Property:
A newcomer to the Philadelphia hotel scene, the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is the latest from stylish boutique hotelier Kimpton.   More kid-friendly than kid-focused (my kids were warmly welcomed with activity packs and complimentary milk & cookies room service coupons at check-in, but the lobby and public areas had a real “grownup” vibe), the property is a great choice for parents who don’t want to sacrifice adult aesthetics when traveling with kids.

Location:
The Rittenhouse Square location is particularly good for dining options, with terrific restaurants at all price points available within a short walk.  Historical sites are about a mile away, and you can easily reach most of the city’s other family-friendly attractions on the trolley or other public transport options.

Sleeps:
Up to 4 in a Queen/Queen room (there’s definitely no stashing a rollaway bed in these urban-sized rooms; the hotel does offer cribs/pack n plays free of charge, but it would be an awfully tight squeeze).  Connecting rooms are available for larger families.

Highlights:
Wii in the lobby.  Funky animal print bathrobes (including pint-sized robes upon request) in the closets.  Kimpton properties are fun for kids of *all* ages (including those of us who technically count as adults), and the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is no exception.  Though the property is new to the area, the staff is not; we received universally excellent “insider” advice when we asked for local recommendations.

Good to know:
The hotel’s valet parking is steep ($37/day), but you’re unlikely to find an on-street alternative in the area, and there’s really no place to temporarily leave your car while you check in.  If you’re arriving by car, expect to shell out for the parking (and if your husband is anything like mine, expect an earful about highway robbery when you do so).

Contact:
http://www.hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com

Written by Rebecca Tompkins