For those of you expecting the Four Seasons, you may be disappointed--the Monaco has more "personality" than striving to be ultra-luxurious. For those of you looking for a wonderfully charming, service-oriented, boutique hotel, this is where you should drop your bags and stay awhile.

The Monaco's location puts it within easy walking distance of the Portland Art Museum, Pioneer Square shopping and movie theaters, the riverfront, and many quality restaurants.

It's an older property which has been updated with the latest amenities, while not sacrificing some of the "old" advantages: complimentary Wi-Fi access for all guests; flat screen TVs; the bedding is as comfortable as any we've tried; complimentary coffee (strong, too!) and tea in the lobby each morning, along with a selection of the major daily newspapers and The Oregonian; the walls and ceilings are thick so there's little chance you'll be listening to your neighbor's late-night antics.

Our party booked two king suite rooms for a week's long stay. Apart from a couple of room accessory miscues, it was a very pleasant experience. The requested room preferences were met, including floor, non-smoking preference, distance from possible construction noise, etc. Issues re: room cleanliness upon check-in, phone operation and turndown requests were quickly remedied.

The concierge, Carole, was terrific, as she met all of our requests re: dining and theater in a very timely and accurate fashion.

The bellmen and valet attendants could not have been more helpful and attentive: Every time we were going out they remembered our names and asked us if we needed directions; in fact, they'll provide you with pre-printed direction cards to a number of popular places...very smart and time-saving. The hotel has its own attached garage so you need not brave the Pacific Northwest's winter elements when leaving or returning.

The fact this property accepts pets made the environment that much more relaxed and feeling like home: Amenities abound for the four-legged guests, as well. The hotel mascot, Art, was not present during our stay, but his bellstand and bed included a chalk board where guests' pets' names could be written for all to see.

For us, as leisure travelers, it was great to mingle with other hotel guests (including dogs) during the daily, 5-6 pm hotel-hosted wine reception: We met and shared dining suggestions with others from around the country who, like us, had not previously been to Portland. The hotel provides complimentary wine and beer during this convivial time.

The attached restaurant, the Red Star Tavern, is not operated by the hotel, but is certainly an above-average eatery, especially good for breakfast (try the house-cured lox, waffles and pancakes). Though we did not try dinner there, it certainly has an appealing menu along with a comfortably modern decor.

Based on this, our first experience in Portland, we definitely will return in spring or summer when the sun visits and make the Hotel Monaco our home-away-from-home.

First of all, I have never stayed in a bad Kimpton Group hotel. In fact, I seek them out if I want to spend the money.

A week ago we stayed in the Kimpton Vintage Plaza in Portland. I wanted to compare it to the Monaco. Both hotels offer great customer service and the little touches that make this chain superior. The hotels are located in downtown Portland, about two blocks from each other. Both have about the same rack rates.

Differences:
1, The Monaco is twice the size of the Vintage Plaza. While both are very nicely decorated, I prefer the intimacy of the Vintage Park.
2. Our room was larger in the Vintage Plaza, although that might have been a fluke. Both were nicely decorated with great beds and pillows.
3. The Monaco has its own garage so retrieving out car there was quick and easy.

In sum, both are fine hotels and good prices. Go to them for the good customer care and fine amenities. Next time we are in Portland we will make our choices based on price differences. If they are the same, we would opt for the Vintage Plaza