We stayed at the Palomar for a week in the Summer, and what a great experience.(We had stayed at the Palomar in Washington DC a few years ago and thought that experience could not be beaten) and given this year was a very special wedding anniversary for us alot rested on choosing a good hotel in SD. We could not have chosen any better. From check in, where we met Johnson the Assistant Front Office Manager we were given a very warm welcome and immediately invited to enjoy the managers special, which had just begun,in the beautiful hotel lobby as he organised a special room for us so we could enjoy the "full" Palomar experience.
The room was to die for,19th floor and movie star quality furnishings, space and breathtaking views of the city, complete with sizeable balcony......a perfect place to enjoy a glass of procesco before going out for the evening. The hotel pool area is devine with luxury loungers and seating around a spotlessly clean, illuminated and heated pool. Along with a great bar area we spent quite a few very enjoyable hours here before going out for the day or upon our return. The location of the hotel is perfect, 5th Ave right in central Gaslamp district, with many of San Diego's finest bars and restaurants on your doorstep. We walked to Petco park and took in a Padres game, walked to the theatre to see the fantastic "Wicked" had some great meals and drinks in the GL district and when we wanted to go abit further ie the zoo .....10 mins in the car and you are there.
This is a busy part of town (not surprising given all that's on offer) and there are homeless people around the hotel, but on the whole we never had any difficulties and our only interaction as such was when a homeless person held the door open for me and my 2 teenage girls as we entered the 7/11 store a few doors down!!
There are many good hotels in this part of SD and if you were to ask me would I chose the Palomar in SD again ( over one of the other Kimpton Hotels) I would have to say YES.....and why? Because of all of the above PLUS the staff, especially Johnson who every time we came back to the hotel, or left or were just in the lobby enjoying another manager special ( who doesn't love that little extra bit of service and effort when a hotel as good as the Palomar serves up such a treat, for free, AND with a smile) which made us feel part of something special....and that's what staying at the Palomar was like...being part of something special. A great hotel and really THE hotel for any special occasion, or in fact any occasion!!
Keep up the good work guys and hope to stay with you again. Many thanks from the McAllisters in Ireland
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