The Hotel Monaco: A Perfect Bridal Beginning

Oregon Bride Magazine recently got the opportunity to stay overnight at The Hotel Monaco in downtown Portland. Celebrating the 100 year anniversary of their incredible vintage building (formerly a Lipman Wolfe Department Store), the hotel could not have been more thoughtful, polite, and cheerful as we shook hands, and sipped on some celebratory champagne. 

My groom and I were shown Hotel Monaco's King Premier Suite for the evening, and I have to say: brides, book your wedding night here! Not only did we ogle over the hummingbird wallpaper, vintage inspired furniture -- every room and corner in our suite was filled with giggle-inducing decor. We were on cloud nine. 

Opening our floor-to-ceiling curtains we gasped at our incredible view from our window, and hugged as we sipped on some complimentary Pinot Noir. As we settled ourselves, we got a delightful phone call from the front desk, "Ms. Cox -- how are doing in your suite? Is everything to your liking?" I replied, "You have no idea how happy I am right now!" It's no wonder The Hotel Monaco is rated as the United States' #9 must-see hotel. Pretty impressive if you ask me!

The Hotel Monaco even offers an entire floor to hypo-allergenic needs -- complete with a gluten free mini bar and gluten free in-room dining menu. This floor is also 100% pet free. However, if you are a pet-lover, consider your animals welcome on separate floors to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible in your exquisite suite. 

Just a few fabulous touches? In-room spa treatments, a hosted wine reception in the lobby every evening, an 8,000 square foot event space, complimentary organic coffee, newspaper, even a goldfish -- that's right, a goldfish -- if you want. Don't believe me? Check out all of the amazing amenities here. 

After checking out our fabulous room, we ventured downstairs to celebrate with the hotel on their building's 100 year anniversary. Without knowledge of myself being from a bridal magazine -- the staff from the hotel were so fun and friendly. I walked away from the evening telling my husband -- I could totally hang out with these people. 

Before ending the night, we walked through the hotel's gorgeous Red Star Tavern -- home to over 60 bourbons, and 45 scotches-- the perfect place for the groomsmen to gather their groom around a table and salute to his new beginnings. With a bourbon and scotch selection like that, the Red Star Tavern would be a fabulous place to invent your wedding's signature cocktail, which as we know it, is a fabulous way to personalize your reception. 

During the elevator ride up to our room, we chatted with a husband- and-wife from Seattle who come to The Hotel Monaco on a regular "getaway" basis. They indulged us, "This is our all-time favorite place to relax. Have you seen your room? Are you amazed with how nice everyone is? This is how it is every time we visit."

I can't say I've ever had a hotel experience like I had at The Hotel Monaco. It was decadent, sophisticated, elegant, and the perfect place for a bridal party to stay in the midst of the wedding weekend.