Some years ago, we were led into our room at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle with the aviso that “it may look like a parrot has exploded in there.”

Indeed, the rooms and the public spaces at this downtown boutique hotel within walking distance of many attractions were known for decor described as “whimsical,” “eclectic,” and “extremely bold.”

But the hotel has undergone a major makeover. Now there is a refreshed, more refined color palette for all the rooms, a new signature restaurant, called Marin, and public spaces that are less in-your-face and far more inviting.

During a hosted one-night staycation, the StuckatTheAirport.com hotel review team lucked out with a giant, 500-square-foot King Premium Spa room that had a deep soaking tub and enough room to stretch out on the complimentary loaner yoga mat and even do some dancing.

For our late dinner in the new Marin restaurant, we just missed the last serving of Grilled British Columbia King Salmon, but thoroughly enjoyed the signature Smoked Trout Dip with decadent potato chips, a great Olympic Old Fashioned cocktail, steamed local Manila clams, and a grilled Pork Loin Chop with onions.

The full menu looks enticing, with many of the best items also on the 2-5 pm Happy Hour menu, so we’ll be back.

We also made a point of taking advantage of some of the hotel’s amenities.

The evening social hour with wine and nibbles was festive and fun, with generous pours and refills for everyone, including the exhausted-looking, but delightfully surprised guest walking in the door who’d just arrived off a long flight and ride in from the airport.

The hotel charges a daily $25 (plus tax) amenity fee, but in addition to bottled water and “free” Wifi, the benefits include a$10 lobby snack bar or Marin Restaurant credit, two tickets to the nearby SkyView Observatory ($60 value) or the Seattle Art Museum (also a $60 value), free EV charging, free post-paid postcards and free jewelry cleaning next door at Siamonto ( a $25 value).