Sometimes making pretty things look prettier full-time can actually get quite exhausting, and I was recently in desperate need of a staycation. While it may not quite happen as often as I would like/need, I recently took a weekend off for a much-needed re-charge, and camped out at the Hotel Monaco in downtown Baltimore.
Though billed as an “Inner Harbor” location, Hotel Monaco is cozily nestled right in between Baltimore’s main touristy hub (the aforementioned Harbor) and Charm City’s culture and arts district, Mt. Vernon. This made for an ideal short-term hideout for me – access to a ton of the city’s conveniences while still a perfect place to pull the covers up over my head and take a break.
First things first – Hotel Monaco is simply gorgeous. Its décor features a fantastic concoction of retro and chic while still feeling peppy and fresh. In this day and age, no amount of exposed Edison bulb lighting can save you, and happily Hotel Monaco seems to favor a more effortless mix of neo-nostalgia than your run-of-the-mill boutique establishment. Ordering some mason jars and calling it a day ain’t gonna cut it no more.
Checking in, I was informed that guests receive complimentary bike rentals, which I immediately took advantage of. Hopping on one right away, I worked up an appetite while cruising up and down Charles street in downtown Baltimore, inhaling the warm summer atmosphere of my favorite city. And for the record, I don’t perspire, and always smell great.
Post totally-not-sweating bike ride, I headed back to my room, which included an expansive spa area and tons of room for me to spread out all of the crap I had over packed for my stay. Not gonna lie, anytime I have the chance to stay in a hotel, I will fully take advantage of any and all opportunities to be a slob. That’s part of the point, right?
Video edited by The Home Visuals.
Some of my favorites that I brought along with me. Rodial Skincare Dragon's Blood Skin Cream and Rodial Skincare XXL Lip Plumper.
Dress by Asos. Shoes by Stuart Weitzman. Nails by Impress Manicure. Haircolor and cut by Sarah Vitek for Edge Evolution Studio and Spa.
Post-getting ready regimen, I headed downstairs to Monaco’s premier in-house restaurant and bar, B&O American Brasserie. B&O is nice enough that I’ve already visited it on more than one occasion prior to being a hotel guest. I struck up a convo with my bartender, who also happened to be a photographer, and we talked shop for a bit. I literally felt like I was in a Fitzgerald novel. Or, if the hotel bar in “The Shining” was like full of super chill people instead of ghosts.
Stuffed my face at B&O, and then retreated to the jacuzzi upstairs to prune my body out. Not quite sure how long I was actually in the bath for, but I definitely had to double-check the time and date once I emerged to make sure it was still 2017 (unfortunately, it is).
While I would have loved for my sojourn to last 2-3 months, the reality is that it was slightly shorter than that, lasting one night. However, amping the internal batteries up for an evening was more than wonderful. I made sure to hit up B&O again before splitting the next morning, and sadly gave my regards to Daisy Buchanan prior to departing. Maybe I didn’t find my Green Light, but eff it, I tried.
So now I’m sitting back at Aesthetic Distance HQ, ready to rumble and also a bit in need of reason to check out again. But don’t worry faithful readers, I’m gonna keep it coming for you guys!
Recent Posts
Follow Me On Instagram
