HotelChatter

Hotel Palomar Westwood

I stayed one night this week and was very impressed.  The hotel, a former Doubletree property of no great distinction but in a great Wilshire location just blocks from UCLA, has been thoroughly redone.  The public areas have a cool vibe without being too hip for comfort.  Free wireless in the lobby worked fairly well.  

The front desk staff was courteous and friendly, with a sense of humor.  

My room, a standard double, was done up in a classy, fun style.  Animal print carpet was surprisingly nice (not my cup of tea normally) and very attractive furniture, including drawer fronts done up in faux python (and said unit contained a digital safe large enough for a laptop, iPod, headphones, cellphone and blackberry).  They really dig the animal thing at Kimpton!  

The 42" flatscreen was a welcome sight but it did not have any HD channels as far as as I can tell.  The bed - oh, the bed.  It was very comfortable - way better than Westin's heavenly bed.  Very soft white cotton linens were actually cloudlike.

The bathroom was pleasing in a generic sort of way.  Granite counter, free standing vanity, white vessel sink.  Nice, but it is starting to be a bit cliché.  Water pressure was awesome.  The toilet flush was downright scary in its power!

The free coffee in the lobby was delicious and fresh.  I did not partake of the complimentary afternoon wine reception.

The valet staff was attractive and courteous and my car was waiting for me within minutes of my calls down for it.  

Checkout was swift and polite.  I will return.