Hotel Palomar Washington DC
2121 P St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037, USA
Why We Like It
We love the Palomar for its hanging-out vibe, from the comfy lobby to the rooftop swimming pool and sundeck … an unexpected delight in an urban hotel. As with all Kimptons, we know we’ll get yoga mats and umbrellas in the room, free bikes to toddle about town, a complimentary wine reception every evening, as well as an open-arm welcoming for Fluffy. And that’s a great thing!
Fodor's Expert Review
The big bold colors and sleek modern lines of Kimpton’s largest DC property take their cue from the surrounding neighborhood’s art galleries and universities (reception clerks even have their “artistic inspiration” listed on their name tags). Everything about this West End hotel is updated and fresh from a recent renovation, including the living-room-style lobby, spacious guest rooms, an excellent gym, and the chic outdoor pool and sundeck. The lauded Urbana restaurant is next door, with Dupont Circle’s buzzy restaurants and bars an easy stroll away.
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Room
Stylish, spacious guest rooms have been recently renovated with punches of bold color and geometric patterns, signature animal prints, fluffy throws, and Frette linens. Quartz workspaces and ergonomic chairs face the windows for a comfortable spot to work. Nice touches include the iPod alarm clock, illuminated nightstands, and dimmers on all the lights. There are 26 suites, including a plush Presidential Suite and a two-room Bridal Suite; you can also choose a “Tall” room (with a 90-inch-long king bed), “Motion” room (with cardio machines or ballet bar), or “Spa King” room, with a jetted Fuji bathtub for two.
Tip The rooms facing the courtyard are quieter.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are on the small side, but all have quartz stone top vanities, geometric wallpaper, hanging wire light fixtures, and l’Occitane toiletries, with some suites offering refinished Biano Perla Italian marble tiles.
Lobby
The hotel describes their lobby as a living room, and they’re absolutely right. A modern, urban townhouse kind of living room, where you can linger over coffee in the morning, sip cocktails in the evening, and hold small meetings throughout the day. Interesting artwork hangs on the walls, the blue and gold furniture is comfortable as well as pretty, and you can’t beat the island fireplace on a cold day.
You Should Know The hotel is often packed, and the elevator can take its sweet time; there are no visible stairs as an alternative.
Pool
The 40-foot heat outdoor pool is open in summer only. It's small and can be crowded, but—along with the sundeck—it's a fabulous place to chill.
Spa
There is no spa, but in-room spa services are offered.
Gym
The 24-hour fitness center is small though welcoming; some of the ellipticals and treadmills look out over the pool area. It also has free weights, exercise mats and balls, and complimentary apples.
Dining
The adjacent restaurant Urbana Dining & Drinks features cuisine from northern Italy and southern France. The bar serves signature cocktails, small plates, and pizza. Both have become popular neighborhood go-tos.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The Palomar is less than two blocks from Dupont Circle, where you’ll find the closest Metro stop. You’re about 12 blocks from the White House, with the National Mall and all of the Smithsonian museums just a little farther.
Restaurants
Check the blackboard of Hank’s Oyster Bar (12-minute walk) to choose from at least five different kinds of fresh oysters, all of which can be fried, raw or broiled with butter and hot sauce; New England seafood, including lobster rolls, along with southern-style specialties are also available at this lively fish restaurant. Chef/owner Michael Schlow runs the intimate Riggsby (12-minute walk), known for American retro fare with a touch of the Old World: deviled eggs, ribeye au poivre, Ned’s most favorite pork chop.
Bars
The swanky Bar Dupont (6-minute walk) fills up with the after-work crowd sipping handcrafted cocktails and settling into the chic leather chairs. The outdoor terrace is the place to be on a warm day or night. For walls and walls of whiskey and bourbon (and five different tasting rooms!), Jack Rose Dining Saloon (16-minute walk) is making waves on the national scene with a stunning array of whiskeys.
Photos
Quick Facts
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