Generally, the best thing about making mistakes is that we learn from them. However, I’ve not only learned from my recent travel planning faux pas; I’m benefitting from it. How so?

Simple. Planning conference travel to the DC area for myself and a number of others, I booked accommodation for all our delegates.

 There was just one mistake. I booked my arrival date to be consistent with my colleagues’, somehow missing that my conference sessions started a couple of days ahead of theirs.

Not a problem. Adjust the reservation, right? That would normally work, except that the conference hotel was sold out. That’s where Monaco Alexandria and Brad, seen here, came in.

I was lucky enough to nab space just across the Potomac River from the conference site, and am I glad I did. Not only have hotel staff made me feel welcome, they also welcome pets and their families. Have a look at Blu, Azzure and Cielo, all snug in front of the lobby fireplace.

If the comfort of the lobby wasn’t enough, here’s a look at my spacious room. Am loving the decor here. The lobby and its living room have rich, comforting colours and provide a contemporary twist on the area’s history. My room also has pops of colour, and is bright and airy.

My first meeting is just over a couple of hours away but, if I move quickly, I just might be able to fit in a little bike tour of the area beforehand. What a treat to have bikes at the ready as a courtesy to guests.

Postscript: The Full Story

I liked the Monaco Alexandria so much that I juggled my reservations and spent most of my stay here, rather than at the conference site. Click here for my review.