We were in Philadelphia visiting family for the holiday weekend and took advantage to sneak away for a night without the kids. We were gone for less than 24 hours but it was just the right time to have two great meals, sleep in and head home refreshed.

I've mentioned how great the Kimpton chain of hotels are before and Hotel Monaco was no exception. The decor is hip and funky but we saw lots of families checking in and many guests with their dogs. There is complimentary wine served every evening in the lobby and on this extremely cold night they were also offering the choice of a hot toddy or warm apple cider.

We didn't do any sightseeing but the hotel is in a great location right down the street from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. There are complimentary bicycles available and a cardio boxing class is even offered every Wednesday evening in the fitness center.

Just a short walk from the hotel we went for breakfast at High Street on Market, chosen by Bon Appetit as one of the best new restaurants of 2014. The menu is based around the amazing breads that are baked fresh daily and coincidentally, one of their pastries , the Red Eye Danish, is on the cover of Saveur magazine this month. Alan's sandwich looked just like the picture below and on our way out we grabbed a loaf of ancient grain to take home, which I have been enjoying for breakfast this week.

*Photo courtesy of Bon Appetit Magazine*