Hotel Insider: The Palomar in Philadelphia
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Can you name the Founding Father in the ceiling mural? (Photo: Cris Molina)
I grew up in a suburb outside Philadelphia. When friends and family would come into town for the holidays they always stayed in Center City because it was far more glamorous than the cow town we actually lived in. For a long time Philadelphia was a city without a decent boutique hotel. Sure, the City of Brotherly Love had all the major hotel chains and they were perfectly lovely. But there is something special about staying somewhere a little homier, a little hipper, and just a touch more interesting.
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In 2009, Hotel Palomar was Kimpton’s first foray into the Philadelphia market. At the time, the company truly was paving the path for boutique hotels in the city. Palomar started the trend and has staying power.
Here’s why:
The hotel: Palomar offers favored amenities like morning coffee and tea, nightly wine hour, public bikes, yoga mats in every room, and an adjacent chef-driven restaurant.
The staff here is kind, courteous and most importantly, hilarious. (Photo: Chris Fascenelli)
The location: Located at the corner of 17th and Sansom Streets in the heart of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood in Center City Philadelphia, the Palomar is just one block from the picturesque Rittenhouse Square and a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.
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The vibe: It’s cool without being too cool. Relaxing and welcoming, but not too in-your-face. Upon entering the hotel, you’re greeted with a cozy living room and central fireplace, the perfect place for chilling out in the evening or reading your Sunday paper. The restaurant and bar adjacent to the hotel, Square 1682, makes a killer dirty martini, and the appetizers are delicious.
Have a glass of wine and hang by the fireplace. (Photo: Chris Fascenelli)
Palomar is adaptive reuse of the Architects Building, built in 1929, and the hotel retained many of the fabulous art deco features. Take in the art installations and paintings from local artists scattered throughout the property.
The rooms: There are 15 different types of guest rooms, including one presidential suite and 19 king spa rooms. All of the rooms are beautifully decorated and have the kind of linens that will keep you in bed all day long.
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No big deal. Just the bathroom of the Presidential Suite. (Photo: Cris Molina)
What I loved: Manager-led Rocky runs around the city. Seriously. Plus this hotel is wildly dog-friendly. I was allowed to bring my 90-pound Rhodesian ridgeback with no problems whatsoever.
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