Which Kimpton Monaco or Palomar in Philadelphia?
Oct 13, 2018, 11:17 am
#2
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The rooms at the Palomar are larger and I've had better upgrades in general versus the Monaco. The Monaco is across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell while the Palomar is near Rittenhouse Square and all of the great restaurants. The decor at the Monaco is a little fresher. Both are great properties with good elite recognition.
Nov 10, 2018, 3:44 pm
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
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As I recall, somewhere in the Medium to Hard range. Kimpton’s have never struck me as having soft mattresses.
Nov 10, 2018, 6:42 pm
#5
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
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Jan 21, 2019, 11:11 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,727
Which Kimpton Monaco or Palomar in Philadelphia?
Will be taking our baby (who will be ~13 months at the time) on her first real trip and were thinking of starting local with a trip to Philly. I've got some free night certs and reward points to spend and am considering one of the two Kimptons. Availability is pretty standard in the spring for the two, though some dates there's little availability period. Anyway, point of the trip will be to sightsee (historical part obviously super close to Monaco) enjoy some nice meals (if possible!) go to the Please Touch Museum, walk around, etc.
I'm thinking the Monaco is the choice, as the area near Rittenhouse Square seems to be more for restaurants, bars, shopping, but was hoping to get clarity, especially with respect to the properties themselves. Thanks in advance
I'm thinking the Monaco is the choice, as the area near Rittenhouse Square seems to be more for restaurants, bars, shopping, but was hoping to get clarity, especially with respect to the properties themselves. Thanks in advance
Jan 21, 2019, 1:48 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Northern Minnesota, US
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG/MR Plat, Kimpton IC, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 659
I like the Monaco. Similar rooms, similar recognition, better location at the Monica. Also Red Owl is a great bar and really good restaurant. The location of the Palomar works great for the Art Museum but the Square 1682 restaurant and rooms are not quite as nice.
Jan 21, 2019, 9:21 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,727
Thanks! Will book the Monaco. Thoughts on getting an upgrade on a reward stay if I ask to pay for it?
Jan 8, 2020, 2:34 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 88
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
What is your Rewards Club status? Spire Elite, Royal Ambassador and Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? Yes (and I've stayed there many times)
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? Booked Spa King room and received Cityview King Spa room
How are the rooms? Room is comfortable size with bed, dresser, full size closet, ample desk and small sofa. Bathroom has small vanity but large wet room with spa tub and shower.
[if you are Spire]
How was your complimentary welcome amenity? Bottle of white wine, bottles of water, bowl of fresh popcorn (truffle popcorn is their signature wine hour snack) and a plate of homemade pretzel bites and a box of four chocolates.
Did you raid the minibar? If so, what did you take? Did not raid.
Were you offered a Chef's Taste at Dinner, If so, what did you receive? N/A
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? Staff is so friendly. Rittenhouse area is full of shops and restaurants. Museums not far-including Barnes and Franklin Institute. Starting to show some wear and some of the rooms can be small.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? Can be a great value but can also be very expensive at peak times. Will return.
What is your Rewards Club status? Spire Elite, Royal Ambassador and Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? Yes (and I've stayed there many times)
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? Booked Spa King room and received Cityview King Spa room
How are the rooms? Room is comfortable size with bed, dresser, full size closet, ample desk and small sofa. Bathroom has small vanity but large wet room with spa tub and shower.
[if you are Spire]
How was your complimentary welcome amenity? Bottle of white wine, bottles of water, bowl of fresh popcorn (truffle popcorn is their signature wine hour snack) and a plate of homemade pretzel bites and a box of four chocolates.
Did you raid the minibar? If so, what did you take? Did not raid.
Were you offered a Chef's Taste at Dinner, If so, what did you receive? N/A
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? Staff is so friendly. Rittenhouse area is full of shops and restaurants. Museums not far-including Barnes and Franklin Institute. Starting to show some wear and some of the rooms can be small.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? Can be a great value but can also be very expensive at peak times. Will return.
Jan 8, 2020, 2:43 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Long Island, NY
Programs: IHG Spire Elite, Ambassador, Inner Circle; Marriott/SPG Gold; Hilton Gold
Posts: 34
Upgrades can vary but are often only one step up. They only other upgrade for my current stay would have been the one bedroom suite and frankly the bedroom seems small in those. The closet is in the living room and the bathroom is off the living room not the bedroom. But it is a good size bathroom. I find both Kimpton hotels in Philadelphia to be “tight” with upgrades.
Jan 8, 2020, 6:24 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Northern Minnesota, US
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG/MR Plat, Kimpton IC, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 659
Upgrades can vary but are often only one step up. They only other upgrade for my current stay would have been the one bedroom suite and frankly the bedroom seems small in those. The closet is in the living room and the bathroom is off the living room not the bedroom. But it is a good size bathroom. I find both Kimpton hotels in Philadelphia to be “tight” with upgrades.
Mar 2, 2021, 10:02 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I've had some stays at the Palomar under COVID. Each time upgraded to a city view spa King, but they are not all the same. There are different layouts on different floors. Great hotel, service and location in any case.