There’s just something about Beverly Hills that makes me smile. Maybe it’s the pretty people, maybe it’s the amazing food, and maybe it’s just the weather. In any case, after this trip to LA I had more to smile about. I found a new favorite hotel in the Hotel Palomar.

Typically loyal to Starwood, I had to find another hotel for this trip when I found the SLS and W rates were astoundingly high.
The Hotel Palomar LA is located in a residential part of Beverly Hills about 5 miles from Rodeo Drive and the heart of the city. The hotel Palomar is a member of the Kimpton Family of hotels and the Kimpton In Touch Rewards program.

Upon arrival, the valet and bell hops were very welcoming and eager to whisk my luggage inside and park my car. Parking costs $35 a night – about average for LA and is very convenient. Instantly you notice the hotels pet-friendly philosophy with a water bowl and welcome sing for the four-legged friends. Not being a pet person myself, at a friend’s suggestion, I brought along a stuffed friend. He was welcomed too.
The lobby is dimly light and decorated with a modern flare. There was plenty of chic seating and places to enjoy happy hour. During evening hours, the hotel lobby beckons travelers with wine for In Touch members, a great perk.

The front desk clerks were friendly and check-in was quick. As an In Touch member (membership is free) I was offered my raid the mini-bar certificate (a certificate for up to $10 in mini-bar goodies) and free internet access (that might cost you $15 at another hotel that only offers free internet for top level preferred guests).

I was “upgraded” to a room with a view on the corner of the hotel. The room was not large, but had ample space and did have a nice view. The bathroom was stocked with the signature Zebra Print Robe and luxe amenities (which I didn’t like the smell of.) The room was bold and modern and I could have taken home about 10 accessories that would have looked fabulous in my condo. The bed was comfy and there were plenty of soft pillows.

The restaurant in the hotel offered a great breakfast, though the service was incredibly slow every day. If you’re in a hurry, you’re best to tell your server and get your check right away. The servers had a tendency of disappearing for long stints at breakfast time. I enjoyed the lox and bagels – so much so that I had them twice! The prices were fair for a hotel restaurant.

I had the opportunity to order room service while I stayed at the Palomar. The food was delivered quickly with all the appropriate sides. I ordered fresh-brewed Iced Tea and I was delighted when they brought me two glasses for the price of one. I’ve never stayed at a hotel where room service brought an extra glass of anything but water. That really made a great impression and I haven’t forgotten that little touch. I had a sandwich and fries, which was good, above average for room service.

Overall, I loved the Hotel Palomar and would absolutely stay again next time I’m in Beverly Hills. My stay made me realize there’s more than the W out there in the world of trendy, chic hotels. I’m not sure I’ll ever have enough stays at Kimpton’s to reach their elite status – mainly because there’s no international options, but I would certainly stay at a Kimpton if one was available, based on this visit.

Hotel Palomar Bed – stylish and chic

Hotel Palomar Chair

Hotel Room View

Even stuffed Pets are happy at the Palomar.

This review is just slightly overdue. While making plans for a trip to Boston today, I realized I had never posted this. Sorry Kimpton!

The Onyx is a boutique Kimpton Hotel in downtown Boston. For me, a great locatoin becuase it’s directly across the street from my client’s office.

On my last trip, I got stuck at DCA flying to Boston and had to call the Onyx to let them know that I wouldn’t be arriving until the following morning around 6am. They were sold out, so the very helpful agent checked me in over the phone to ensure I had a room when I arrived. After a very long night with little sleep, I arrived in Boston and made my way to the Onyx. Upon check-in, the desk agent said “I’m very sorry, but we don’t have any deluxe rooms available, since you’re only here for 1 night now, we had to upgrade you to a King Premier Room with an attached Parlor Suite on our Penthouse level”. Sorry? Wow, what a nice surprise!

I headed to the top floor to find my “suite”. A very cool, oversided room with a connecting door to a smaller living room area. I want to know who decorates the Onyx…it fit me to a tee! I loved the black and white floors, the bright red and white bedding and of course, the signature animal print rob in the bathroom.

I had a slight housekeeping issue in the room, and they immediately sent smomeone up to fix it. The housekeeper was very lovely and offered me extra waters and dessert (from the Ruby Room) for the inconvenience. I wasn’t really inconvenienced becuase they were so fast to fix the problem, but it was a lovely gesture and I accepted it.

Becuase I’m a member of the InTouch Loyalty program, I got free internet and a credit for 2 items from the mini-bar. My corporate rate included breakfast (Kimpton is a preferred vendor at my company) and it was a good breakfast (much, much better than those standard continental breakfasts some hotels offer.

I would highly recommend the Onyx on your next trip to Boston (especially if you want to be near the Garden!!)