A friend suggested we stay at the Palomar because of its location and restaurant. This has put a strain on our friendship. The Kimpton Group, which manages the Palomar, must believe that style is the only thing needed to satisfy its customers. The front desk staff was less than helpful on virtual every request. Don’t bother with the concierge they never return your calls. The coffee being served in Styrofoam cups in the lobby was a nice touch. I can accept a high price for a very small room if it is accompanied by good customer service. That was not the case at the Palomar.

I agree with all the other reviewers: this is a great little hotel with very friendly staff. My wife arranged for us to have a room with an extra-long bed, which was a treat -- go for this if you're over 6'4".

A few folks note the absence of a coffee maker. This is a huge mistake. I want my caffeine without having to trudge to the lobby. We stayed on the 5th floor, where the pretentious restaurant is. We slept in till ten, and the restaurant was already closed, contrary to advertising. So I threw clothes on, went to the lobby, and there was a crowd around the coffee carafes, and "regular" was out.

If you can provide me with a CD player and music to listen to, you can provide me with a coffee maker. Every Holiday Inn Express has one. It does not detract from your ultra Zen hip coolness to have a friggin' coffee maker in the room!

The hotel does not serve lunch and you can't get coffee on demand. This is a great hotel, but it is not full service.

We stayed at the Palomar Nov. 18th-19th. Booked their "great rate" of $129. The hotel is very beautiful, and the rooms very nicely appointed. My husband enjoyed the "tall room" with the extra long king bed and high showerhead. Our only gripes were that there are no in-room coffee makers (probably too "tacky" for their decor), and the wines-by-the-glass were extremely expensive. We don't want to have to get dressed and traipse down to the lobby for morning coffee, or deal with pricey room service in the morning just for a cuppa joe. Sorry. (The Relais-Chateaux hotels have the common sense to put coffee/tea service in the hallways, at least.) And while I appreciate their "hand-picked" wine list, they could offer more reasonably-priced selections. It's California after all, land of countless great wineries and of course 2-buck Chuck! Pretentious wine lists don't impress me. I'd consider going back if those two issues were addressed.

Stayed for 3 nights and loved the hotel. The location is perfect. We walked to Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Ferry Building etc... The Bart Station is right under the hotel too. Very convenient to take the Bart to Oakland Airport and a lot less expensive than a town car. (60.00 vs. 5.15).
Rooms are ultra-hip and spotless. We had an Executive King on the 5th floor, and the street noise was barely audible. Great view of the Flood Building, and Stockton St. Very comfortable bed, pillows, chair etc.. bathroom has ample counter space and great Aveda products. Their gym is small but adequate. We really enjoyed the Serenity Channel and the Yoga Channel. Great coffee in the lobby every morning too.
We would definitely stay at this hotel again. The staff treated us royally and couldn't do enough for us.