Kimpton Palomar South Beach

What is your Rewards Club status?
Diamond RA Inner Circle

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

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked the highest room category (Premium Grand Corner Terrace) during the Kimpton Summer sale. No upgrade was possible.

How are the rooms?
Quite relaxing. Rooms are not super huge (avg 275 to 385 sq ft). The rooftop pool used to have stellar views of Downtown/Midtown Miami across the Bay, but development has truncated that slightly. Still a decent vibe. Many rooms have a balcony that will either face Alton Rd (no scenic view beside the street) or Dade Blvd (view of Sunset Harbor Canal and slight views of West Ave condos and Downtown Miami buildings).

No tub, just a shower (no door) and decent sized sink for all of your personal items.

Hotel is in a residentialish area West of the central part of SoBe. They have a beach bound shuttle available thats included with the Amenity Fee for Beach access on 21st street.

Rooftop bar only operates on weekends, but the pool is open all week.

How was your complimentary welcome amenity?
Didn't get the IC amenity because I checked in early. The hotel did a huge favor for me so I wasn't pressed to ask them for one either.

For my welcome amenity, I chose breakfast. Keep in mind, the hotel does not operate the restaurant or the rooftop bar so you cannot charge anything to your room (no points). The restaurant will give you the option of one main and one drink. Voucher includes tax and gratuity.

Were you offered a Chef's Taste at Dinner, If so, what did you receive?
I wasnt offered & didnt ask. Assumed this is a no go due to the hotel restaurant being operated by another company.

What was good and what was bad?
Bad:
- Minor snafu with their nomenclature of Guest Amenity Fee and Resort Fee and ICs having Amenity Fees waived

- Yes, they charge Amenity Fees/Resort fees on rewards nights. So does the Surfcomber. The only two Kimpton properties that dont do this are the EPIC (Downtown) and Angler's

Good:
- Staff is VERY welcoming and will attempt to accommodate within their ownership's limits to Diamond & Inner Circle members.

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Absolutely will return as this is my third time here. I prefer this slightly over the Angler's and Surfcomber because of thr location away from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach. However, if you're looking for the full South Beach experience, this Hotel isn't for you; due to its location away from the main part of South Beach.