KIMPTON ALMA (FORMERLY KIMPTON PALOMAR SAN DIEGO)

What is your Rewards Club status?

Diamond Ambassador

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?

No, not really

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?

Booked 1 King, received 1 King Suite after asking about upgrade at check-in

How are the rooms?

The room itself was great, although there were no nightstands next to the bed, other than some tiny ledges and a square ottoman on each side of the bed. This is until not having hot water available at 8:30am.

How was your complimentary welcome amenity?

Terrible. The check-in agent initially only offered the continental breakfast coupon that came with my corporate room rate, which cannot be used toward other items on the breakfast menu. After complaining about the situation, the manager came over and offered the Diamond breakfast coupon instead, which is any item off the menu.

Did you raid the minibar? If so, what did you take?

No - the bar closes at 11pm promptly, even on a weekend night.

Were you offered a Chef's Taste at Dinner, If so, what did you receive?
Did you use the free spa credit / did the hotel participate? If so, was it a good value?

N/A

What was good and what was bad?

Good - the room itself, with plenty of space, when everything is working.

Bad - all things that I have already mentioned. Plus the lackluster valet parking, where I sat in the car for at least 5 minutes and there was no one at the stand. There was no help with luggage to speak of.

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?

Good value for the room rate (minus the $55 valet parking charge). I'm on the fence of coming back, but there's another almost indecent rate in December that might lure me back. We'll see.