The AV Serenity Suite in Kimpton's Hotel Monaco Chicago — Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Kimpton Hotels
As soon as you walk into the Hotel Monaco Chicago's new AV Serenity Suite, it's impossible not to be drawn to the room's three, large sitting nooks. The pillow-covered spaces - big enough for two adults to lay down - are in front of the suite's giant windows overlooking downtown Chicago and the Chicago River.
It's one of the many special features in this new suite, which debuted Oct. 30, 2015. The three-room, 578-square-foot space blends contemporary and comfortable décor. It feels, as the name indicates, serene.
Artistic touches in the AV Serenity Suite at the Kimpton's Hotel Monaco Chicago — Photo courtesy of Photo by Jamie Bartosch
The suite was designed by, and named after, HGTV and DIY star Alison Victoria, a Chicago native. It includes a large bed that you just melt into, and the flatscreen TV rises up out of the foot of the bed (that's fun!).
The cozy living room is lit with flameless candles and decorated with real floral centerpieces. The gold-and-white bathroom has a spacious stand-up shower with multiple sprayers. There are even leopard print bathrobes.
Interesting pieces from local artists decorate the walls and shelves. The bedroom is accented with cool, floating, clear acrylic nightstands.
One of the sitting nooks inside the new Kimpton's Hotel Monaco Chicago's AV Serenity Suite — Photo courtesy of Photo by Jamie Bartosch
But the best thing about this suite are its spacious window seat nooks. You can pour yourself a drink, climb up into them, lay on the pillows and just stare out at the city, which is particularly beautiful at night when the lights sparkle and reflect off the water.
One of the nooks faces the huge "TRUMP" sign on the Trump International Hotel across the river. Even if you're not a fan of Trump's politics or its gauche sign, it's still a gorgeous view.
You're enjoying peaceful comfort in a spa-like room, while still hearing the muted buzz of the bustling city below.
To make you feel even better, the hotel donates 10 percent of the room rate to PAWS Chicago, a local animal shelter (Hotel Monaco is a pet-friendly hotel).
The AV Serenity Suite is romantic, too, making it a perfect spot for a special night, like an anniversary. The hotel offers packages with luxuries like in-room massages, or wine and a box of Vosges chocolates.
The AV Serenity Suite in the Kimpton's Hotel Monaco Chicago — Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Kimpton Hotels
In addition, there are free bicycle rentals, a well-equipped fitness room, a coffee bar and an adjacent restaurant, South Water Kitchen.
If you need some serenity now, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago's AV Serenity Suite might be exactly the place you need.
