Great location, friendly and helpful staff. We arrived early (10 am on Sat) and found free parking on the next block. The parking would have been only 2 hours normally- but it was the weekend so we could park and leave the car there. We hadn't planned on looking too hard for a spot- but we got lucky and saved the $40 that the hotel charges for valet. The Hotel allowed us to check in early which was so unexpected and a wonderful perk, giving us the chance to settle in before heading off sightseeing. I requested a high floor away from the elevator and I received my wish. The Deluxe King rooms are so spacious- the decor is fresh and contemporary- bed is plush- the robes are fun (cheetah and leopard print). The Metro is very close by- although we did lose our bearings a little in DuPont circle; there are 2 different metro entrances and only 1 with an elevator- which we needed with the stroller.
The Pool is small- but pleasant; our 9 month old son really enjoyed it. We missed the happy hour but did get free coffee and tea in the morning. Didn't try the restaurant- bit there are plenty within walking distance. We requested a crib and one was sent up within 10 minutes. Check out time is noon which is quite generous- we got in some additional sightseeing on Sunday morning plus bruch before heading out. Overall- a great stay and we hope to come back again.

I love charming and cool little boutique hotels -- like the Artus in Paris or the Zetter in London. This is NOT that type of hotel. From the writeups and reviews of the Palomar, it sounded similar - but it falls short. The hotel isn't bad -- the decor is forced and overdone -- trying too hard to be cool and missing the mark. The rooms are small but comfortable. Rooms look and feel more like a mid-range Hyatt or Hilton than a cool boutique hotel - In my opinion, putting animal print clothing for sale in the closet (how odd!) doesn't make a cookie-cutter, chain-style room stylish. But the rooms did have some key amenitites like a safe that can fit a laptop and a lighted magnifying mirror in the bathroom. Best thing in the hotel is the lounge behind the restaurant - comfortable with a nice wine list for late evening (though Le Bar at the Sofitel Lafayette Square is much better - so not a reason to stay here). But, the thing that would keep me from ever staying at the Palomar again was the cheap shower head with almost no water pressure. I was only there 1 night for business, so I dealt with it and mentioned it upon checkout rather than trying to have it fixed - where I learned from the front desk staff that mine was not an isolated experience at all. I was told that it does happen and 'next time, call and we'll send an engineer to replace the shower head'. When I travel for business (well, for any reason) - knowing in advance to plan extra time to wait for an engineer so that I can shower is not my idea of a good hotel.

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Hotel Palomar the night of July 4th since we were in DC for the holiday fireworks. I had stayed at a previous Kimpton Hotel in DC last year (Hotel Helix), so I wanted to try Hotel Palomar and it was near an area that would allow us to sightsee.

We checked in on Friday afternoon and were greeted at the front desk by name. I appreciated that personal touch. We headed up to our King room on the 4th floor, with a nice view of the hotel pool. Our room had a bit of an entryway and great lighting throughout. We had a nice 'reclining' chair, and a big screen tv and desk across from the giant bed. The mattress & bedclothes were wonderfully comfy and plush.

We love that almost every light fixture was on a dimmer switch - even those in the bathroom. This was a great touch that helped us to relax after a long day of walking & sightseeing.

We did attend the wine reception in the hotel lobby, which was very enjoyable. The vibe in the hotel was very friendly and sociable, but be aware that if the hotel is busy, there are not enough seats/standing room for everyone in the lobby. We ended up sitting on some of the steps by the doors just to fit. It wasn't uncomfortable - only a little full. Get there early if you want to sit on a chair or love seat.

The staff was very friendly overall, although there was one instance when we were not acknowledged very quickly at the front desk since staff were talking to each other about their own weekend plans. This did not deter from my overall opinion, however, since other staff made up for this disinterest.

Even after we checked out, we were able to leave our bags at the bell desk until we wanted them, and that is a much appreciated amenity in this city!

We also highly recommend the crepe restaurant across the street - Crepes a go-go! They have sweet & savory crepes, coffee, drinks & gelato. They stay open late and their counter staff was friendly also.

A great stay and a great holiday!

We stayed at the hotel over the July 4th weekend and couldn't ask for anything better. From the valet staff to the concierge, people were very friendly and willing to help out in any way they could. Our room was beautifully decorated with a very modern boutique feel. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely stay at this hotel in the heart of Dupont Circle again on our next visit to our country's capital!