Trying to get all 10 lights lit up before the end of the year (you get one light based on the different hotels), so the Monaco in Seattle is the hotel for this evening.

Greeting at the door was not a happy one. I was struggling with all of my luggage (4 countries/2 weeks I have "stuff"!) and three bellmen were talking amongst themselves. Nobody even offered to open the door for me. Irritating.

Then Claire, the front desk manager came out (after I asked for a manager). She could not have been lovelier. Truly. Her graciousness made me feel like I was at FireSky again!

Checked into room. The Monaco Suite. Large sitting room with flat screen TV, table/desk (square table with glass top) and two chairs. Closet with the usual leopard robes and socks (for sale). Sofa, Chair, coffee table. The bedroom has a King sized bed, armoire with TV inside of it, chair, and two nightstands. Bathroom is nice size too with a separate shower (not walk-in).

Had breakfast today at Szerac the restaurant associated with the Monaco. The French Toast that I had was amazing! It was a bananas foster type of French Toast and was perfect. Service was also perfect.

Met a friend for happy hour - 4 - 8 PM. This was one of the best happy hours we have ever gone to! Definitely needed reservations though - the place was packed! We tried a lot of the dishes and drinks. Service was good; food was really good.

Stayed 4 extra nights at this hotel - it was just wonderful. The staff is truly what makes this hotel. Wine hour was offered every day from 5 - 6 in the lobby. With all of the holiday decorations it was warm and cozy. People brought their pets which made it really fun as well (especially since all of the pets were so well behaved you didn't even know they were there!).

This hotel has turndown service every night which is nice too. It is the staff that made the difference for me though. Gracious is the best word to describe them.