Palomar Hotel San Diego

August 11, 2012

 fireworks San Diego

I stayed last Sunday night at the Palomar Hotel downtown San Diego.  My stay was scheduled as a birthday celebration for my friend Beth, who lives in Encinitas.  After a visit to the farmers’ market we needed a restaurant because this was not the market we had imagined.  Fresh citrus juice was a treat, but unlike the many other area markets, this one had few fresh food, or prepared food stands. I would call it more of a craft fair with a little bit of food.  Fortunately the area is full of restaurants, so we found one that met our lunch needs, then sent the birthday woman ahead to the Se Spa at the hotel to report for her Thai pedicure.  The three kids and I followed at a leisurely pace, and found the room was ready for check in when we reached the hotel.  Up we went to the 16th floor to delight in the amazing suite with a balcony from which we could see the pool party deck. I really adore the post modern style of the Palomar as it combines with the historical and modern buildings surrounding it.  The suite suited me perfectly.  A large kitchen, a wet bar, and a dining room adjoin the spacious bedroom and walk in closet space.  We all loved the balcony, with a cozy sitting area and an interesting view.  Sleek, modern boutique style evokes something entirely different from home, which is precisely what I want from a hotel.

Post pedicure we went to the pool deck to enjoy some afternoon DJ action, a hip lounge area, and snack service from the Saltbox restaurant.  The pool is shallow, very nicely heated, and includes underwater speakers playing the same tunes you hear on the deck.  One reason I am such a big fan of the Kimpton Hotel chain is the other guests one finds enjoying the ambience.  In each of the 4 Kimptons I have visited I found locals like to hang out at the bars and restaurants.  Even in trendy Aspen, CO, the Sky bar is popular apre ski with Aspenites.  The Palomar is the first one in which I saw no visiting dogs.  The dog guests have been at the happy hours socializing over wine in the other 3 Kimptons I have visited.  A friendly and casual atmosphere is created that attracts different age groups and foreign tourists, mostly European. At the pool we were joined by some  local friends who stayed for a couple of drinks, then said good bye.  As festive days go this one was a complete success.  The pedicure was a happy time with lovely results for the birthday toes.   The pool deck was the perfect place to receive guests and relax.

After packing in the pool party we moved right downstairs to the Saltbox restaurant for a quick, delicious dinner with the kids.  I needed a cappuccino to be able to make it to the next round of activities.  In the spacious suite, with the exciting city lights around us, I had one more job to complete.  Thanks to the big dining table the sewing lesson was easy to do.  We cut out a skirt, threaded the machine, I demonstrated gathering, and whipped up a skirt to be finished at home by the students. Sending the Beth and her family home in their pajamas after a full day of celebration I was tired and content.  When I reached the 16th floor again on my own, I was treated to a fireworks display above the buildings, out over the water.  For me, it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.

kids like the balcony

Pool deck at Palomar