for our wedding block, the bridal suite for getting ready, and for the day-after brunch. Everyone at the Monaco was very professional and on the ball, especially while we got ready - things were delivered promptly when requested, housekeeping came in periodically to check in and clean up, and the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. The entire preparation process for reserving the hotel block, the brunch, and suite (especially last minute details like having them store my dress and provide a steamer), was so easy and Tinisha made it a joy to work with them. Our guests also loved the hotel and staff. The Monaco Philadelphia clearly runs a lot of weddings and it shows!Additionally, the weekend prior to our wedding, my fiancee and I escaped for a weekend of de-stressing to the Baltimore Monaco, and the hotel staff there offered us space to practice our fist dance and even gifted us a bottle of wine when they learned we were getting married. We've been to several other Monaco locations and every single one has provided exceptional service! Reviewed on 01-02-2019
Rachel Wright(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 03-11-2018 We worked with Desiree for 11/3/2018 wedding with rooftop cocktail hour and ballroom reception. From the minute we met Desiree we knew she was going to make our experience at Hotel Monaco even more perfect than we could have expected. Desiree gave us tons of advice, made last minute changes and literally said \"yes\" to every single request we made. For the day of, Desiree ensured that everything ran smoothly and looked beautiful. The food was great and everyone from the wedding said it was one of the best and most beautiful weddings they had ever been to thanks to the beautiful venue and excellent staff that executed spotlessly. Reviewed on 17-11-2018
Sam Siliani(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-11-2018 Our wedding venue search started and ended with the Hotel Monaco. Literally we went to look at one other venue after seeing the Hotel Monaco just to be polite as it was too soon to cancel but we knew we found the perfect spot right away. We initially worked with Matt Bassant although he left half way through the planning process. We had a completely smooth transition and began working with Jackie DeLawrence. The building, convenience of hotel and venue in one, decor and vibe were exactly what we were looking for. The food, alcohol and accommodations were above and beyond and every request we had was fulfilled without batting an eye. It was truly customer service at its finest. The bell hops and valet will know your name and remember it after your first meeting and somehow knew we were a bride and groom hosting an event there every time we pulled up. The best part of hosting your wedding there is you can tell everyone who works at the Monaco loves their job and this truly translates to the service. Eduardo was our head server at the wedding and I still am in awe of how amazing he was and how well he took care of us and our guests. Btw he also as the voice of an angel I'm not kidding I almost fell off my feet when he sung. The food at the wedding was not your typical wedding food and was delicious. Hats off to the chef for serving 130 piping hot, spot on meals that everyone raved about. Hosting a farewell brunch at the red owl tavern was a cherry on top. Again our guests were catered to and enjoyed every bite of food. Thank you to everyone who played a hand in our wedding. It was truly the best night of our lives thanks to you all!! Reviewed on 14-11-2018
Katie Schmelz Foster(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 25-08-2018 My husband and I are SO HAPPY that we decided to have both our ceremony and reception at Hotel Monaco. The venue is gorgeous, and we were thrilled to be able to have our cocktail and after party at the roof bar, Stratus. Our guests gushed about the rooftop space and loved how amazing the ceremony transformed to the reception space with ease!! Our wedding day of coordinators were fabulous. Thank you Desiree and Jackie! Because of a few unfortunate changes they only came aboard for the planning about three weeks before and were amazing right away!! So helpful and positive, I was truly appreciative. AND THE FOOD! The cocktail was amazing and We only received positive reviews about the delicious dinner choices. Bernardo, you’re the best maître d' ever! We would highly recommend Hotel Monaco as a wedding venue for a truly classy affair! Reviewed on 19-10-2018
Diane Velletri(other)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 05-10-2018 Great service! Awesome food. Desiree was amazing to work with. Everything worked out as expected and even beyond expectations. Reviewed on 19-10-2018
Matt and Anika Kinsey(groom)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 29-09-2018 This review will be very difficult to sum up in 3500 words... THE BEST EVER & 5 Stars don't do the Hotel Monaco nor the amazing staff justice.So, where do we begin.. From the moment you pull up to the door both Sam and Sean will do any and everything to handle your vehicle, luggage, animals, whatever you might have with you (example.. I had a motorcycle and a sword) and they'll do it with a smile! Two amazing guys with an insatiable thirst for helping their guests.After you enter the gorgeous circular grand entrance you will be greeted by a waiting area adorned with the finest decor in Philadelphia. Do you want fresh ice-cold cucumber & strawberry infused water? It's on tap... How about a relaxing mind escape with a game of chess? Yup, they've got that too. And the staff here is just as welcoming and gracious as anyone else within the hotel. Your comfort is their top priority and they will NOT STOP until you have what you need and they do it all with a smile. If you're looking for a venue for your wedding.... Look no further. Jackie and Desiree place the bar so high other wedding professionals need a rocket ship to keep up. Jackie was with us from day 1 and has the most incredible attention to detail we've ever seen. The ideas she has for seating arrangements, floor plan layouts and all around planning made this process so much easier than it ever would have been elsewhere. She made absolutely sure that EVERY guest would have a great view of the Bride & Groom while also being able to enjoy rocking out with the band. She made sure our VERY picky meal preferences were handled and everything worked out without a hitch. She brings fresh ideas and new life to an otherwise redundant and daunting task. Desiree is also the absolute queen of wedding coordinating. Our night-of could not have been SO INCREDIBLE without her. During all the meetings leading up to the big night she took detailed notes, and made adjustments, plans and arrangements that let us just enjoy the night. Which let me tell you... someone that can do the work she did is PRICELESS. Not once during the night did we have to worry, or even think about what event was next,.. or if guest X was bickering with guest Y or even anything about drinks, food, dessert.... She was amazing... no other word for it.We lalallalalalallaove you Jackie and Desiree!!!I can't think of completing this review without mentioning Bernardo. This amazing man was our personal server for the night. Server isn't even a fair term for Bernardo.... really throughout the process of food tastings and then seeing him multiple other times during the planning process he became a member of the family. A man with a heart the size of the moon. He'll sing, he'll dance, he'll go out of his way to make your night special.Ultimately everyone involved in our wedding became family. Each of them completing every finite detail with an unrivaled level of finesse and graciousness. We look forward to our next visit with everyone there because no matter what we'll make sure it's filled with smiles, alcohol and friendship because that's what they gave us.I'm not sure if they read these reviews,.. but if they do we want to say the largest THANK YOU possible. You guys all made our night absolutely amazing and we can't thank you enough. We'll be back soon, and you all better be ready to take a day off work!! ;-) Reviewed on 15-10-2018
Haley Velletri(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 05-10-2018 I had an amazing experience at the Hotel Monaco! The wedding coordinator there that we started with, Matt, did such a good job of making me feel at ease and like everything was in good hands. I'm not on Pinterest and I don't DIY anything, so I felt great knowing that everything was handled by the hotel. When Matt moved to another position a few months before my wedding I was worried that I wouldn't get the same support and attention, but Desiree was incredible! She didn't miss a beat, she was artsy and creative, and very responsive. As far as the event planning itself, everything went flawlessly. The front desk was good and very professional, though there were a couple communication gaps here and there. Desiree was able to clarify everything and handled everything smoothly. Overall we were really pleased with the great service. Our guests complimented the delicious food, helpful staff, beautiful decor of the hotel and ceremony space on the roof, and the comfortable hotel rooms. 5/5. Reviewed on 15-10-2018
Lea & Tony Jones(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 29-09-2018 The Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia did an Outstanding job for our daughters weddingOn Saturday September 29th 2018. Our daughter said it was a dream come true! Everything she planned was orchestrated perfectly by Desiree, Jacqueline and staff! From the moment we arrived at the Hotel Monaco we were greeted with a smile the staff were exceptional booking us all in a timely manner so we could arrive at the church Rehearsal on time. Everyone received their welcoming bag as planned! The wedding day went like clock work the cocktail lounge “Stratus Roof Top “ lounge was perfect! The reception in the Lafayette Ballroom was Gorgeous, our florist Ziegfield Florist in Maple Shade, NJ did a beautiful job with the flowers our Band CTO Midtown had us up dancing the whole night they were outrageous “Best Band in Philadelphia area” Thank you all for making Anika and Matt’s wedding day a dream come true!Truly a gorgeous wedding! Reviewed on 01-10-2018
Jess T(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 15-09-2018 We signed with Janet and ended up working with Desiree whom we absolutely adored. She was the sweetest and took care of all our needs. Hotel Monaco is a unique space because it's in a historic building but is a boutique hotel. Our guests loved the food and drinks at cocktail hour at Stratus. Our entrees were great and Desiree made sure that I had a soup instead because I don't eat salads. We also fell in love with the ballroom as soon as we saw it. It's perfect for a guest list of around 100. If we could have done anything differently it would be to ask catering to pack up any uneaten food from our table so it wouldn't go to waste. Reviewed on 19-09-2018
Geetika Gupta(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-06-2018 We booked Monaco exactly a year before our wedding, and couldn't be happier with our decision. We had multiple events at the venue, and Matt and his team were more than accommodating to our random requests. The ballroom is beautiful and with a little bit of decor, the reception came to life!My tasting experience with them was phenomenal! I couldn't decide on what to chose, but loved tasting every dish that they prepared. We had a few guests staying in the hotel and they all couldn't stop gushing about how much fun they had at the hotel. Let me just say that if you want a city wedding with a guest list that isn't crazy long, Monaco is perfect!The only challenge I had, and maybe this is my fault, that I didn't get all my stuff back from the venue that I used for decor and other things. I should have been more upfront about wanting it back!Matt is amazing though, you will live every moment of working with him! Reviewed on 21-08-2018
Cary Cohn(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-08-2018 Hotel Monaco was a fantastic venue for a wedding. The roof top bar, restaurant and catering, accommodations and service is beyond compare! Desiree Sklar was such a professional wedding planner who made this wedding a true success! Love this place! Reviewed on 15-08-2018
Meg Ratchford(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-10-2017 We hosted our wedding cocktail hour and dinner reception at Hotel Monaco this past weekend. We held cocktails in the Stratus Lounge and had the reception in the Lafayette Ballroom. We are incredibly happy with our decision to use this venue! We had many out of town guests, so we felt strongly about making it very convenient for guests. Our ceremony was at Christ Church just a few blocks away. The hotel location was perfect for showing off Old City, and everyone took advantage of the historic location. The hotel decor was unique and didn't give off the corporate ballroom vibe, and that's why we fell in love with it. The ballroom was the perfect size for our group of about 115. We had plenty of room for the two bars, a spacious dance floor and a photo-booth, which really added to the experience. Everyone raved about the delicious bites during the cocktail hour and they also gave good options for healthy eaters and dietary restrictions as well, so we felt all guests had their pick of food. With the cheapest package, we were still able to offer three meal options (chicken, fish, beef) and everyone was happy! Janet and team were great to work with and always had our best interests in mind - she never once tried to up-sell us. All of our guests also loved the hotel rooms and the staff was very friendly. We had a large number of out-of-town family attending, and they never once complained about little kids playing in the lobby, or our family buying drinks from Red Owl bar and sitting in the hotel lobby to have more quiet conversations. They were so understanding, and we're very grateful for their flexibility. Overall amazing service and a fabulous weekend thanks to Hotel Monaco and the staff there. Reviewed on 12-10-2017
Yinan Ma(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 03-09-2017 My husband and I had an amazing time celebrating our marriage in Hotel Monaco! We'd like to thank especially Bernardo and Janet! Bernardo was so friendly and accommodating and Janet was always quick to answer my many questions! Our guests also raved about the delicious food and the excellent service. We also stayed there the night before and the night of the wedding, and the service was on point. I truly enjoyed every second of our wedding weekend. Reviewed on 07-09-2017
Brandi Chaplin(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-07-2017 I had my wedding and reception in the Lafayette Ballroom at the Hotel Monaco on July 7, 2017. I am beyond happy with our decision to have our wedding at Hotel Monaco! The location is perfect! It's in Old City which is historic and picturesque. It was also super convenient for our guests, the majority of whom live in Philly. The hotel in and of itself is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! The decor is art deco, modern and chic which fits me and my husband to a \"T.\" The Lafayette ballroom is beautiful and was the perfect size for our wedding of approximately 100 guests. Our cocktail hour was held in the Stratus Lounge which is on the rooftop of the hotel. Our guests honestly could not stop raving about the venue and the food (especially the braised short rib). They have repeatedly said that our wedding was 5 star! Janet and her team were great to work with and made sure we stayed within the budget we originally set. The service at the hotel was AMAZING! My husband and I stayed at the hotel the night before and the night of the wedding. A number of our guests stayed there as well. Everyone could not stop talking about how accommodating the hotel staff was during our stay. Everyone was so nice and professional! The suite that I got dressed in was gorgeous and spacious! I will forever remember how perfect my wedding was and having it at the Hotel Monaco added to the perfection. A dream come true! Reviewed on 26-07-2017
Danielle Marchesini(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-07-2017 My now-husband had proposed to me by Independence Hall, so we wanted a wedding hotel block that was near Independence Hall. There are a few options, but none comes close to the splendor of Hotel Monaco. Hotel Monaco is a fun, delightful, and hospital spot for our guests’ accommodations. A variety of room types and prices were offered, but most of our guests wisely opted for the the park view rooms and were blown away by the view of Independence Hall and Independence Park. The rooms were spacious and captivating, with wonderful and amusing decor and arrangements. Check-in was efficient, friendly, provided all of our guests with Welcome sheet for wedding weekend activities. Valet services were efficient, we were able to text or call to get our car, and the bell boys as well came as soon as they were requested. And what’s best, there is a delicious restaurant and bar attached to the hotel with a great bar!I also used Hotel Monaco for my bridal suite, a corner-suite with a large living room, bedroom, and massive bathroom (complete with a shower and separate full-length bathtub). I am 5’10” and was able to fit completely supine in the tub (I need a good soak to calm my nerves!). The living room area sat all of my bridesmaids (6), mom, photographer, make-up artist, and hair stylist very comfortable, with a chair leftover!Katie was our contact person and was there for me via e-mail or phone call for all of my random and perpetual questions, from extending guest stays, to upgrading rooms, making sure my grandpa had a toothbrush, I am so grateful for all of her hard work and making my life easier!Hotel Monaco is enchanting, dynamic, and adept. The hotel wowed all of our guests and made us feel comfortable and at ease with amusing decor, and friendly and respectful staff. Hotel Monaco is an Old City and whole-city must stay! Reviewed on 12-07-2017
Sarah Walsh(bride)1 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 25-02-2017 We did not have our wedding here but did our room block here and it was a disaster. When we went to check in, they had given away my suite and had no other suite to offer for me and my girls to get ready in. They ended up putting me on the top floor and the club above is insanely loud and goes until 2am (the night before my wedding). I ended up going down to sleep in my parents room. They charge a crazy amount for gift bags. Super unorganized and just absolutely awful Reviewed on 24-05-2017
Rachel Hodas(groom)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 22-04-2017 The Monaco more than lived up to its status as the “#1 Wedding Hotel” in Philadelphia. Every inch of the hotel was beautiful and made for a perfect backdrop for our pictures. The staff was attentive to our every need, going above and beyond to address small issues and surprising us with chocolates, wine, and prosecco. Our guests loved every moment of their stay. Highly recommended. Reviewed on 28-04-2017
Kim Sun(groom)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 30-12-2016 We had an amazing time here at our wedding. The staff was on hand every step of the way and we had what we needed every step of the way as we planned and coordinated. Samantha had started going over everything with us however, she wound up accepting another opportunity elsewhere and Matt had stepped into oversee the rest of our event. The transition was flawless and needless to say our ceremony and reception was truly amazing thanks to their planning and the venue itself. We can't thank them enough. Highly recommend! Reviewed on 06-02-2017
Chris D(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 08-03-2018 OMG - is the best acronym to describe our most amazing wedding at Hotel Monaco! We happen to stumble across this hidden gem while looking for a very special wedding venue. Monaco is a boutique hotel with big character and ambiance. We held our ceremony and reception there, and I cannot say enough about Rooftop Stratis, where cocktail hour took place, with the outside fire wall burning that provided a beautiful backdrop to a magical night.The catering staff, led by Catering Director, Janet, were top notch and helped to ensure every detail from planning to wedding day ran smoothly - a top notch team! Working with some on the list of preferred vendors at Monaco - Petah Bashano Event & Floral, Monica Virga Cosmetics, Bredenbeck Bakery, and Georgestreet Photography - also all top notch - made everything all so much easier, as they know the hotel and catering team!AND, we would be remiss if we did not mention Life Celebrant, Beth Palubinsky, who worked with us to create a personalized ceremony that was truly us, and included and stole the attention of everyone in the room - also recommended by Monaco. Our wedding was magical and unforgettable. Thank you Hotel Monaco!P.S. Be sure to make a special request that Bernardo work your wedding - he'll amaze your guests with his beautiful voice - just one more thing that helps sets Monaco apart from the rest! Reviewed on 07-01-2017
Marissa Montenegro(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-11-2016 We booked our wedding block of rooms at the Hotel Monaco, and my parents also hosted a morning-after brunch for our immediate family. My husband and I had a beautiful corner suite with an incredible view (discounted with the wedding room block) and the staff left us chocolates and champagne - so thoughtful and appreciated. I wish we had more than just a couple hours in the morning to enjoy it! Brunch was delish, and we had a semi-private area on the second floor of Red Owl Tavern. A word to the wise: at the very end of the night, past midnight, our trolley driver pulled up to the side of the Hotel, not the main entrance. Only my husband and I were on the trolley, along with many heavy coolers, gifts, and overnight bags. We asked him to pull up to the front entrance, and he insisted that he was not \"allowed\" to, telling my tired groom to go get a luggage cart. He did, reluctantly, and the bellman was helpful with unloading all of our stuff. My contact at the hotel told me later that, yes, typically trolleys are not permitted to pull into the loading zone; however, at that late hour, with little to no guests needing use of the loading zone, they would have made an exception. So be sure to make your driver ask if you are in a similar situation! Reviewed on 07-12-2016
Avi Snyder(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 13-08-2016 My husband I had our wedding at the Hotel Monaco one Saturday night this past August. From start to finish everything was absolutely incredible! The wedding coordinator Janet and her entire team went above and beyond to ensure that our wedding was perfect. Specifically, bar service and table service were more professional than any wedding we have ever been to AND the room looked absolutely stunning. The decor matched so perfectly with our flowers and we were thrilled with how quickly they converted the room between ceremony and reception. The food was delicious too, especially the passed hors d'oeuvres and the short ribs. Additionally, guests adored the hotel rooms especially the fact that the hotel staff hand delivered each individual welcome bag to each hotel room! I can't thank everyone at the Monaco enough, it truly was the most magical night!!!!! Reviewed on 08-09-2016
Samantha Harris(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-07-2016 Our wedding at Hotel Monaco was exceptional - the team was a pleasure to work with and made the evening so enjoyable! Our guests were also complementary of the courteousness and professionalism of the staff during the reception and their stay at the hotel. I would certainly plan another event at Hotel Monaco in the future! Reviewed on 23-08-2016
Lisa Niemiec(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 29-05-2016 We got ready the morning of our wedding at Hotel Monaco, had our Cocktail Hour on the Stratus Rooftop Lounge, and held our Reception in the Lafayette Ballroom on the Sunday of Memorial Day, 2016.Hotel Monaco was the first venue we looked at. Being very indecisive, I felt the need to explore practically every other option in the city before deciding to move forward with the Monaco. But, really, there was no comparison. The combo of the Stratus, the beautiful Lafayette Ballroom and the Old City location is unbeatable. Our families were coming to Philadelphia from all over the country, so this was the perfect spot for us to host our pseudo-destination wedding. The Monaco gave us an excellent room block rate compared to other (less-nice) hotels in the area, and our guests loved the free happy hour every night in the lobby! Being able to get ready in the one of the Monaco's large rooms on the morning of the wedding was amazing. However, there were about 10 other weddings also getting ready at the hotel that day, which did cause some stress the morning of the wedding. I had been assured that there would be a barstool and extra chair in the room for hair and makeup, which wasn’t there when we checked in, and then was not delivered after my many calls. Apparently, there were so many weddings getting ready that day that they had run out of extra chairs. This was disappointing, especially since we were hosting our wedding there. But eventually, they found a substitute. And a huge shout out to the valets, who were amazingly helpful throughout the weekend as we loaded and unloaded our car in front of the hotel.I should also say that holding our wedding on a Sunday (even though it was Memorial Day weekend), the Monaco offered us an AMAZING deal. Honestly, we would not have been able to afford this venue if we held our wedding on a Saturday, and Janet was truly accommodating in tweaking our menu to get us in right where we wanted to be, budget-wise. Throughout the entire year and a half planning process, Janet was incredibly responsive, helpful, and patient with my constant questions, and was present on the day of the wedding, making sure everything we had discussed was in place. Our guests raved about the food (the short rib!! the crab cakes!) and the service throughout the evening was exceptional. My husband and I felt so well cared for and the catering staff had taken care of every detail. Another huge plus was that the Monaco only hosts one wedding a night. I would highly recommend the Monaco to any bride. The venue goes far and above a “standard” ballroom and the staff are phenomenal. A few random things to consider that didn't impact us, but that might be helpful to others:1. The bathrooms are beautiful and large, but are a floor below the ballroom. This could be inconvenient if you have a number of guests that have trouble with stairs.2. There was quite a large charge to hand out welcome bags to guests at check in. Reviewed on 24-07-2016
Jim D'Orlando(wedding party)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 22-07-2017 Our families stayed at Hotel Monaco for the wedding night. We had the farewell breakfast there the next day. The staff and food were wonderful ! Couldn't be more accommodating and professional! Fabulous experience! A+++ Reviewed on 08-07-2016
Anonymous (bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 16-05-2017 Mika and Sam met in college and after graduating they remained friends. Ten years later, they began to date and after 3 years of maintaining a long distant relationship, they decided to take it to the next level. They got engaged and the happy couple picked the date of October 11, 2015 for their wedding. Mika and Sam wanted their fall nuptials in Philadelphia, the bride’s hometown to completely reflect them. After touring Hotel Monaco they knew it was the perfect venue. It was modern, elegant, chic, eclectic and exactly what they were looking for. Their vision was to have a unique ceremony followed by a cocktail hour at the Stratus Rooftop Lounge and the reception in the Lafayette Ballroom. Mika said, “Since most of their guests were from out of town, we wanted to treat them to an authentic Philly experience in the heart of the historic district. With Independence Mall and the National Constitution Center just steps away, it was the perfect location. The convenience of having the wedding ceremony, reception and lodging for our guests in one location was ideal. Most couples plan a wedding at least a year in advance. We did it in 5 months. But we couldn’t have done it without the personal attention we received from Janet Karchner, Director of Catering. Janet was amazing! She worked out each detail to make sure everything went smoothly. Janet worked seamlessly with our coordinator, musicians, bridal party and hotel staff. Our wedding day was flawless!”\rThe day began with a “First Look” in the Stratus Rooftop Lounge at 1 pm followed by pictures in the lobby and a photo shoot of the bridal party in the surrounding historic area. By 5 pm, 120 family, friends and musicians were seated in the Stratus Lounge on the rooftop. It was 70 degrees and the sun was shining – the perfect day for a rooftop wedding! Mika and Sam exchanged vows during their wedding ceremony in the beautiful, intimate Stratus Rooftop setting. Next came cocktails and butlered hor d'oeuvres including the largest shrimp cocktail and scrumptious sushi station as the sun set and the firewall blazed. Sam recounted, “Our guests loved the ambiance of the Stratus Lounge and the open air feeling. Everyone commented on the rooftop’s unique beautiful decor, the delicious food and the excellent service.” \rAt 7 pm the guests were ushered to the exquisite Lafayette Ballroom for the reception. From the exquisite table settings, phenomenal 4-course dinner to the top shelf open bar, everything was magnificent. Mika said, “It was truly amazing. Sam and I couldn’t have asked for more a more incredible day. As we danced and partied throughout the evening, our guest couldn’t stop raving about our wedding at Hotel Monaco. The night was filled with love and happiness and we are so thankful to the staff at Hotel Monaco for making the wedding of our dreams come true.”\r Reviewed on 16-03-2016
Kate Stoltz(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-10-2015 Loved this hotel! Mike and I were happy with the level of professionalism from our contact Brian, and the hotel staff. Most of our guests never stayed in a boutique hotel before and loved every minute of it. Our suite had enough room for all of my maids and both moms to get hair and makeup done. \r\rThanks! Reviewed on 22-10-2015
Kerry Weinstein(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-10-2015 I stayed in one of the suites on Friday night with friends, got ready all day with bridesmaids and family and then Saturday night with my husband. It was amazing! The rooms are all very cool...the bathroom was huge and amazing...and the robes are so fun! The staff was all so hospitable and friendly. Would definitely recommend! Reviewed on 12-10-2015
KH Member(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 29-08-2015 I recommend this venue HIGHLY. If you are even considering another venue, quickly come to your senses and go with the Hotel Monaco. We had the best experience with this hotel largely due to the people we dealt with. Everyone was genuinely kind and very helpful. Every detail was handled and I feel like I just showed up at my own wedding and everything was perfect and handled as if I'd done the smallest detail myself. \r\rThis boutique hotel is beautiful and all options for venues are excellent (and unique). We did the Stratus Lounge which was awesome and totally out of the ordinary. Couldn't have been better. \r\rSamantha Levy ran our event and you should have her run yours too!! \r\rThank you Sam, Brian, and Matt! You guys made our day amazing. Reviewed on 04-09-2015
Cara Petonic(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 27-09-2014 Wow! Wow! WOW! I simply LOVE the staff and venue of the Hotel Monaco. We learned of the Hotel Monaco from a friend who worked there, but did not know much about it going into the process. We learned that their staff is extremely professional, responsive, and just awesome (shoutout to my three ladies: Casey, Carrie, and Sasha and the best person to see when walking into the Monaco, Shawn). They all helped us from the beginning of the process all the way through to the end and beyond! The venue itself is gorgeous, and seeing as almost all of our guests were from out of town, the rooms were incredible. \rFrom cocktail hour on the rooftop (we were blessed with gorgeous weather on the day of our wedding, but were also prepared for rain!) to the reception in the LaFayette Ballroom and brunch the next day, everything was perfect! We had a lot of moving pieces throughout the weekend of the wedding, but everything was completely taken care of from the welcome bags in guest's rooms to menu cards and the placement of our alma maters' flags on our chairs - it was all perfect! \rIf you're looking for a way to treat your guests to a true Philadelphia experience (Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are right outside the door!) with a spectacular venue, this is the place for you! \rThank you ALL at the Hotel Monaco for making our special day an unforgettable one! We will be back to celebrate our anniversaries and maybe have another big party in the future! :-) Reviewed on 02-01-2015
JPandG (groom)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 28-09-2014 We had our wedding at the Hotel Monaco during Labor Day Weekend of 2014. We are/were absolutely elated with the level and caliber of service we received. Sasha Bharrat replaced the previous catering director about 6-8 weeks before our wedding (can't remember exactly when). We were initially concerned with the challenges that accompany any turnover, but Sasha did an incredible job of putting our fears at bay, even during the natural panic that sets in in the two or three weeks prior to the big day. \r\rAs for the wedding itself, I have nothing but nice things to say. The food was incredible, the atmosphere is creative, original and classy, and the staff was excellent. You'll be happy with your choice if you decide to go with the Monaco. It's been a few months and people still call us out of the blue to tell us how much fun they had at our wedding. In fact, the next morning I wish we had a little less fun! Good luck! Reviewed on 02-11-2014
Kathleen Mahoney(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 15-03-2014 Fantastic location, wonderful food, service and decor. You will be in excellent hands with this team and venue. Could not be happier with our rehearsal dinner and wedding reception. Reviewed on 02-04-2014
Erin Bonner(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-09-2013 We just got married at the Hotel Monaco, it was absolutely amazing. The venue itself it just so unique and unlike any other venues in the city. It is brand new - so there have only been a handful of weddings there so far. We had our cocktail hour up at Stratus Lounge and then reception in the Lafayette Ballroom. Michael Mitloff helped us with everything and was a pleasure to work with. When I say the Staff is exceptional - that probably doesn't do it any justice. They are responsive, professional, courteous and will doing do whatever they need to, to get you what you want. The hotel Monaco in Philadelphia lives up to its reputation and the Kimpton chain should be be proud. This venue is tailer to more of a smaller/medium size wedding - we had a 215 and it was a little tight - I say under 200 is the ideal. The food is top quality - and what you get at your tasting is exactly what your guest will be getting. I never got so many compliments on how great the food was - including the great cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres. You are in for a real treat and guaranteed a perfect wedding reception at the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. \r Reviewed on 28-09-2013