Hotel Solamar, a Kimpton Hotel Review

The hotel is nice and comfortable, but the rooms are missing some amenities that most as accustomed to, like a microwave and space in the mini fridge for food. The "fitness center" is kind of a joke if you care for lifting weights. The only parking available at the hotel is valet, which runs at $45/night. Other than those things, it's a nice place to stay within walking distance to many attractions.

My wife and I went to San Diego to do the Hot Chocolate run. We found this hotel online and booked it because it was close to the start location for the Run. We are so glad we stayed here. It was a little hard to find but once we did we were greeted buy a very kind parking attendant valet/bell hop named Zach. We checked in at the front desk and both the girls who helped us were extremely friendly, helpful, and very sweet. Zach parked our car and took our bags up to oor room. He spent several minutes getting to know us and talking to us about the city.

The room was larger than I expected and very nicely decorated. We had a great view of the pool and the City. The bed was very comfortable and the amenities were adequate.

We can't say enough about all the staff at the hotel. Everyone was very friendly. Even the maintenance guys and housekeeping would stop what they were doing, smile, and say hi as we walked by. But the front desk staff were the best! There was one employee named Anna who really went out of her way to help us. We wanted to watch a movie in our room and since there was no option on the in-house system we went downstairs to ask if they had any movies. She showed us the selection and we were not satisfied. We talked quite a bit about what movies we liked and what movies she liked. Later on that day we got a knock at the door and it was room service that brought us up a DVD player and several movies that Anna went and picked out for us. She made some handmade envelopes and drew pictures on them to represent each movie She selected for us. She also sent up some popcorn and some wine. She topped it all off with a wonderful handwritten note wishing us relaxing evening.

The hotel is centrally located in downtown and walking distance to a lot of the major attractions.

We highly recommend this hotel. If you stay there say hi to Anna and Zack for us. Also don't miss out on the parrot statues in the hallway named Rhett and Scarlett.

Beat customer service. Super nice. I enjoyed every minute of my stay. Rooms were nice. Affordable. Staff was amazing. Overall great experiences. Highly recommend

Very nice hotel, right next to petco park. Great location!

This Kimpton is great. if you can follow directions and not get frustrated or turned-around by the one-way streets it's easy to get to. Clean, welcoming, and roomy - each of my multiple stays here have been quick but pleasant ones. They are very pet friendly too and have brought my dogs a pet bed and 'pupcakes' which we felt was a nice touch. Our rooms were good-sized and clean, comfortable and quiet. The location is great and safe, but this area of downtown San Diego can get crowded if it is peak season of they have a big, city-wide event happening. It's close to many good eateries, and live music venues, tourist attractions, and the hotel staff is more than happy to help you find your way about town.
In summary, this is the better of the 2 Kimpton hotels in San Diego! I've stayed at both, and prefer this one due to its location (and the other one's proximity to the jail).

Amazing staff. Boutique style hotel takes it to the next level. <3

Rooms are nice, just slightly dated. The hotel provides free coffee and tea in the morning and happy hour with free wine and beer every evening. Walking g distance to plenty of restaurants downtown.

Great rooftop pool and bar, the staff were friendly and professional. The room was not as clean as I'd like. You could tell there was a bachelorette party in the room as there was a *ah hmm* left over novelty item left under the bed. Also housekeeping missed a few other pieces of garbage.

It could have been just a sloppy maid, everything else was good.

Pool is small but the upstairs bar is chill... Rooms are always clean

So impressed by this place. I watched the sunrise from the shower. I love a unique experience.

Very good hotel Very comfortable and well equipped. Highly recommended

So let me start this post by saying I ve stayed at the Solamar a lot. I attend a lot of medical conferences and when they are in San Diego I always stay at the Solamar. It s convenient for the convention center and the restaurants in the Gaslamp district.

On my last stay however, I did have a serious problem. I have given the hotel the opportunity to rectify it, but they have been unwilling - merely passing me off to their insurers who fobbed me off.

I stayed several nights. The first morning I woke up and had insect bites on my ankles. I put it down to while I was walking around.

Each night I appeared to be getting more bites. I checked the bed sheet for bed bugs, but found nothing. On the final morning I has been bitten again. This time pulled the bottom sheet up and found the flea you will see in the photo.

This is obviously pretty grim. When i checked out I quietly indicated I had a complaint to make and that we should probably have a discussion away from the front desk and other guests.

I pointed out my bites (also pictured) and the photo of the flea to the head of housekeeping who apologised, said he would get pest control to look at the room and offered a one night refund.

On getting home I received an email from the Head of Housekeeping stating Good news the pest control team had not found fleas in my room.

This was quite surprising given I had found one. Or perhaps not - firstly, they only spent 3 minutes looking according to their own report which I had sent through. Secondly, I suspect the room had previously been (unsuccessfully) treated by the pest control company and so finding a flea subsequently would be admittance that that had not done their job properly.

I clearly was not going to accept this outcome - I had stone cold proof of both the flea and bites.

At this point however, the hotel merely referred the matter to their insurers. I m guessing they might read this post at some point.

This is where it turns slightly farcical. The insurance assessor refused any claim. Firstly she said there was no evidence of fleas in the room. I suggested the photo of a flea in my bed (taken on an iPhone and therefore time stamped and geotagged) was pretty good proof.

She then said I could have been bitten away from the property. I pointed out that the entire time I was out I was wearing socks and shoes (turning up to a medical conference in swimwear is not exactly appropriate!) and the bites were predominantly on my feet and ankles.

She then said that when housekeeping had entered the room they noticed the window was open (it only opened about 3 inches) and the flea could have come in through the window. The room was on the 9th floor. Now I know fleas can jump, but that s just ridiculous!

Maybe the more likely route for a flea to enter into a hotel that welcomes pets might be on one of those animals?!

The insurance company refused to accept there was any claim.

I tried to engage with senior management at the Kimpton group, but was ignored by all. Baffling for a hospitality business to ignore their guests, particularly in this day and age.

So I m posting here instead. Maybe they ll respond to this. Or the pulled bookings.

I look at TripAdvisor for almost all the hotels I stay at and make choices based on these honest reviews.

I understand things can go wrong. And I like the Solamar hotel. But when things do go wrong - fix them. Don t palm them off to an insurance company who then wriggle out of any responsibility on your behalf.

I also tried to post this review on tripadvisor - funnily enough it never made it onto the website. Don t trust Tripadvisor for honest reviews!

Sent from my iPhone

I got a great deal thru a third party booking. The location was excellent, right in the heart of the gaslamp district. I was impressed by the decor, very boutique feeling it set a nice vibe. The room was great, had a nice large TV and easily accessible USB chargers. The prices for the alcohol in room was pretty good for a hotel. Other than that a very enjoyable stay.

The front desk was very responsive and flexible. They even contacted me by text throughout my stay to make sure I was taken care of!

Had a bite and drinks here at the end of the day. Very creative cocktails and food and friendly waitstaff. Had a mule that was very uniquely spiced. Wife had gaucamole and house slaw, both amazing. Happy hour (we were there on Sunday so I think it's every day) is a good deal especially.

Great friendly staff, clean excellent location! Huge jetted bathtub. Great restaurant right outside hotel. Pet friendly cool place

Super dog friendly! Staff is great and so are the rooms and location!

Mildew or something in bathroom shower curtain upon check in...

We met friends for a drink here and loved the atmosphere. They have a friendly pup that greets guests which is so adorable. Would absolutely recommend this to friends

I had a really great experience here. The room was very nice and modern. The bathroom and bath products were all great. The pool deck was fun and hip and we had a great Sunday just hanging out for a few hours before lunch. The service was impeccable across the board. The check-in staff made me feel welcome, the valet helped stow our bags and the pool deck staff were just wonderful. The bed was super comfortable and the room had a neat view of the pool deck. There is absolutely nothing bad whatsoever to say about this Kimpton and I would stay here again.

I really think DJ deserves a promotion!!! He treated us amazing and was very helpful. He and Paige gave us a special treat because it was our honeymoon. Couldn't have chosen a better place!!

I've stayed in a few Kimpton hotels however this is by far my favorite. Was visiting with a veterans organization fellowship program orientation for the weekend. The hotel was so hospitable. Our meals were served by the pool, which was super awesome. There was a bar and some cabanas and had a decent view of the Gaslight area. The rooms were clean, stocked mini bar and comfy beds. I did find it a little weird that there wasn't a vent in the bathroom though... not a huge issue. Its located in the middle of many bars and resturants and is walking distance to the water. I would definitely recommend to anyone.

The beds are soft, hard to sleep in and the AC is right in your face in front of the bed.
The style of the hotel is cool but rooms are not very clean and the furniture quite dated...will not return

The hotel staff is very accommodating and provide a lot of personal touches for one s stay.

The location is great, the room and emenities are amazing! It may be a bit pricey side, but it's worth it

Kimpton Solamar Hotel has a perfect rooftop bar for appetizers and drinks. They also have special events including yoga!

Very nice hotel You have everything inside the hotel

Clean, comfortable hotel in a prime location. Easy check-in/out with friendly staff. A few issues though; the entrance to the hotel is set back behind valet parking, so you have to walk through cars coming and going. The shower in my room was leaking (drip drip drip all night). The rooms were not as soundproof as I would like (thanks angry business jerk next door).

Stayed here for 3 nights in March 2019 to catch the SF Giants playing the SD Padres. Place is in a great location. Staff are very friendly and super helpful.

Gym is okay but I did a lot of running outside. Area is close to the water and you can hit great running areas very quickly.

Happy hour from 4-5 is a great treat. Beds were comfortable. Rooms were clean.

I unfortunately had a room next to a guest that had 8+ friends in their room for Party Central. This happened on the second night of my stay. They were swearing loudly, blasting music, and partying at 1am. It took 3 calls down to the front desk before security cleared out the non-guests at 2:30am. But kudos to Jason, the manager on duty, for taking care of this unpleasant situation.

The third night, the next door guests were at it again. Kudos to DJ for getting me a new room after midnight. I was ready to check out and move hotels. Was so tired after probably a lack of sleep.

Kudos too to Anna at the front desk for taking care of things when I checked out. She was so nice. I felt bad having such a long list of complaints.

Overall, I feel the stay was unpleasant because of the next door guest, but the Kimpton staff took care of me while dealing with inconsiderate guests. Rate this 5 and would come back again!

Beautiful hotel! They had such easy check in and out. The rooms were spacious and very clean. I do suggest asking for a room with a view, as not all rooms have a good view. Mine unfortunately looked into another room across the way. However their free happy hour get together was so great!

Rooms are spacious and clean with a huge TV. They serve free beer and wine from 6-7 every day. Staff is really nice. I hosted a 2 day 60 people conference here and they did an incredible job, we're on top of things, made sure we were all content and responded to our needs/request in a quick, professional manner.

It's a little bit different because it's a pet friendly hotel.

Great service and located in gaslamp close to the convention center

Nice hotel, close to the convention center. In a nice neighborhood, full of restaurants as Mexican and Italian places. Surroundings are nice for a walk. Close to the coast but far from the beach. In the hotel, enjoy the plswimming pool, the gym, free coffee in the morning and drinks in the afternoon. Beautiful room and bathroom. Loved the bathtub.

A bit expensive but maids clean up room well daily, front desk staff is very friendly and they have a complimentary wine/beer happy hour each day.

Clean rooms, excellent service, fast wifi, and overall a good experience.

Quite expensive for a weekend stay. Slightly overpriced hotel. Clean and staff are friendly.

I rarely write reviews but the staff here were so incredibly wonderful they deserve to know it :) I booked for the wrong night, had the wrong check-in information, and was running late for an online meeting. Despite all of my mistakes, they were so sweet, allowed me use a conference room for my zoom session and then helped me sort out my reservation when I was finished. I extended my stay by 3 nights because it was such an enjoyable experience.

Stayed after our wedding day, loved it, Thank you hotel solamar

I must say I really enjoyed my stay at Solamar. The staff was so friendly and always helpful when needed. It s located right in the heart of the Gaslamp district and close to so many wonderful restaurants. I would definitely stay at this hotel again.

awesome rooftop spot for comic con after parties!!!
however the single elevator means LONG WAITS to get out when the party's over...
here's a tip... TAKE THE STAIRS ;-)

Great location, friendly staff and nice rooms. The the rooms & bathrooms are spacious and have lots of useful amenities

Good boutique feeling hotel. Large Samsung flat screen TV. Nice free beer\wine hour. Bathroom needs more towel racks....

Came here to attend the grand opening event of the new upper east rooftop area and the SDFW 17 event. It was a beautiful area. Nice views and I would love to come back for brunch!

beautiful new hotel. Great pool and roof-top patio.

Excellent hotel. Clean, great location nice rooms. The staff is OUTSTANDING, specifically DJ at the front desk. Definitely took pride in his job and has great customer service skills. Definitely a Kimpton customer from here on out.

Nice hotel, good service in the heart of San Diego. Pet friendly makes it a huge draw.

Large spacious rooms, with a spa tub big enough for two. Very friendly staff with a great rooftop bar and pool.

We had a party at the pool deck and our waitress was great.

Very friendly Staff, lovely rooms . Our room had a private patio with a view of pool...I advise it was my bday, and I came back to the room with a surprise bottle of champagne!! In the morning they have coffee in lobby, not just a warm cup but you can make ice coffee which I love , so it was a great touch. The lovely lady who checked us in recommended we catch a Padres game , the stadium is so close so we decided spare of the moment to go.... I ended up having the best time EVER at that game, and I'm a (Tigers fan)!! Lol. Thank to everyone at the hotel for a great stay , my first time in San Diego and I'll be back.

I love the location and Hotel, but 3 or 4 years in a row there's been any issue with charges

Great place to stay, very comfortable, kind staff, great pool area. 10/10 would stay again.

Great rooms with a yoga mat......go figure. Great coffee in the morning fridge in your room. Friendly atmosphere and warm feeling right in the middle of the gaslight district near the mall and lots of great restaurants.

Excellent place to stay, great staff, pool and bar very good, location great near trolley stops

This hotel needs a bit of a facelift. It was just ok. Nice pool area, room was kinda dark and the bedding was not great. They did have a puppy in the lobby that was pretty freaking cute and almost swayed me to leave 5 stars.

Helpful staff, great lobby with lots of different areas to sit in, love the decor, bathrooms are a little small in the rooms but there's plenty of seating/counters and mirrors in the bedrooms. Would definitely stay again.

Nice hotel, nice staff. Don't park their. Parking in the hotels' parking lot is a rip off; charging more than $25 per night for guests.

My boyfriend and I recently visited the Solamar Hotel. With the virus still lingering, the best way to book a local pool day is through resort pass. They do all the work finding a hotel with a pool for locals and visitors. We decided we would try as many different pool hotels as possible throughout the summer.

The Solamar was on our list so we headed over on a Sunday. When we arrived, we were greeted by Kelsey who promptly checked us in and showed us how to access the pool. We headed for the elevator and Kelsey mentioned to another employee where we were headed. He offered to personally escort us to the pool. His name was Brandon. He showed us around the pool area and got us settled (this is the first hotel pool I have been to that had reserved areas for resort pass!!!) That alone would have sold me on this location.

We settled in and ordered food and drinks and I got on the resort pass website and started booking multiple weekend pool days at this hotel.

At one point we were approached by Kristen who somehow figured out I had booked additional days and she thanked us with a drink.

The pool area was very well laid out with couches, chaises, comfy chairs, umbrellas, tables and a rotunda with tall tables and chairs where you could just enjoy the view. The drinks were amazing. The service was excellent!!

If I only had one word to describe this hotel pool experience it would be GENUINE . I have been in customer relations for so long that I can tell the difference in genuine customer service and I m just being nice because I have to service.

We are going back!! At least 4 more times :).. maybe more!!

Prettiest and professional very clean and accommodating

Great Location. Clean rooms and lobby. Friendly staff.

Charming and luxurious. They run a tight ship here.

Very nice hotel. Was there for both work and play. Great location nice on site bar.

Hotel is an older remodel but done super well and in a great location. However if you book this hotel be prepared to pay an additional $20 Guest Services fee and if you drive your own vehicle be prepared to also be raped at $49 per night for their valet, which they do not disclose until you get there. Furthermore for the additional amount that you spend they were also too cheap to put coffee machines in the rooms. They do however have Community Coffee downstairs. The benefit of that is you will be standing in line with everyone from Barefoot drunks from the night before, girls wearing pj shorts, to businessmen just to take your coffee back upstairs and enjoy it before your shower like a normal human on vacation. So you probably should just add an additional $70 on to whatever price you got this room for and be prepared to see the shitshow in the morning when you want coffee. For that ill rate it as 3 ....enjoy

Nice hotel. They have a pool, bar, and restaurant. No free breakfast, but they do have a happy hour 5-6.

What a great hotel! Great and helpful staff; beautifully clean rooms. You can't ask for more!

Found dirty clothes in the dresser from the past people who stayed which is really nasty in and of itself but during covid thats just horrible. Found bed bugs on the bed. When they transfered my room to another to make up for it i found more clothes and trash in the new room from the last people. I will never stay here again. Worst experince ive ever had and ive stayed in a $50 a night motel 6 and id go back there before ever spending another night in Solamar.

Such a cute hotel. So clean and well managed. I've stayed at a kimpton hotel before and we got the same awesome service as expected. The room was beautiful, stylish and comfy. We got the king room with a spa jacuzzi. The view was pretty nice and there were plenty of fresh towels each day. I just wish there was a coffee maker in the room. Also every night at 5-6 the hotel would have a social wine hour filled with lots of free wine and it was a good way to meet people. The pool is nice but a bit small and it's located outside where there is a lounge on the roof with a full bar and lots of seating.

Great hotel. Clean, cheap, and good location. Staff was friendly and helpful. Free beer and snacks from 5 to 6 every day is really nice. Coffee in the morning, but no breakfast.