Briony C.
Yelp
My recent business trip brought me here, and while I was excited to stay at a Kimpton property known for its unique perks, this experience was far from what I expected from the brand.
I called ahead to request an early check-in, fully understanding that it's not guaranteed. However, I was told I'd be notified if my room wouldn't be ready, which was strange. When I arrived, not only was my room not ready, but they couldn't even give me an estimated time. When I asked if it would at least be ready by standard check-in, they replied, "I don't know."
When I inquired about what makes this Kimpton special--given that many Kimpton properties offer activities like mixology or salsa classes--the response was, "We're very traditional and old-school." When pressed to elaborate, they couldn't explain what that meant. Later, I discovered they do offer happy hour for guests and activities like yoga on the beach, but none of this was communicated properly upon arrival.
The rooms are art deco-inspired, which I believe was their way of describing "traditional." While charming, the experience was far from luxurious:
* The windows aren't tinted, allowing anyone outside to see directly into the room--a privacy concern for a hotel on a busy street.
* The thermostat on the wall worked, but the older window unit was incredibly loud, making it hard to sleep.
* While the room included a refrigerator, there was no microwave on the property, which was a major inconvenience when I wanted to reheat food.
The Activities
* Happy Hour: Guests receive one free glass of wine, and the pour is generous, which I appreciated. However, the instructions were misleading. I was told they only offered one red and one white option, but in reality, they had several great wines, including Malbec and Pinot Noir--favorites of mine. Clearer communication would have made this a much better experience.
* Yoga on the Beach: While the yoga class itself was wonderful, the logistics were a mess. I was told I didn't need to sign up and just had to show up five minutes before class for a ride to the beach. However, the next morning, I was asked if I had signed up, then addressed like there would be no rode for me-- later finding out this was unnecessary confusion. The driver finally took me to the beach, but when the class was over, I called for a ride back only to be told, "We only drop you off; we don't pick you up." It turns out the beach was just a six-minute walk from the hotel--something they could have told me upfront. It was a beautiful easy walk that I work have done from the first place.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
1. Double-Check Everything: Whether it's check-in, activities, or happy hour, clarify the details multiple times to avoid miscommunication.
2. Plan for Privacy: If you value privacy, request a room not facing the street (the lighting in the room isn't the best so natural light is your best bet).
3. Walk to the Beach: Skip the confusion and walk to the yoga class--it's close, scenic, and saves time.
4. Enjoy Happy Hour: Don't let the unclear instructions deter you. Their wine selection is worth exploring.