I recently took advantage of IHG’s Accelerate promotion [Q1] in which they also had a side-promotion for their newly acquired (and much-beloved) Kimpton Hotel properties.
Review: Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego (San Diego, CA)
I had some family in town so I thought it would be a great idea to take them on a first-time trip to San Diego over the weekend, which could then serve the dual-purpose of allowing me check out the Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego.
About Kimpton Hotels
The boutique brand is known for its pet-friendly policies and quirky boutique-style flare.
Kimpton Hotels was the largest boutique hotel chain in the U.S. by 2011, and was acquired by IHG in 2014.
Location Of The Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego bills itself as the “gateway to the Gaslamp”, and for good reason, it’s located pretty much on the right on the north end of the famed Gaslamp Quarter.
Located in a prime downtown location, it’s within walking distance and mere minutes to the main attractions in the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s also located steps away from the City’s light rail line and gives patrons easy access to the freeways nearby.
In terms of its location proximity to San Diego’s biggest attractions, it’s located just minutes away by car from the San Diego Zoo, the museums of Balboa Park, the convention center, and the ferry to Coronado Island.
Parking
For parking, the valet is your only official hotel option as parking is available for the [hefty] price of $43 per night, but there are some other options. You can park across the street at the 5th and Broadway public parking lot, or the Rite Aid parking garage for $30 per night.
Although those are good options, I recommend just finding [free] nighttime street parking (on the streets just north of the light rail), as I found there was plenty of parking there – even on a busy Saturday night. If you do this, make sure to check your parking meter as most will start running at 8:00 am.
The entrance to the Kimpton Hotel Palomar
The Lobby
The large lobby was very attractively decorated – with candles, florals, and dark woods that contrasted with the earth-tones of the furniture, giving it a surprisingly warm feel.
Free morning coffee and tea
The Check-In
The front desk is located down a wide corridor in the back of the lobby (look for the red walls).
The staff was quick to display the type of service that Kimpton was known for. They instantly recognized my IHG status and thanked me for choosing to “experience” the Kimpton Hotel Palomar.
I was asked about my pet (or lack thereof) and given a quick rundown of the amenities available to me during my stay. I was professionally informed that the hotel was at full capacity and therefore I wouldn’t be receiving an upgrade.
With my room key in hand, I was also handed a $10 “raid the bar” coupon toward the bar or toward anything in my mini-bar.
Scenes From The Hallway
The King Bed Room
The room was just as clean, tidy, and boutique-y as I imagined it would be, although I did find a couple strands of residual dog hair in the room (that had fluttered onto my jacket). But, that’s also to be expected at a Kimpton.
The king bed with the mini-bar nightstand
The Mini-Bar & Pricelist
The Television and Desk
The Bathroom
The Atelier Bloem toiletries
As a green hotel, you won’t find any mini-bottles here.
Going that extra mile.
The In-Room Dining Menu
The Hotel Amenities
The Lounge Area
The Hotel Entrance To Curadero
The Outdoor Pool & Bar
The Fitness Center
The Bottom Line Review:Â Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego (San Diego, CA)
I was very pleased with my first “experience” at Kimpton Hotels. It was exactly as haute and posh as I expected it to be, but it was also much more warm and cozy than I figured it could be. The room was very nice and the bed was among the most comfortable hotel beds I’d ever slept in. As for the Kimpton brand, I “get it”, there’s no mystery why it’s such a popular spot.
This place would be great for a “couples weekend getaway (+ dog)”, or a home-base for a night out in downtown San Diego. While I didn’t get to try the restaurant Curadero this time around, it seemed really upscale and appears to have a strong rating on Yelp.
To be clear, there was the occasional, obligatory, dog-bark episodes in the middle-of-the-night (which didn’t bother me), and the location on this end of the Gaslamp was a little “rougher” than I had bargained for, but that’s also to be expected in the entirety of downtown San Diego. It’s better to know before you go.
Overall, my stay was great. I would highly recommend the Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego. I’m definitely adding it to my list of go-to spots for future weekend trips to S.D. and I look forward to checking out more Kimpton Hotels in the future.
Cheers!
