By Lori A. May, seattlepi.com — Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, at the intersection of 200 South and Main Street, is Hotel Monaco. This beautiful property was originally occupied by an early Salt Lake City hotel, the White House, and later a number of banks occupied the space until Hotel Monaco renovated the building in 1999.
Just one block to the convention center and within walking distance of Utah State Capitol (350 State Street), Hotel Monaco offers a terrific location for downtown dining, entertainment, and sightseeing. Temple Square is just two blocks away, and the surrounding neighborhood offers a wide assortment of local eateries, shops, and theaters.
Hotel Monaco provides elegance without pretension with welcoming and attentive staff. The valet parking service is quick and friendly and guests may use in-room phones to schedule car delivery. Hotel amenities include a 24-hour business center, a yoga mat in every room free of charge, and a hosted wine reception in the lobby from 5 to 6 pm daily. To extend the evening, on-site beverage and dining options include Bambara and The Vault.
The lobby provides ample gathering space for casual conversation in a contemporary, relaxed environment. The hallways showcase local art and tasteful decor, complementing the art-friendly city. Outside the hotel, Salt Lake City streets boast an abundance of public art installations. Immediately outside Hotel Monaco is “The Messenger” by artists Jerry Fuhriman and Arthur Taylor. This particular work of art is part of the Flying Objects 4.0 series funded by the Redevelopment of Salt Lake City.
My stay at Hotel Monaco in Salt Lake City was a winning combination of comfort and luxury. I enjoyed the Atelier Bloem bath amenities with a refreshing mandarin and citrus soap, kadota fig body lotion, oolong tea shampoo, and geranium conditioner. The bed was firm and inviting and the pillows were plump and plentiful. A large desk was provided along with a comfortable chair, so I was able to work well into the evening before watching a little television on the sizeable screen in my room. I was very impressed with the number of outlets, too, as I didn’t have to choose which electronics I charged overnight.
The fitness center is open 24-hours and includes free weights and cardio equipment. In the morning, a complimentary beverage service is available in the lobby, featuring regular and decaf coffee, as well as a selection of teas. For those who prefer a cup of Joe in the evening, in-room coffee makers are available upon request. My room was heftily stocked with a bar fridge, offering beverage selections, an abundance of snacks, and premium bottled water.
Downtown Salt Lake City is very walkable, though Hotel Monaco is conveniently located on several transit routes. For extended exploration, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to recreation areas. The nearest ski resort is just twenty minutes away, and the hotel concierge is able to arrange tickets. Utah Olympic Park is less than a forty minute drive with a beautiful route to pass the time. I took an afternoon to explore the park and highly recommend a visit when in the area. While the park is known for its winter Olympic legacy, there are countless summer activities to do and things to see. I watched a freestyle ski team practice jumps leading to a pool, and later I saw a few daring souls take their turn down the bobsled. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, there are hiking trails and an Olympic museum worth exploring, too.
Hotel Monaco in Salt Lake City provides a central location for all the Salt Lake City area has to offer. With on-site dining and excellent proximity to daytime business and nightlife venues, Hotel Monaco was a great spot for me to call it a night.