You’re walking down 17th Street, dodging a SEPTA bus and a guy in a vintage Sixers jersey, and then you see it. The Architects Building. It’s this massive, brooding Art Deco tower from 1929 that looks like it belongs in a Batman movie, but inside? It’s arguably the most relaxed spot in Center City.
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is a weirdly perfect contradiction. It manages to be high-design without being a jerk about it. You’ve probably stayed at "design hotels" where the chairs are basically torture devices and the staff acts like they're doing you a favor by checking you in. This isn't that. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a three-foot-tall bust of Ben Franklin painted neon pink in the lobby, right next to a crackling fireplace and a dog—usually a very pampered Frenchie—waiting for its owner at the wine hour.
Honestly, Philly has a lot of luxury options now. The Four Seasons is up in the clouds, and the Ritz is... well, the Ritz. But the Palomar occupies this sweet spot. It’s located at 117 South 17th Street, essentially the epicenter of Rittenhouse Square’s gravity. If you want to feel like a sophisticated local who knows where the best espresso is, this is your base camp.
The Architecture Isn't Just for Show
A lot of people don't realize this building was literally built by architects for architects. Back in the day, 20 different firms collaborated on a committee to design this thing. When Kimpton took it over, they didn't just slap some paint on the walls. They did a full-scale adaptive reuse that earned them LEED Gold certification.
That matters more than you think.
In a city with as much "old" as Philadelphia, finding a spot that doesn't smell like a damp basement but still retains that 1930s soul is tough. They kept the original bronze panels and the intricate brickwork on the exterior. Inside, the second-floor elevator lobby is a time capsule of vibrant tilework and carved wood. It feels heavy and permanent in a world of IKEA-fied hotel lobbies.
What it’s Actually Like to Stay Here
Let's talk rooms. They aren't the biggest in the world—we are talking about a historic city skyscraper, after all—but the layout makes sense.
- The Bed Situation: You’re looking at Frette Italian sheets. If you haven't slept on Frette, it’s basically like being hugged by a cloud that also happens to be a millionaire.
- The Views: If you book a "City View" room, you’re looking right at the skyline or down onto the bustle of Sansom Street. At night, with the city lights reflecting off the Art Deco glass? It’s a vibe.
- The "Spa" Factor: If you’re smart, you’ll book one of the 19 Spa Rooms. They have these deep Fuji jetted soaking tubs that are basically small swimming pools. After walking five miles through the Reading Terminal Market and the Museum of Art, your legs will thank you.
One thing Kimpton always gets right is the "Living Room." Every day from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, they host a social hour. Free wine. Sometimes local beer. It sounds like a gimmick, but it’s actually where you meet people. You’ll find business travelers from London chatting with a couple from Manayunk who just wanted a staycation. It breaks the "don't talk to me" ice that usually freezes over most hotel lobbies.
The Pet Policy is Actually Real
Most hotels say they are "pet friendly" and then hit you with a $150 cleaning fee and a 20-pound weight limit.
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is the "no-nonsense" king of pets. Their rule is basically: If it fits through the door and the elevator, it’s welcome. No fees. No deposits. They’ll even give you a dog bed and bowls. Since Rittenhouse Square Park is only two blocks away, your dog is going to have a better vacation than you are. There’s a specific kind of joy in seeing a Great Dane walk through a luxury lobby like he owns the joint.
Dining at Square 1682
You don't even have to leave the building for a decent meal. Square 1682 is the on-site restaurant, and it’s been a staple of the Rittenhouse scene for over a decade. Chef Patrick Czerniak runs the show now, focusing on "Modern American," which is usually code for "really good ingredients that haven't been messed with too much."
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The Square Burger is legendary. Don't overthink it—just get the burger.
They also have one of the best bar programs in the city. If you’re into craft cocktails, the bartenders here actually know what they’re doing. They don't just pour; they craft. Also, the restaurant was the first in the city to be LEED-certified, using sustainably sourced ingredients long before it was a marketing trend.
The 2026 Factor: Why Now?
If you’re planning to be in Philly in 2026, you need to book yesterday. 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Philadelphia is the undisputed host of the party. Between the Semiquincentennial celebrations and the FIFA World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field, the city is going to be packed.
The Palomar is a 15-minute drive from the stadium complex and a short walk from Independence Hall. It’s the "Goldilocks" location—close enough to the action to be convenient, but tucked enough into Rittenhouse to escape the madness of the historic district crowds.
Things Most People Get Wrong
There are a few misconceptions floating around about this property that need clearing up.
- "It’s too corporate because of IHG." Look, yes, Kimpton is part of the IHG family now. You get your points. But the Palomar still feels like a boutique. The staff has personality. They aren't reading from a script.
- "Parking is a nightmare." It’s Center City. Parking is always a nightmare. Use the valet. It’s expensive (usually around $50-$60), but trying to find a spot in a garage on 17th Street during a Saturday rush is a level of stress you don't need on vacation.
- "It’s only for younger crowds." The decor is edgy, sure. But the service is old-school. They have a 24-hour concierge who actually knows which secret bars are worth the cover charge and which ones are tourist traps.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re heading to the Palomar, do these three things to actually get your money's worth:
Request a Corner Room. The way the Architects Building is shaped means the corner rooms have extra windows. The natural light in the morning is incredible, and you get a much wider perspective of the city’s architectural "canyon."
Borrow the Bikes. Kimpton provides free Public bikes. Philadelphia is a surprisingly bikeable city if you stay on the flatter streets. Ride over to the Schuylkill River Trail (about 5 minutes away) and peddle up to the "Rocky Steps" at the Museum of Art. It’s way better than sitting in an Uber on 22nd Street.
Check the "Forgot It? We’ve Got It!" List. Don't run to CVS if you forgot your toothbrush, tweezers, or even a hair straightener. They have a massive list of things they provide for free or loan out. It’s a lifesaver.
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a piece of the city’s history that’s been reimagined for people who actually like style and sustainability. Whether you're here for the 2026 World Cup or just a weekend of eating your way through Rittenhouse, it remains the coolest anchor in the neighborhood.
Before you check in, make sure to download the IHG One Rewards app to skip the line at the desk, and definitely call ahead if you’re bringing a pet so they can have the "pet-amenities" ready in your room. If you want the best rate, always check their "Offers" page directly—they often have "Park and Stay" or "Date Night" packages that beat the third-party travel sites by a mile.