The Hotel Palomar Phoenix Is Peak Affordable Luxury
The Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Downtown - 2 E Jefferson St
How do you explain a Kimpton Hotel? They’re always a little indie feeling, they usually have a pretty good bar/restaurant on site, and they’re always a touch less expensive than the bigger-brand hotels nearby that aren’t really any nicer. The Hotel Palomar Phoenix is exactly that, but this one maybe trades a little Kimpton funkiness for a prime location. It’s right across the street from Cityscape and the Footprint Center, and is right down the street from the Convention Center and a million restaurants and bars. And it’s not like the hotel isn’t cool—the rooftop pool/bar is one of the city’s best—it just isn’t quite as quirky as some of the other Kimpton’s I’ve been to. Not a bad thing necessarily, but might be a turn off for some Kimpton die-hards.
Website: ihg.com/kimptonhotels
Rewards Program : IHG One Rewards
Reviews
Downtown Phoenix isn't busting with hotel options, and what is there isn't fabulous. This is definitely a jewel for those who appreciate good design, easy check-ins, and impressive on-property dinning.
- CN Traveler
Despite spending more than I had hoped for my three-night stay in Phoenix, I enjoyed my time at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix. Some areas are ready for a refresh, but the exceptional service, phenomenal downtown location and stunning rooftop pool wowed me enough to make me want to return … preferably after the rooms are renovated.
- Hannah Streck, The Points Guy
The Palomar has got it all really - great location, stylish accommodation and excellent food. Most important of all the staff are really welcoming and just make it a great place to stay, whether you are taking in the town or using it as a base to explore the amazing sights of Arizona.
- Jenny Fowler, The Hotel Guru
In Phoenix, once known primarily for its endless low-rise sprawl, there’s something suddenly happening in the city center. Two new downtown college campuses, a busy light-rail line, and a spate of urban redevelopment have left downtown Phoenix utterly transformed. A hotel like Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix — a stylish modern boutique hotel in a city-center high-rise — simply wouldn’t have been possible even a decade ago, and it’s no exaggeration to say it’ll put this rejuvenated city center on the map for a whole new generation of travelers.
- Michelin Guide
When downtowners want to take a dip, they look to the rooftop pool at the Kimpton Palomar Hotel Phoenix. Located on the third floor of this CityScape hotel, the urban watering hole overlooks the downtown city skyline and is served by the high-end Eden Rooftop Bar, which serves craft cocktails and light fare such as salads, sandwiches and flatbreads. There's music of the live and DJ variety on the weekends.
- Jennifer Goldberg, Phoenix New Times
What’s Nearby
Phoenix is a driving town, but that doesn’t mean your vacation should be stuck in traffic. At the Hall of Yum, we’re basing our internal hotel scores on what’s within 1km (roughly .6 miles)—roughly how far the average person is willing to walk for food. Plus, the walk will help you burn off some of those calories.
SKIP TO:
Breakfast / Coffee • Lunch • Dinner • Drinks
Breakfast / Coffee / Carbs
1. Cartel Coffee Roaster - 800 ft.
Cityscape - 1 N 1st St
People might argue this, but Cartel was the first truly good coffee roaster in Phoenix. Now this isn’t the original location, or even the best location, but it’s still my favorite coffee shop in the thick of the downtown buildings. And it’s only 800 ft. away from the hotel, which really can’t be beat. It won’t have morning eggs and bacon, but if you’re a coffee and pastry kind of person—or just run on straight caffeine until lunch—you’ll be plenty happy.
Also great…
Press Coffee - .3 miles
Lunch
1. Pizzeria Bianco - .6 miles
Heritage Square - 623 E Adams St
If you’re staying at the Hotel Palomar, you should plan for at least one lunch (or dinner) at Pizzeria Bianco. It’s the most famous restaurant in Phoenix, serving up a sorta-Neapolitan style pizza you won’t find anywhere else (except LA, where Bianco just opened up a shop). The NY Times says it’s one of the best pizza spots in America, I believe it’s still the only pizza place to with a James Beard Award for Best Chef, and 50 Top Pizza says it’s one of the best in the world. Sure, you might go and say it’s overrated, but deep down you’ll know you just ate something special.
2. Cornish Pasty Co - .3 miles
To put it bluntly, a Cornish Pasty is like a gourmet, meat-and-potatoes filled Hot Pocket. Back in the UK (specifically in Cornwall), people have been eating pasties for centuries, treating them as everything from a gourmet sandwich for the rich to a hearty utensil-free meal for coal miners. In Phoenix—and probably elsewhere—we’ve expanded the traditional pasty formula to include a little of everything. Want a lamb vindaloo pasty? Got it. A reuben in a pasty? Got that, too. Plus, the beer selection at Cornish is fantastic, if you’re looking for another reason to take a nap after lunch.
Dinner
1. Pa’la - 900 ft.
Cityscape - 132 E Washington St
Pa’la started as a simple, slightly upscale lunch spot serving affordable coastal Italian deliciousness on paper plates in a little bungalow. That original location still exists, but the mission has changed drastically in the downtown location. Instead of affordability, we have Iberico pork with fancy platings. Instead of mellow tunes, we have live jazz bands. And instead of flip flops, people dress like they’re going somewhere to be seen. It’s definitely one of the most impressive spots in Phoenix.
2. Anhelo - .3 miles
When I think of a city—a real urban city with real things going on—I think about people in fancy clothes doing fancy things. Entertaining clients, going to plays, arriving in limos. Phoenix isn’t really a fancy place, so a lot of our nicest restaurants tend to be a little more casual than you’d find in places with, say, summers that don’t rival living on the sun. But Anhelo is that fancy. It’s a place to wear a tie and eat a tasting menu that includes a killer Beef Wellington. I don’t know how many Anhelo’s Phoenix could support, but you should absolutely try the one we have.
Also great…
3. Cocina 10 - .5 miles
Drinks
1. Bitter & Twisted - 150 ft.
Cityscape - 1 W Jefferson St
Bitter and Twisted is the perfect bar for people staying at Hotel Palomar because it’s right across the street, is one of the best bars in America, and is just big enough to make the walk-in wait not absurd. Sure, you might wait 30 minutes for a table, but if you’re willing to sit at the bar—which is my favorite place to sit—you can sometimes get in right away on a busy night, assuming you aren’t trying to seat a pile of people with you.
2. Little Rituals - 600 ft.
Cityscape - 132 S Central Ave
The only place that’s as convenient as Bitter & Twisted for people staying at the Hotel Palomar is Little Rituals, which is right next door. The drink quality is basically the same, but the menu is a little tighter, the place is a little less whimsical, and it’s a little smaller. If you’re there on a traditionally busy night, be sure to make a reservation. And if you want to start drinking early, the food menu is really quite good. You could make this a dinner/drink combo place and not be a bit mad about the choice.
Also great…
3a. Quartz - .6 miles
3b. Valley Bar - .3 miles
5a. Coabana - 600 ft.
5b. Hanny’s - .2 miles
5c. Melinda’s Alley - .2 miles
5d. The Whining Pig - .2 miles
9a. Bar Bianco - .6 miles
9b. Floor 13 Rooftop Bar - .2 miles
9c. Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub - .3 miles
9d. The Rose Garden - .3 miles
