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Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

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Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

Guests enter the hotel under an image of Ben Franklin.

© Susan Breslow Sardone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
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Hotel Palomar Philadelphia in a Nutshell:

It's no surprise that Trip Advisor members voted Hotel Palomar the top hotel in Philadelphia. It truly is a place for the way we live and like to travel now. As with other Kimpton hotels we've visited, it has the right combination of whimsy and sophistication. Add in a location in the heart of Philly's best shopping and restaurants, pet friendliness, plenty of perks, and Hotel Palomar is one place we'd definitely return.

Guest Rooms at Hotel Palomar Philadelphia:

Although Hotel Palomar offers a choice of guest rooms, for our money there's none better than a Spa King Room. Yes, we loved the Frette sheets, Etro toiletries, iHome player, flatscreen TV with both Hollywood and adult movies, abstract art on the walls, dimmer switches on all the lamps, and the free wi-fi (as long as you join Kimpton InTouch -- and why wouldn't you, since it's free?)

What really knocked us out was the spa tub in the bathroom, one of the largest hotel bathtubs I've seen outside of a spa. It's big enough for two and even has a step-down so you can sit down comfortably and let the many jets deliver a water massage. Although the kingsize bed was a little hard for our taste, the four feather pillows couldn't have been softer.

Dining at Hotel Palomar Philadelphia:

Philadelphia is a great town for dining out. Close to Hotel Palomar, there's everything from a friendly iHop to the world-renowned Le Bec Fin, with lots of choices in between the frugal and the fabulous. Do plan to visit Reading Terminal Market for lunch at least once. It's a short cab ride or longer walk from the hotel. We recommend Pearl's Oyster Bar, right inside the front door.

Of course, you don't even have to leave the hotel for nourishment. For three hours every morning, coffee and tea are available in the living room off the lobby. Refresh youselves between five and six; partaking of the complimentary truffled popcorn, wine, and spiced cider enables you to meet fellow travelers. There's also Square 1682 restaurant right off the lobby, and room service is available till late.

What to Do in and around Hotel Palomar Philadelphia:

The hotel supplies a jogging map in room, but we say: Take it slow so you can window shop along tony Walnut Street. Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., Kiehl's, BCBG Max Azria, H&M, Brooks Brothers, Coach, an L'Occitane are among the hundreds of shops in the immediate vicinity.

Hotel Palomar Philadelp is a few short blocks from Rittenhouse Square, the city park where dog walkers and other locals gather. It's a friendly place to hang out and watch the passing parade... or become part of it.

If this is your first time in Philadelphia, take a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get the lay of the land. The historic city is in the lower numbers. On the other side of town is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, its steps made famous in films including Rocky and In Her Shoes.

Drawbacks at Hotel Palomar Philadelphia:

There's little to find fault with here (but we always manage). Thing is, some of the rooms are oddly laid out. In our L-shaped room, it was initially impossible to see more than half the widescreen TV when seated on the couch. But a call to guest services dispatched an electrician who arrived quickly and relocated the set. Problem fixed. Okay, one more thing: The larger of the two bathrobes isn't really large at all. It's closer to a woman's medium (this is true for all of the Kimpton hotels). We really would love big, fluffy, enveloping robes after that incredible bath.

Is Hotel Palomar Philadelphia Right for You?:

Not only is Hotel Palomar Philadelphia an award winner, it's also eco-sensitive. It's the only LEED Gold-certified hotel in the city, which means it takes energy saving, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and indoor environmental quality seriously. Three innovative eco touches are the recycled wall coverings, blankets made of 100% recycled content, and parking discounts for hybrid cars. We saw a mix of couples and business people on our visit, all of who appeared glad to be here. Whether was it the free wine, the pet friendliness, the welcoming individuals at the front desk, or just knowing they'd picked an exceptional place to stay, good spirits prevailed.

Where to Find More Information About Hotel Palomar Philadelphia:

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
117 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: 215-563-5006 and 888-725-1778
Official Hotel Website

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For more information: Visit Philadelphia Tourism Site

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

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