Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles Beverly Hills

The Palomar has all the cool and quirky style that Kimpton is known for. The lobby resembles a hip co-working space with clusters of modular seating and chairs around a gorgeous circular fireplace. There's a slightly private lounge area in the back, which is quieter. Double Take Restaurant is located just off the lobby, and is also the location of the evening wine and cheese receptions, plus free morning coffee. Citrus-infused water is on offer throughout the day. Whimsical art is dotted all over the hotel, look for the enormous painting of Alfred Hitchcock on the walk to the outdoor pool. There, the scene is certainly set with a plant wall, reflective mirrors, and hanging chairs -- but the pool itself is narrow and shallow. Along with tourists and business travelers, expect to see dogs. The Kimpton allows pets for free.  

Located in Westwood, an area in west L.A. best known as the home of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the Hotel Palomar sits on a quiet strip of Wilshire Boulevard lined by luxury high-rise condos (thus referred to as the "Golden Mile"). It's neither in the most picturesque nor happening neighborhood (short of premieres at the many vintage movie theaters and a popular In-N-Out Burger, there's little here in the way of destination bars, restaurants, or nightlife). Most guests book at Hotel Palomar because it's within a three-minute drive of the massive UCLA campus.- Three blocks from UCLA, the Hammer Museum, and Westwood Village (the little village around UCLA)

• Three blocks from Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery where Marilyn Monroe, Truman Capote, Burt Lancaster, and other stars are buried
• 10 minutes to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, an enclave of wealthy living and luxury shopping on L.A.'s westside
• 15-minute drive to Getty Center, L.A.'s largest art/cultural institution
• 20-minute drive to Santa Monica, a beach town rich with shops, restaurants, and a touristy pier
• 30-minute drive to Venice Beach, with its skateboarders, surfers, and hip restaurants
• 20 minutes to touristy Hollywood Boulevard and the celebrity footprints on the Walk of Fame at Grauman's Chinese Theatre
• 30 minutes to Universal Studios Hollywood
• 40-minute drive to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

With a design (supposedly) inspired by L.A.'s movie industry, Hotel Palomar's rooms have a slight industrial look, but are mostly contemporary. Each is decorated with black graphic-print carpet and white walls, plus a metal-like painting behind the beds. A long black couch tucked under the large windows adds a place to relax and watch the 42-inch flat-screen TV. Tech feature include a handy outlet carousel built into the desk and there's Wi-FI. The closet holds robes, an iron, ironing board, yoga mat, and safe. There's also a refrigerated minibar with local snacks and drinks. There are three types of rooms: the 350-square-foot Deluxe Room with a king or two double beds; a 650-square-foot King Spa Suite with a separate sitting area, an oversize bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower; and the 750-square-foot Presidential Suite, also with a separate living room area and deluxe bathroom. 

Hotel Palomar offers some excellent features, but there is a daily amenities fee that many find unfair. It covers morning coffee and evening wine and cheese receptions, plus other extras like pool towels and a small business center. Wi-Fi is free for members of the loyalty program, which is free to join. Outside, there's a small but chic swimming pool with a fire pit and sun loungers. Double Take Restaurant is open for all three meals, with waiter service. In the morning, there's a small grab-and-go counter area for guests on the run. Cocktails can be had here from the afternoon to evenings. Valet is charged per night, which is common in Los Angeles. For pet owners, there is no fee or deposit required to bring furry friends. Bowls, beds, and treats are also available free of charge.