So, you’re looking at downtown Phoenix and wondering where to drop your bags. If you’ve spent five minutes on a booking site, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix has definitely popped up. It’s sitting right there in the middle of CityScape, looking all shiny and glass-heavy, basically daring you to ignore it.
But honestly? Choosing a hotel in a desert city that’s currently exploding with new builds is kinda stressful. You don’t want to end up in a corporate box that feels like a beige nightmare. You want a place that actually understands the vibe of the Valley.
The Palomar is weirdly good at that. It’s been around since 2012, which makes it a "veteran" in the rapidly shifting landscape of downtown Phoenix, yet it doesn’t feel dusty. It feels like that one friend who knows all the best bartenders but also reminds you to drink some water.
The Reality of Staying at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Let’s talk location because if you get this wrong, you’re spending your whole trip in an Uber. The hotel is at 2 East Jefferson Street. This is basically the bullseye. You’ve got the Footprint Center (where the Suns play) literally across the street. Chase Field is a seven-minute walk. If you’re here for a concert or a game, you’re winning.
The rooms are huge. Like, surprisingly large for a downtown boutique. We’re talking 450 square feet on average. That’s plenty of room to spread out your hiking gear or just pace around while deciding which taco shop to hit first. They recently went through a renovation in late 2025, so the carpets don't have that "I've seen too many bachelorette parties" look anymore.
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They have this "Art in Motion" theme. It’s subtle—cool sculptures, some funky paintings. It doesn't scream at you. It’s more of a gentle nod to the Roosevelt Row arts district nearby.
Perks That Don’t Feel Like Gimmicks
Kimpton is famous for its "Social Hour." From 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every single day, they pour free wine and beer in the living room on the second floor. It’s not top-shelf stuff, sure, but it’s free, and it’s a great way to meet people before heading out.
- Yoga Mats: Every room has one. Whether you actually use it or just trip over it is up to you.
- PUBLIC Bikes: They have these bright red bikes you can borrow for free. Use them to ride over to the Phoenix Art Museum.
- The Pet Policy: This is the big one. If your pet fits through the door, they can stay. No fees. No weight limits. I once saw a guy checking in with a very large, very polite Great Dane.
Where to Eat (And Where Not To)
You’re going to hear a lot about Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails. It’s on the second floor. The vibe is "New American gastropub," which basically means really good steak sliders and fancy mac and cheese.
The bartenders there are legitimately talented. They have one of the biggest selections of "brown spirits" (whiskey, bourbon, rye) in the city. If you’re into old fashioneds, this is your temple.
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But here’s the thing: Downtown Phoenix is a food explosion right now. While Blue Hound is great, don’t ignore the stuff just outside the lobby. You’ve got The Arrogant Butcher and Blanco right there in CityScape.
The Rooftop Situation
Okay, the pool. It’s on the third floor. It’s called Eden Rooftop Bar now (it used to be Lustre).
It’s the "OG" of Phoenix rooftop bars. During the day, it’s pretty chill. You’ve got misters going, music playing, and people lounging in cabanas. At night, it turns into a whole thing. High-energy, lots of outfits, great views of the skyline.
Pro tip: The sun ducking behind the taller buildings around 2:00 p.m. can be a blessing or a curse. If you want a tan, get there early. If you’re a vampire who hates the sun, 3:00 p.m. is your sweet spot.
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What People Get Wrong About This Spot
A lot of people think staying at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix means you’re stuck in a tourist trap because it’s at CityScape. Not really. Because it's a Kimpton, it draws a mix of business travelers and locals on staycations.
It’s also surprisingly quiet. Even with the stadium nearby, the soundproofing is solid. Unless there’s a massive parade or a street festival literally outside your window, you’ll sleep fine on those Frette linens.
One minor gripe? Parking. It’s expensive. Valet is $30 a night (sometimes more depending on events). There are self-parking options in the garage, but honestly, if you’re staying downtown, you almost don’t need a car. The Light Rail is two minutes away.
Practical Next Steps for Your Stay
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a booking, here’s how to do it right:
- Join IHG One Rewards: It’s free. It gets you the best Wi-Fi and sometimes a "Raid the Bar" credit ($10–$20) to use on your minibar.
- Request a Corner Room: Specifically the "1 King 1 Bedroom Suite City View." They have Japanese soaking tubs and west-facing windows. You haven't lived until you've watched an Arizona sunset from a bathtub.
- Check the Event Calendar: If the Suns are playing or there’s a big convention at the Phoenix Convention Center (which is only 0.3 miles away), prices will spike. Book at least three weeks out for those dates.
- Bring the Dog: Seriously. They have "Mini Me" milk fridges if you need them, and the staff usually has a stash of treats behind the desk.
The Kimpton Palomar isn't trying to be a sprawling desert resort with 500 acres of cactus. It’s an urban retreat. It’s for the person who wants to be in the middle of the noise but have a very, very comfortable place to hide when the desert sun gets to be too much.