Hotel Palomar Lobby Area

The Hotel Palomar is one of Chicago’s newest hotels, located in the desirable “River North” area of Downtown.  This newly built boutique property, is part of Kimpton Hotels & Resorts, offering a wide variety of custom tailored services and amenities.  This Palomar property offers 261 guest rooms and suites, each offering a contemporary city feel with elements to remind you of Chicago’s history.  Hotel Palomar also prides itself as being one of Chicago’s few truly Green Hotels.

Hotel Palomar Chicago was built as a multi-use condo/hotel development, and the building itself is brand new as of 2010.  While neighboring buildings are still undergoing construction, the Palomar has opened in a neighborhood that is close to the Chicago River, and just a few blocks from the city’s famous “Magnificent Mile”, Michigan Avenue.  While the immediate block or two might feel still “in the works” the hotel resides in a very convenient part of town.

Palomar’s lobby area resembles a sophisticated high rise condo entrance, complete with a small reception area, and cozy yet trendy sitting area.  The lobby is home to the hotel’s evening complimentary wine hour, a standard at every Kimpton property.  The wine hour is a great opportunity for guests to unwind, meet with fellow guests as well as the hotel management.

Trip Kick Tip:  When staying at Palomar, grab a glass of wine (they offer both red & white) and head up to the hotel’s private rooftop terrace!

Sable Kitchen & Bar

Sable Kitchen & Bar is located on the lobby level of Hotel Palomar Chicago.  Sable offers New American Cuisine with innovate cocktail offerings in a truly upbeat and hip setting.

The Guest Room Experience:

Let’s talk about the guest rooms, perhaps the most important component to any hotel experience!  We’ve been generally impressed by Kimpton’s guest room experience at our stays throughout the country, but we think it’s fair to say that Hotel Palomar Chicago has certainly hit the nail on the head this time better than ever before.  Having the luxury of designing a property from scratch probably was a tremendous help (properties such as The Hotel Palomar D.C. didn’t have this privilege).  Hotel Palomar has paid a great deal of attention to the details, and have made the guest rooms feel contemporary yet classic, a sometime tricky balance when designing a hotel.

While the hotel itself won’t be known for its jaw dropping views, the rooms have been designed to make you feel at home, while also reminding you that you’re on vacation.  Room categories range from standard “Deluxe Rooms” to “King Spa Premier Rooms” up to larger suite offerings.

Trip Kick Tip:  Book the “King Spa Premier Room” category for the best value.  King Spa Premier rooms offer upgraded bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs (for 2) and we actually liked them better than the suites!  King Spa Rooms ending in “04″ were our personal favorite: these are corner rooms that really do feel more like a suite.

King Spa Premier Room (Room Number 704)

Jacuzzi Tub & Separate Walk-In Shower, Room Number 704

The Palomar Chicago has a few Suite Category rooms including the “Luxury Suite” which offers a three room layout, including separate living room area, bedroom area and bathroom area.  These room types are particularly suitable for guests traveling with families, or business travelers wanting to conduct business in-room without having guests in the bedroom area.  While they do offer more space, we still preferred the “King Spa Premier Rooms” which offer a more open floor plan.

Luxury Suite, 1 King Bed, Living Room Area  (Room Number 1527)

All guest rooms and suites offer large flat panel television entertainment areas, as well as fully stocked mini-bars.  As you can see, furnishings are both sleek and classic in design.

Rooftop Area (A wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine & take in the city views)

Other on property amenities offered at the Palomar Chicago include a rooftop indoor heated pool (a very rare feature in Chicago hotels) as well as a state of the art fitness center, with pleasant city views.

The Rooftop Pool

What we really liked about Palomar Chicago:

• Convenient, Downtown Address
• New Build Hotel with Sleek, Contemporary Lines & Residential Feel
• Complimentary Daily Evening Wine Hour for Hotel Guests  (5-6pm in the Lobby Area)
• Complimentary Guest Room WiFi
• Rooftop Deck & Views  (No Bar, but this makes it quiet & less of a fuss!)
• Rooftop Indoor Heated Pool
• Luxurious Bathrooms in King Spa Premier & Suite Category Rooms

There’s nothing quite like a brand new hotel, and while the Palomar Chicago won’t be new forever, they’ve designed this hotel to last.  Elegant, contemporary lines along with a true “boutique” feel make this Downtown Chicago property a worthwhile luxury hotel contender worth considering.  Guest rooms are elegant, yet fun, and offer exceptionally comfortable beds, indulgent bathrooms (particularly in the higher end categories) and convenient features (such as complimentary WiFi!)

For more guest room information on Palomar Chicago click here!