"Kimpton Hotels’ first foray into Philadelphia breathed fresh life into a 1929 tower that once housed the American Institute of Architects. The art deco building was transformed into the hip, LEED Gold-certified Hotel Palomar in 2009, setting the standard for Center City eco-style. The slender, 25-story tower’s long art deco lines set it apart, and its restored three-story, gold-and-black granite facade makes for a glamorous arrival. Inside, the building was stripped to the steel frame and infused with flair and modern function. The dramatic stepped ceiling in the lobby leads to a mod living room complete with roaring hearth and Day-Glo portraits and busts of the nation’s Founding Fathers against stark white walls with recycled glass overlay. Preserved art deco elements wink at the Palomar’s origins, including crown molding in the penthouse ballroom, the gloriously restored 25th-floor AIA library, etched elevator doors, and the lobby’s dark tile mosaic walls. Guest rooms and suites—all pet friendly—start at a generous 260 square feet and add a subtle art deco vibe with chrome, geometric prints, cubist coffee tables, and velvet couches. Light purple hues dominate bathrooms softened by white granite vanities and recycled-glass tile."
