Philly's New Hotel Monaco First to Overlook Liberty Bell

One thing is certain about today�s grand opening of the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia: Ben Franklin�s going to be proud, and that�s not only because they have put old-fashioned kites in every room for guests to fly across the street in Independence Park (seriously, they did that).

We reported in August, after receiving an update, that the hotel would be open for business on October 15th, but Kimpton bumped up the schedule and the first guests actually arrived yesterday.

As the first hotel to overlook the Liberty Bell, it�s a dream location for history buffs, rising up in one of the country�s most historic square miles and putting guests in spitting distance of Independence Mall, the Betsy Ross house and the National Constitution Center. That said, we don�t expect the newest Kimpton property to be a one-trick pony.

The year- round Stratus Rooftop Bar & Lounge will be a great addition to a city that is admittedly short on rooftop bars.And we cannot forget to mention that the hotel�s location is good for more than just reliving history � the bars and nightlife of Old City and South Street are all within a ten-minute walk.

Initial photos of the property portray a blend of historical architecture and modern/contemporary design. In the room, guests will find �Rocky� robes celebrating the infamous Sylvester Stallone movie and closet wallpaper that features a series of quotes from Oscar Wilde and Marilyn Monroe. In the hallways hang artwork depicting scenes from the annual New Year�s Day Mummers Parade, which we can tell you from firsthand experience gets a wee bit out of control come sunset in Old City.

Keeping in line with Philadelphia�s admiration of murals, the hotel has graced its rotunda with an antique sepia mural of the Philadelphia harbor from the 18th century, which serves as a tribute to the naval history of Stephen Girard, who served as the primary source of credit for the government during the War of 1812 and whose estate constructed the Lafayette building, in which the Monaco was built, over a hundred years ago in 1907.

It seems like the Hotel Monaco Philly has done a nice job in both preserving the past and fostering the future upon the cobblestone streets of Old City Philadelphia. We'll get a firsthand look later this month, so stay tuned for the full scoop and photo gallery.

Rates start at $211 per night.

[Photo: Kimpton Hotels]

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