Guest User
June 1, 2024
One choosing an upscale hotel is not always certain whether they will be obtaining a better level of accommodations or simply a higher level of pretentiousness. I have been at plenty of premium properties that provide mainly the latter. But my decision to stay at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia for a weekend splurge with my spouse turned out to be a winner. We received exemplary accommodations. As part of the splurge, I reserved a one-bedroom suite. It was at the end of the (fairly short) hall and extremely quiet. It was also spacious and quite comfortable. The bedroom contained ample drawer space and an excellent bed. The living area offered ample seating and desk space. There was good light (both from windows and lamps) and ample plugs for our electronics. The bathroom was enormous, with plenty of space for our toiletries. We didn’t use the whirlpool tub, but were very favorably impressed with the shower and towels. Also of note: this is the first hotel with daily housekeeping that I have patronized in several years. The hotel’s location proximate to office, shopping, and residential districts as well as transmit hubs attracts diverse patrons. Prominent among them is a group that has patronized Kimpton hotels for decades — canines. There were also a large number of families whose sons were participating in a youth lacrosse tournament. That tournament was in New Jersey, but the parents apparently preferred to stay in Center City Philadelphia, where parking is scare but craft cocktails plentiful. Our decision not to drive in was prudent, given the valet parking rates. But we did try the craft cocktails at the hotel due to the hotel’s policy of allowing a $20 food and drink credit as a partial offset to the daily $28 “amenity charge.” The cocktails were well made and the bar a pleasant place to drink, avoiding the cheesiness sometimes characteristic of such establishments at chain hotels. But two cocktails, even at happy hour, cost a good deal more than $20. That was our sole visit to the restaurant, as there is a profusion of excellent coffee and dining establishments within a ten-minute walk. We found the staff (which we sometimes contacted via the hotel’s text messaging system) responsive and helpful. Notwithstanding the hotel’s overall excellence, there is still room for improvement — involving elevators. Elevator service was sometimes erratic, with a few long waits or overcrowded cars. (The hotel is in a 26-story building and most guests aren’t in a position to use the stairs.) Also, the elevator lobby on the lobby level is far too dimly lit. Walking into it on a sunny afternoon was reminiscent of entering a movie theatre.