Situated on historic St. Charles Avenue and conveniently located on a Mardi Gras parade route, this boutique hotel is all that is chic and romantic. I wanted to visit New Orleans for a recent birthday, and chose Hotel Monaco as our lodging. I booked my room online through the hotel’s website. The room rate for a standard room was $89 and the Mediterranean Suite was $150. This was a weekend where no major events were scheduled, so the rates were on special.

We drove up to the front of the Monaco and opted for valet parking. It was $29 per night with unlimited in/out privileges. We had one overnight bag, so we carried it ourselves. We checked in at the front desk and were told by the desk clerk that from 5pm until 7 pm in the lobby, the hotel offered wine tasting and complimentary chair massages. Hmmm. There’s a nice little perk.

Our room was very clean and nicely decorated in a languid tropical setting with playful undertones. The bed was a Sealy Postulux Pillowtop with Italian-made cotton bed linens. It also had a faux fur throw at the foot. I always check out the mini-bar, and I was delighted to find things like a voodoo doll, doggy breath mints(for Fido!), and local products. The radio was playing a New Orleans jazz and blues cd that I could take home for $10.

The bathroom amenities were Aveda products and in the closet was a pair of leopard print bathrobes. Kinda cool! In the Mediterranean Suite, there is a two-person whirlpool tub and a walk-in shower for two. There is also a separate sitting room.

We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Monaco and will most likely return there. This is a pet friendly boutique hotel, but don’t worry, if you leave your pet behind, you can request a pet goldfish in your room during your stay. Be sure to grab a complimentary cup of Starbucks coffee on your way out of the door.

To find out more about the Hotel Monaco New Orleans or other Kimpton Boutique hotels, visit www.kimptongroup.com