ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Philadelphia was filling up with travelers, so I booked Kimpton Hotel Palomar due to its location in the heart of Center City — just off Samson Street, full of great restaurants, and a few blocks from The Union League (where I was attending an event) and City Hall. I parked around the corner; there are many options, and the hotel is also close to public transportation. I admired the lobby renovations that took place not too long ago, making this a hidden gem with a real Philadelphia feel. The doorman greeted me and held my bags, as I arrived in the morning for meetings before check- in. When I returned in the afternoon, check-in was swift with a friendly front desk team offering water and help with questions.

PHOTO: © KIMPTON HOTEL PALOMA

GUEST QUARTERS: I had a lovely King Bedroom Studio Suite, which featured a separate bedroom and sitting area with a convenient work station, a sofa and comfortable chair. A large, flat-screen TV allowed me to get news updates while I checked over the pending emails of the day.

The bedroom held a king-sized bed with two end tables and yet another sitting area with a comfortable chair. I had trouble selecting the best place to establish my office, but the sitting area with the TV made the most sense. The bed and bedding were comfortable, and I appreciated the restful sleep as I had to rise early for meetings.

The spacious bathroom featured a marble top on a single sunken sink and a very large, walk-in, tiled shower with a glass front and door. It was so large, I could have hosted a party!

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Make sure you take the opportunity to visit Square 1682, so named to honor William Penn, the founding father of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Penn created Rittenhouse Square and four other plazas in Philadelphia to encourage open space in Center City. Chef Patrick Czerniak, executive chef, Square 1682, has created “approachable cuisine in an upbeat ambiance” — the restaurant is a great meeting place and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the favorites include the classic Square 1682 Burger (love the Cooper Sharp cheese) and the 1682 Steak, an interpretation of the famous French steak frites.

I also suggest checking out happy hour at the bar, a local favorite Tuesdays–Saturdays, 5–7 p.m., for some specialty cocktails and top appetizers.

The hotel makes bikes available; provides yoga mats in every room; and offers something all hotels should have: the “forgot it, we got it” program, which offers everything you might have forgotten or lost, such as mobile phone chargers, lip balm, coffeemaker, curling iron, deodorant and much more.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Kimpton boasts a really trendy feel and is part of the award- winning IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• Perfect location, close to contemporary restaurants and downtown shopping

KIMPTON HOTEL PALOMAR
117 S. 17th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103
tel 215 563 5006
kimptonhotels.com