You walk into a lobby and the first thing you see isn't a sleek, sterile check-in desk. Instead, it’s a giant purple chandelier hanging over an emerald green couch. There’s a bird-patterned wallpaper that looks like it belongs in a Victorian fever dream. Honestly, it’s a lot. But that’s the whole point of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland.
Or, well, it was.
If you’re searching for this place today, you’ve probably run into a bit of a naming crisis. Travel sites are a mess. One page says "Kimpton," another says "Royal Sonesta," and a third just lists it as "permanently closed" which—spoiler alert—is totally wrong.
Basically, the building at 506 SW Washington Street is still there. It’s still gorgeous. But the "Kimpton" part of the name? That’s history. The hotel was rebranded as the Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown, and while the bird wallpaper and the quirky "Portland weird" soul survived the transition, the management didn't.
The Identity Crisis of 506 SW Washington
Portland is a city that clings to its landmarks. Ask a local where the Hotel Monaco is, and they’ll point you toward the Lipman, Wolfe & Co. building. This structure has been around since 1912. It started as a department store, and you can still feel that "grand dame" energy in the high ceilings and the original marble staircases.
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When Kimpton took over years ago, they leaned hard into the eccentricity. They gave you a pet goldfish for your room if you were lonely. They had "Guppy Love." They did hosted wine hours where you could actually talk to other humans instead of staring at your phone.
Now, under the Sonesta banner, the vibe has shifted slightly. It’s a bit more refined, maybe a little less "costume party," but it still holds onto that eclectic DNA that made the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland a legend in the Pacific Northwest.
What’s Actually Inside (and What’s Changed)
If you’re staying here in 2026, you aren't getting a cookie-cutter Marriott experience. The rooms are still massive. We’re talking 300 to 850 square feet. In a downtown area where most "boutique" rooms feel like glorified closets, having a separate living area with glass French doors is a legitimate luxury.
- The Red Star Tavern: This is the hotel's heartbeat. It’s one of those rare hotel restaurants that locals actually eat at. They’ve been doing some cool stuff lately with zero-waste menus. I heard they cut their dough waste by over 20 pounds a week just by tightening up their kitchen roadmap. It’s Northwest-inspired food—lots of local salmon, marionberries, and way too much kale, but in a good way.
- The Social Hour: They kept the evening wine reception. Thank god. From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, they pour regional wines in the fireside living room. It’s probably the best way to transition from "tourist mode" to "dinner mode."
- The Pet Policy: This was a Kimpton staple that Sonesta wisely didn't touch. If your pet fits through the door, they’re welcome. No "under 25 pounds" nonsense.
Why People Still Call it the Monaco
Habits die hard. For a decade, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland was the face of cool lodging in the city. It occupied this weird middle ground between "corporate travel" and "artistic retreat."
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The location is basically unbeatable. You’re three blocks from Powell’s City of Books. If you’ve never been, it’s a literal city block of books where you will get lost and potentially never come out. You’re also right by the food cart pods. Portland’s food scene is shifting away from fine dining and toward these parking lots filled with the best Thai, Mexican, and Egyptian food you’ve ever had for fifteen bucks.
The Reality of Portland in 2026
Let’s be real for a second. Portland has had a rough few years in the headlines. You’ve probably seen the news reports about downtown foot traffic and the "recession" the city has been fighting since 2023.
The hospitality industry here is struggling a bit. Labor costs are up, and there aren't enough workers to fill the roles. Because of that, you might notice some changes. Housekeeping isn't always daily unless you ask for it. The "Destination Fee"—which is basically a fancy word for a hidden tax—is about $30 a day now.
Is it worth it?
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If you want the soul of old Portland, yeah. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland (now Royal Sonesta) represents a version of the city that still values aesthetics, history, and a really good glass of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. It’s not the cheapest stay in town, and the valet parking will make your wallet cry, but the rooms have character that you just can't manufacture in a new build.
How to Book Without Getting Scammed
Because of the name change, third-party booking sites are a nightmare. You’ll see listings for the "Kimpton Monaco" that look active but then redirect you to a 404 page or a different hotel entirely.
- Check the Official Sonesta Site: Don't trust the old Kimpton links. They’ll just loop you back to the IHG homepage (since IHG owns Kimpton but no longer manages this specific property).
- Look for "Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown": This is the current legal name. If a site is still calling it the Monaco without a "formerly known as" tag, the info is probably five years out of date.
- Ask About the Bikes: One of the best perks used to be the free loaner bikes. They still have them, but they go fast. Portland is a bike city. If the weather isn't typical PNW gloom, grab a bike and ride down to the Waterfront Park.
The hotel hasn't lost its "weird." It’s just wearing a different name tag. Whether you call it the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland or the Royal Sonesta, the building still stands as a colorful, slightly chaotic, and very comfortable home base for exploring the Rose City.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current "Destination Fee" inclusions on the official website before you book, as these credits (often $15 for food and beverage) change seasonally. If you’re traveling with a dog, call the front desk directly to ensure they’ve noted your "VIP" (Very Important Pet) status to get the bed and bowls set up in the room before you arrive. Use a credit card that offers "Travel" multipliers, as the on-site Red Star Tavern usually codes as a restaurant, allowing you to double-dip on points for both your stay and your meals.