FlyerTalk Forums - Kimpton: Phoenix

This is a high-level comparison of the two Kimpton properties in Phoenix - the Palomar (located downtown Phoenix) and FireSky resort located in Scottsdale (1/4 mile from the Fashion Square mall).

I am an Inner Circle member with Kimpton and the report is based on my experience.

LOBBY/VALET:

Palomar - Marcus is the BEST bellperson/valet that I have ever met at any hotel during my travels. I don't have enough kind words to express how fabulous he is. Warmth, professionalism, nothing is a bother or a problem. He takes care of you BIG TIME!

Lobby is fine; high ceilings. Front desk personnel is variable. Some are above and beyond truly rather exceptional; others really need to go and work at Burger King.

FireSky - fair. Nothing special. Bellperson was nice enough but didn't get the same warm/fuzzy feeling as was experienced at the Palomar.

Lobby is beautiful. Fireplaces, comfortable sitting areas for people to congregate, bar is located as you walk through. There is a gift shop as well. Front desk person was lovely. Informed me of the smores in the fire pit that is available to all guests after dark, she explained how to get to my room and to the spa from where I was standing.

WINNER: Palomar. Marcus TRULY stands out big time and gives such an amazing first impression.

ROOM

Palomar: Was upgraded to a gorgeous corner suite. Walk in and there is a living room then separate bedroom and the most AMAZING en-suite bathroom I have ever experienced. Absolutely incredible. The shower was huge and there was a separate true soaking tub as well as a bench in the shower (came in handy to shave my legs!) and a sitting area. Storage area under the double sinks with plush white towels and washcloths - 4 sets of each provided. 2 flat screen TVs and (this is something I adore) LOADS of outlets by the bed!

FireSky: Walking down the hall it smells like one of those car freshener things that hang from the front window. That smell extended into the room itself. Very overwhelming. Very small room. Bathroom is tiny. Faucets/fixtures have "rust" and worn down around each. Nothing remarkable. No elevator to get to the top floor either - steps only so if you have a need, make sure to mention you want a ground floor room. The balcony has two chairs so sitting on the balcony is easy.

WINNER: Palomar. Room was gorgeous; bathroom was astounding!

POOLS/SPA:

Palomar: Rooftop pool with cabanas, lounge chairs, etc. looking over downtown Phoenix. Lustre bar next to it so bites and drinks can be ordered. Nice pool for swimming as well although open/close times are variable depending upon the day. Chairs all had towels on them and were refreshed on a regular basis. Spa is Repose and is separate from the hotel itself. Had a facial and it was wonderful also very reasonably priced. Deanne was the facialist. Facilities are clean, no Enya music played :)

FireSky: Two pools around the property for swimming. Open until midnight. Grounds at FireSky are exceptionally gorgeous. Other fountains throughout the grounds. Jurlique spa on property. Had a massage and pedicure. Nice treatments; fairly priced. Spa is small and does not have any amenities like a sauna, steam room, or lockers. Chairs with towels around the pools but weren't refreshed as often. Bar is inside so drinks and eats are taken out to the pool.

WINNER: Tie. Both are nice and have different vibes for this category.

STAFF: In my opinion this is why I try and stay at a Kimpton whenever I am able. This is a company that truly "gets" customer service and it is evident. There must be a very rigorous hiring process because the great staff people REALLY stand out and the others in comparison who just don't seem to "get it" REALLY stand out as well.

As a point of reference - I stayed at the same Hyatt for 5 months this last year - not once did I meet nor see the GM.

At every Kimpton I have visited the GM is out and about introducing himself to the guests. During wine hour, during check-in, etc. I always receive a handwritten note welcoming me to the property from the GM. These small touches impress me quite a bit. When there is a concern a manager is sent out and discusses what has happened with the guest. I had an experience at the Palomar and Marco sat down, offered me something to drink, and NEVER interrupted while I explained what had happened. At the Allegro a man in front of me asked for the manager and had an issue. Again, the manager LISTENED intently, apologized, and assured him that wasn't the "Kimpton Way." This to me is the biggest difference. The staff at both places sincerely seem to enjoy what they are doing and make a guest feel like they are welcomed into their home.

WINNER: Tie. Both places have some extraordinary staff members. This is what makes the biggest difference imo.

The Extras

Both properties have bikes that you can take to ride (no charge). Both properties have wine hour from 5 - 6 PM. However; I would have to say that FireSky has more extras than the Palomar. They have a shuttle (within a 3 mile radius) where the Palomar does not. They have the s'mores kit where you can make your own around the firepit and Palomar does not. They have a gift shop and the Palomar does not. They have longer hours where you can get something to eat. Palomar is very limited hours and the food is a bit more "chi-chi."

WINNER: FireSky