The hype
Travelers adore the staff and the 'living room' lobby vibe, but many note the rooms are feeling a bit 'tired' with scuffed furniture or worn carpets.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
$230-450/ night
Book this if You want a pet-friendly, art-deco crash pad in the absolute center of Philly's best neighborhood without the stuffiness of the Rittenhouse Hotel.
Why People Love It
- Zero pet fees (and no size/breed restrictions)
- Free wine hour every day from 5-6 PM in the lobby
- Location is unbeatable—steps from Rittenhouse Square and Walnut Street shopping
Quick Take: A stylish, high-energy boutique hotel that's starting to show a few wrinkles in the rooms but makes up for it with killer service and vibes.
Reviewed by @lifeofcaithy: I checked into the Kimpton Palomar for a much-needed reset and it was exactly what I needed. The Spa Suite’s massive jetted tub is a total game-changer after walking around Philly all day. Plus, the Art Deco design is just stunning in person.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're paying for the address and the dog-friendliness, not for brand-new furniture.
- You are traveling with a dog (they get treated better than humans here)
- You love a social lobby scene with free booze
- You want to walk to Philly's best restaurants
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though recent reviews mention 'tired' details like ripped curtains or worn carpets.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but watch out for 'drips' and the occasional grout issue in older tubs.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Reports of peeling paint, slow drains, and the infamous drafty windows in spa rooms.
- Linens & towels: High point. Frette linens are crisp, soft, and consistently praised.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells amazing (signature scent). Rooms are generally fresh, though some lower floors catch street smells.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway conversations due to thin walls
- Slamming doors from neighboring rooms
- Street noise on lower floors (17th Street is busy)
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Social Password' changes seasonally—say it at check-in for a free perk (e.g., 'The Life of a Kimpton Guest' for Winter 2025/26).
- Morning coffee and tea in the lobby is free and high quality.
- You can request a goldfish to keep you company in your room if you're lonely.
What to pack
- Earplugs (for the hallway noise)
- Walking shoes (Rittenhouse is a walking neighborhood)
- A warm robe if you book the Spa room in winter
Room Genie
Best picks
- Corner King rooms for the extra natural light and slightly more space
- High-floor rooms (14+) to minimize street noise
Rooms to avoid
- Spa King rooms in winter (freezing bathrooms)
- Rooms near the elevator (noise bleed is real)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a high-floor Corner King room, as far from the elevator as possible. Please avoid the Spa King rooms if the bathroom temperature issue hasn't been resolved.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really pet friendly?
Yes, genuinely. No fees, no size limits, and they provide bowls, beds, and even a 'Barkcuterie' board.
Does the gym have a Peloton?
No. It has cardio machines with individual TV screens, but no Peloton bike. There is a Peloton showroom nearby if you're desperate.
How much is parking?
Valet is roughly $71/night with in/out privileges. Self-parking garages nearby (like InterPark at 1728 Sansom) are half the price.
Is there a pool?
No pool on site. If you need a swim, look at the Four Seasons or the Fitler Club (if you can get in).
What is the resort fee?
It's called a 'Guest Amenity Fee', costs ~$32.58/night, and covers wifi, local calls, and the evening wine hour.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. Breakfast at Square 1682 runs about $21 for an omelet or $29 for steak and eggs.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for the 'Social Password' perk at check-in—it's often a free bottle of wine or dining credit.
- ✨
The 'Forgot It? We've Got It!' list includes things like humidifiers, curling irons, and sewing kits—free to borrow.
- ✨
You can raid the minibar for a $10 credit if you are an IHG Platinum Elite member (check current terms).
5 things to know before you go
💡The neon-painted Benjamin Franklin busts in the lobby are a weirdly specific selfie spot.
💡The 'Spa' rooms have a window *inside* the shower that isn't well-insulated, turning the bathroom into an icebox in January.
💡Housekeeping can be hit-or-miss with 'missed spots' like dust on baseboards or under beds.
💡The elevators can be agonizingly slow during peak checkout times.
💡They have a 'Guppy Love' program where they'll bring a live goldfish to your room upon request.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is located and what's nearby.