Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia by IHG

Rooms and decor

Picture a hotel tucked inside an old Art Deco building in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, then open the door to a lobby splashed with bold colour, art and design details in every corner — that is the first charm of Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia by IHG, a boutique hotel with a clear personality, nothing like a tall chain tower. The building carries the classic feel of the Art Deco era mixed with contemporary Kimpton styling that is not shy with colour and pattern, so every corner looks lively and worth a photo. Step into the lobby and you catch a warm, easygoing boutique mood, with friendly staff. Rooms come in bright, warm tones with real character, beds soft enough to sleep right through, and the practical bits covered. If you like a stay with style, a story, and a more personal feel than a standard chain room, this place fits.

Food and amenities

The next thing worth telling you about is the likeable tradition that sets Kimpton apart: a free wine hour in the lobby every evening. Guests come down for a glass after a day out, sit and relax, get to know other guests, or chat easily with staff — a small window of time that makes the place feel warm and a touch like a special welcome. Many people say it is the detail that brings them back. The other charm pet owners love is that pets are welcomed at no extra charge, so you can bring the dog or cat to Philadelphia without worrying about hidden fees or finding a sitter — a policy that is rare at this level and shows the brand's friendly streak. There is also a fitness room to work off a day of walking, and an on-site restaurant for an easy meal. Being a boutique under the IHG umbrella means you can book and earn IHG One Rewards points, with friendly service that still keeps to international chain standards.

Location and getting there

Location is another ace here, no question. The hotel sits in the heart of Rittenhouse Square on Walnut St, one of the most upscale, walkable neighbourhoods in Center City. The detail everyone mentions with a smile is being close to Rittenhouse Square park, a leafy green space in the middle of the city where locals come to relax, just a few minutes' walk away. The neighbourhood is ringed by good restaurants, inviting cafes and stylish shops you can browse and graze all day — the kind of place to leave the car and explore on foot. Football fans have it easy too: a few minutes' walk to Walnut-Locust station on the Broad Street Line, then a single subway ride south straight to the stadium district at the south end of the city. No transfers, no driving, no gamble on parking on a big game day when traffic is thick and lots fill fast. After the game, the same line brings you back into town and close to bed.

Things to know before booking

Straight talk to help you decide. First, this is a boutique hotel in an old building, and the charm of the Art Deco shell comes with some limits — certain room types are not especially large compared with a new tower, and parts of the building may show wear with age. If you want a big, open room or a brand-new build, adjust expectations or ask clearly about room types when you book. Second is parking: the hotel sits in the heart of downtown where parking is pricey and scarce, so if you drive in, budget for a fairly steep daily rate. The good news is the location is close to the Broad Street Line and easy to get around on foot, so the subway or walking works out cheaper and easier. Third, this is a lively downtown neighbourhood, and rooms facing Walnut St can catch some city bustle and traffic; light sleepers should ask for a higher floor or an interior-facing room. Finally, on game days and big event nights, rates climb well above normal and sell out fast, especially at a small boutique with a limited number of rooms — if you are planning around then, book well ahead to lock in the rate and a room.

Our take

After reading through plenty of real guest reviews, our team sees Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia by IHG as a hotel that nails one thing: a luxe boutique mood in an old Art Deco building with bold, distinctive design, a free wine hour every evening, free pet welcome, and an upscale, walkable Rittenhouse Square setting. It suits couples and travellers who want a stylish stay with character rather than a chain that all looks alike, people who want to base themselves in an upscale neighbourhood and walk to food and shops around Rittenhouse Square, and pet owners who want to bring an animal along at no extra cost. It also works for football fans who want a downtown base and a Broad Street Line ride south to the stadiums without a car or a parking gamble. If your picture is a stylish boutique, a free glass of wine in the evening, a day strolling an upscale neighbourhood, and an easy train to the match, this is a strong fit. If you are after a big, open room in a new build, or a stay within walking distance of the stadium itself, an old downtown boutique may not be your path. Overall our team gives it 8.7/10, best for couples, design-minded travellers, pet owners, and football fans who value boutique style and a walkable upscale location over room size and a new building.