Hotel Monaco Philadelphia provides funky, family-friendly accommodations and amenities for everyone from your infant (cribs and strollers are available) to the dog, who receives a bed, bowl, leash and treat upon arrival. Spacious rooms and suites with mini refrigerators are available (and highly recommended for families), as are free bike rentals and an onsite restaurant with take-out service. And did we mention the complimentary wine hour held nightly? Held in the eclectically decorated lobby — which features dresser drawers in place of a traditional check-in desk — the event also offers refreshments for kids.

Located in Old City, Philadelphia’s historic district, the hotel is within close proximity of the National Constitution Center, Betsy Ross House, Liberty Bell, Walnut Street Theatre and Independence Hall.

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Our favorite part about Hotel Monaco Philadelphia might just be the rooms and suites, decorated in bold color palettes and patterns (gold and blue wallpaper, for example) and furnished with modern beds, desks, couches and chairs. We also like that the hotel's pet friendliness extends to the furniture; many of the chairs feature the silhouette of a mini-dachshund!

All rooms and suites have hair dryers, toiletries, plush bathrobes and wireless Internet access. Cribs are available upon request.

For a family of four (or five with a baby, who can sleep in a crib), we suggest the One-Bedroom Corner Suite. There's plenty of room (655 square feet) for families to spread out, and we love the large windows with city views. You'll find a queen bed in the bedroom, which is connected to the bathroom, and a sofa bed in the living room. There's also a mini-refrigerator and a large closet with ample space. Kids will get a kick out of the the bathroom's vintage soaking tub, as well as the bedroom's Alice in Wonderland theme. Deluxe One-Bedroom Suites offer similar accommodations, sans the city views.

Other options for families include the Queen Deluxe Room or Parkview Queen Room, which feature two queen beds, a flat-screen TV with cable and on-demand access and an iHome docking station.

The Majestic Suite can accommodate a family of four or five with a king suite and double bedroom with two twin beds. It features a dining nook and large living area.

Hotel Monaco Philadelphia hosts Kids Hour every Saturday, from 4 to 5 p.m. (which is followed by a complimentary wine hour for parents). Kids Hour featured a make-your-own trail mix bar and classic board and interactive games (Twister, anyone?), as well as stickers and coloring and activity books.

Additionally, families can explore the city with complimentary bike rentals, provided by the hotel on a first come, first served basis. If you'll be walking the city and need a stroller, the hotel is happy to provide one of those, too.

Red Owl Tavern
Located on the first floor of Hotel Monaco (and accessible to non-hotel guests by a separate entrance), Red Owl Tavern offers delicious pub fare in a casual atmosphere. Kid's menus are offered and include burgers and macaroni and cheese for lunch and dinner, and pancakes and eggs for breakfast.

The Red Owl Tavern also offers delivery service to your hotel room.

All About the Extras
The hotel doesn't provide babysitting services, but the concierge is happy to make recommendations and facilitate a third-party service.

A complimentary wine hour is held from 5 to 6 p.m. each evening. While we obviously enjoy the free wine, we also like that the event is family (pets included!) friendly. Non-alcoholic drinks, such as fresh lemonade, are served, along with some light hors d'oeuvres.

Hotel Monaco offers pet-friendly accommodations and amenities, and all pets -- regardless of size -- are welcome. Bowls, beds, leashes and a VIP (Very Important Pet) amenity are provided. If you need a pet sitter, groomer, walker or masseuse (yes, you read that right), the hotel's concierge is happy to arrange such services.

An onsite gym is available to guests 24 hours a day. It offers traditional equipment -- cardio machines, yoga mats and balance balls -- as well as Hula Hoops (perfect for kids) and complimentary towels, earphones and magazines. Personal trainers are available upon request.

Additionally, Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is LEED Gold Certified, which highlights its commitment to eco-friendly initiatives.

The Art of Smart Timing
Philadelphia is the epitome of a four-season destination, with various activities and attractions unique to each season. The summer months are especially popular (and with good reason), and the hotel sees an influx of guests because of it. The winter months are only slightly slower for tourism, but are also a good time to visit the city. In December, the Comcast Center hosts a free holiday show (projected on the lobby's massive screens) and a traditional German Christmas Market sets up near City Hall.

Getting There
If you're coming to the hotel from Philadelphia International Airport, we suggest you take a cab; it's about a 20-minute ride. You may or may not pay less (depending on the number of travelers) on SEPTA, the city's system of buses, trains and subways, but you'll have a longer trip (up to an hour) to and from the airport.

For Mom and Dad
If you manage to get a babysitter, take advantage of the hotel's in-room spa services, which include organic massage treatments and body wraps. Afterward, head to Strattus Rooftop Lounge, located atop Hotel Monaco, or treat yourself to dinner at Buddakan. A short walk from the hotel, the restaurant features modern Asian cuisine. Reservations are strongly suggested.