It’s hot. Like, melt-the-soles-of-your-shoes hot. When you hop out of a rideshare on East Jefferson Street in the middle of July, the first thing you want isn’t a "curated experience" or "synergistic hospitality." You want a cold drink and a room that doesn't feel like a beige box. That’s basically the entire pitch for the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix. It’s been sitting right there in the heart of CityScape for over a decade, and while newer, shinier towers have sprouted up nearby, the Palomar has this weirdly consistent grip on the downtown scene.
You’ve probably seen the Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails from the street. It’s usually packed with people in suits trying to loosen their ties after a long day at the Phoenix Convention Center or fans wearing Suns jerseys before a game at the Footprint Center. The location is, quite frankly, unbeatable. If you’re staying here, you aren't just "near" the action. You are the bullseye.
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The Reality of Staying at Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Most people think downtown Phoenix is just a collection of office buildings that turns into a ghost town after 5:00 PM. That used to be true. It isn't anymore. Staying at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix puts you in the middle of a massive urban experiment that actually worked.
The hotel itself occupies a chunk of the CityScape development. This means you have a CVS, a Five Guys, and a comedy club within a three-minute walk. It’s convenient. But inside? It’s different. Kimpton has this specific vibe—they call it "artful," but it’s really just a mix of high-end finishes and stuff that looks like it was plucked from a cool gallery in Roosevelt Row. The lobby isn't on the ground floor; you have to take an elevator up to check in. It feels a bit like entering a private club, which is a nice break from the heat and the noise of the street.
The rooms are huge. Like, surprisingly huge for a city center hotel. You get these floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the skyline or the mountains in the distance. If you're lucky enough to get a south-facing room, you’re basically staring right into the arena.
Let’s Talk About That Third Floor
The Lustre Rooftop Bar is the soul of this place.
During the day, it's a pool deck. Phoenix has a lot of hotel pools, but many of them are tucked away in courtyards or shaded by massive walls. Lustre is open. You’re up there with the skyscrapers. On a Saturday afternoon, it gets loud. There’s a DJ, people are drinking margaritas, and it feels like a party. If you’re looking for a quiet, meditative lap swim, this is probably not your spot. Go early in the morning for that.
The social hour is a Kimpton staple. Every evening, they host a wine hour in the lobby. It’s free. It’s a great way to meet people, or just to get a pre-game buzz before heading out to dinner. It's one of those small touches that makes a $300-a-night hotel feel a bit more like a home and less like a transaction.
What Actually Matters: The Specifics
People obsess over thread counts, but what really makes or breaks a stay at the Hotel Palomar Phoenix is the logistics.
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- The Parking Situation: It’s downtown. Valet is expensive. There are public garages nearby, but they can be a headache during a Suns game or a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field. Honestly, if you can avoid bringing a car, do it. The Valley Metro Rail stops right outside.
- The Bikes: Kimpton has these custom-designed public bikes you can borrow for free. Phoenix is flat. You can ride north to the Heard Museum or over to the breweries in the Warehouse District in about ten minutes.
- The Pet Policy: They are famously cool about dogs. "If it fits through the door, it can stay." No ridiculous deposits, no "weight limits" that exclude anything larger than a toaster.
Eating Near CityScape
Blue Hound is the big draw inside the building. Their cocktails are legit—lots of bitters, clear ice, and bartenders who actually know the difference between a bonded bourbon and a rye. The food is "New American," which usually means "we put a fancy twist on a pork chop," but they do it well.
If you want to venture out, you’re a ten-minute walk from Pizzeria Bianco. Yes, the one from Chef's Table. Is it worth the three-hour wait? Maybe once. But there are also spots like Cornish Pasty Co. or the underground speakeasy, Rough Rider, just a short Uber away.
Addressing the "Luxury" Label
Is the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix a "luxury" hotel? It depends on who you ask. If your idea of luxury is a white-gloved butler and gold-plated faucets, no. This is "boutique luxury." It’s polished but approachable. You can wear a hoodie in the lobby and nobody will look at you twice.
The staff usually goes by first names. They’re helpful, but they aren't hovering. For some travelers, that’s a relief. For others paying premium rates, they might want more formal service. It’s a trade-off.
One thing to watch out for is the noise. Because you’re at the center of the entertainment district, weekends can be lively. Between the sirens, the light rail dings, and the crowds leaving the arena, it’s a city vibe. If you need absolute silence to sleep, bring earplugs or ask for a room on a higher floor facing away from the street.
Why This Place Beats the Newer Competitors
In the last few years, several new hotels have opened in the downtown core. You’ve got the Hyatt Centric and the Renaissance nearby. They’re fine. They’re professional. But they feel like hotels.
The Palomar feels like Phoenix. It’s got that desert-modern aesthetic—lots of wood, stone, and pops of color that don't feel forced. It feels lived-in. There’s a confidence to a property that has survived the boom and bust of a downtown revitalization.
Practical Advice for Your Trip
If you’re booking a stay, check the event calendar at the Footprint Center first. If there’s a major concert or a playoff game, the rates at Hotel Palomar Phoenix will skyrocket. If you can time your visit for a "shoulder" period—like a Tuesday in early October—you can often snag a suite for the price of a standard room.
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Also, join the IHG One Rewards program. Since Kimpton is part of the IHG family, you get "Raid the Bar" credits and better Wi-Fi. It’s free, so there’s no reason not to do it.
The Actionable Bottom Line
Don't just stay in your room. Phoenix is a city that hides its best parts.
- Morning: Grab a coffee at Cartel Roasting Co. just around the corner. It’s arguably the best caffeine in the valley.
- Afternoon: Hit the rooftop pool. Even if you don't swim, the view of the Camelback Mountain silhouette is worth the price of a drink.
- Evening: Walk to Heritage Square. It’s one of the few places where you can see what Phoenix looked like in the 1800s, and it’s a jarring, beautiful contrast to the glass towers of CityScape.
- Late Night: If you’re into jazz, The Nash is a short walk away. It’s world-class and totally unpretentious.
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is the anchor for a downtown that finally found its identity. It’s comfortable, it’s a bit flashy, and it’s exactly where you want to be when the sun finally drops below the horizon and the desert air starts to cool down.
When you check out, take the light rail to the airport. It costs four dollars and takes 15 minutes. It’s the ultimate "pro move" that most tourists miss because they’re too busy waiting for an Uber in the valet line.
Book the corner room if you can. The extra windows make the city feel like it's yours. Pack light, bring sunscreen, and don't forget to use the "forgot it? we've got it" service if you leave your toothbrush at home. Kimpton is great for that. Just enjoy the fact that you're in the middle of everything.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Diamondbacks or Suns schedule to see if you'll be dealing with game-day crowds.
- Sign up for the IHG Rewards program before booking to get the "Secret Password" perks (yes, they really have a seasonal password for free gifts).
- Download the Valley Metro app to see real-time light rail arrivals for your trip from Sky Harbor.