We stayed this past weekend on Friday and Saturday night at the Chicago Palomar. I am an in touch member and frequent Kimpton Hotels in Chicago and Washington DC. My past experiences have been outstanding and when I read the reviews here expected more of the same. I kept wanting to love the place but little things kept getting in the way. Let me start by staying that we reserved 2 rooms - 1 King Spa room and a 2 Queen standard. We were placed on the 9th floor - our King Spa room fronted State St. - just an FYI - not quite high enough - we heard every siren all night long and there were plenty on both Saturday & Sunday. The drain in the bathroom sink was verrrryyyy slow - come on housekeeping - these rooms are used alot - keep the drains running clear. The spa tub had the potential to be great it was large and lovely but very weird - the water came out in the tub out of the spa jets only - there is no faucet - verrry slowly - it took forever to fill up - we finally turned on the shower to help it out - there is the shower nozzle and a separate handheld nozzle - strange and rather awkward set - up.
Bed is very comfortable. We never received turndown service the 2nd night - so when we started running short on towels - just tried to make due - it wasn't worth the effort to chase someone down.
As an in touch member I expected to be treated a little bit special especially when I said the secret summer phrase "Slip and Slide" - they kinda blew me off and later that night - after turn down - 2 warm bottles of soda turned up on the dresser ledge with no note or explanation...hmmm.
The other room I booked for my sons was using the Chicago special which included a special Chicago treat. I later asked them if they got something - they said - two warm bottles of soda and a jar of hard candy appeared after the first night but we didn't know what they were so we didn't touch them - thought we might get charged if we did. Their fridge or cooling unit was broke so everything in it was warm..... since they didn't need it wasn't an issue but still - what's the point?
I never received an offer to Raid the mini bar so can't really confirm what that is like.....
This hotel had 90% occupancy this past weekend - but is that really an excuse? I just wanted to like it so much but I felt like their customer service just lacked....they were overwhelmed and struggled to handle everyone.
On the plus side - their "Living Room" is very, very large and spacious - perfect to sit, relax and visit with people. The hotel is in a great location close to everything.
I just felt like they were not up to Kimpton standards - I will most likely return to the Monaco in the future.
hotel reviews