Kimpton Alma

San Diego, California

Virgin rating

The hotel

We love the chill out spaces at this chic hotel. Firstly there’s the Palomar’s lobby living room where you’ll find the evening drinks reception and morning hot drinks. You should also try the soulful Mexican street food at Curadero, the hotel’s flagship restaurant — the cocktails are good here too. At the outdoor rooftop pool and lounge there’s more cocktails, plus a pool menu and great views of downtown. Talking of downtown, if you want to stroll out, you’re near the shop and restaurants of the Victorian Gaslamp District and an easy walk to the waterfront.

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Valet parking

Where is it

Near the Gaslamp district, a hub of dining, drinking and entertainment spots, and within a walk of the Financial District. It is also surrounded by theatres, galleries, museums, and live music venues, and is 2 blocks from Westfield Horton Plaza, a 5 tier open-air shopping mall.

Hotel information

211 rooms. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, WiFi*, alarm clock, honour bar* (with gourmet and organic treats, restocked on request), glass rainforest shower, yoga mat, hairdryer, iron and board and bathrobes. Fridges* and microwaves on request*. Deluxe Rooms have 1 queen-size or 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Deluxe Rooms with Two Double Beds have large windows, and 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Premier Rooms with One King Bed have 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Skyline View Rooms with One Queen or King Bed are on floors 16-20, and have large windows, partial San Diego or pool deck view, and 1 queen-size or 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Skyline Corner Studio Balcony Rooms with King Bed have a corner location giving wider views of San Diego, a balcony, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Curadero (vibrant Mexican street food and cocktails, daily breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour). Level Four Pool Deck and Lounge (summertime bar serving light bites, cocktails, and music). Arriba Room (hang-out lounge above Curadero, with vintage arcade games, foosball and pool tables) Evening wine hour. Morning coffee and tea service. Heated rooftop infinity pool. 24-hour fitness centre. In-room spa services*. Kimpton-bespoke bikes (first come, first served). WiFi*. ‘Forgot It? We’ve Got It’ service (essential travel items, from chargers to straighteners). 24-hour room service*. Concierge service. Laundry/dry cleaning service*. Valet parking $53 plus tax per night (payable locally, subject to change. Discounts for hybrid cars).

This hotel has a resort fee of $30 plus tax per room, per day (payable locally, subject to change)

Resort fee includes: - Hotel Bird Scooter access + $5 credit per stay - $10 daily food & beverage credit to be used in The Café or The Desmond restaurant - Two aluminum bottled waters (recyclable & reusable) in your room upon arrival - PressReader Access - Upgraded Wi-Fi speed throughout the hotel’s guest rooms and public spaces for up to 5 devices (Normally a $14.99 charge) - Business printing services & package handling (please see the Do You Offer Business Printing Services & Package Handling FAQ for more details). Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.  

*Denotes local charge

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (91)
  • Very good (17)
  • Average (10)
  • Poor (3)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great staycation!

Dec 6, 2023 Stephanie M

Front desk staff was incredible helpful and polite. Room was beautiful and clean. Close to restaurants and bars. Loved the balcony view! Went down to the bar for a drink, and the bartender was delightful.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Sumptuous menu and exquisite service.

Dec 2, 2023 kataagesen Los Angeles, California

I was at the Kimpton Alma all week on business. Almost every night I dined alone at Desmond, the restaurant in the hotel. The menu is fire. The lobster bucatini is so good I could have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner every single day. My server/bartender Adrian was prompt, personable, and professional. Adrian knows how to make a solo diner from… Read more
I was at the Kimpton Alma all week on business. Almost every night I dined alone at Desmond, the restaurant in the hotel. The menu is fire. The lobster bucatini is so good I could have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner every single day. My server/bartender Adrian was prompt, personable, and professional. Adrian knows how to make a solo diner from out of town feel immediately welcomed and familiar. Extra points for remembering my exact cocktail order 3 nights in a row! Will def be staying here every time I come to SD. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 5 stars all around

Nov 29, 2023 Michael h

I traveled for business back in October and I have been meaning to write a review for such a lovely hotel. I travel 200+ days of the year and have stayed at hundreds of hotels across the world. Kimpton Alma has been one of my favorites by far. From check-in with Noah who was extremely professional and friendly, to the pool, breakfast, wine happy… Read more
I traveled for business back in October and I have been meaning to write a review for such a lovely hotel. I travel 200+ days of the year and have stayed at hundreds of hotels across the world. Kimpton Alma has been one of my favorites by far. From check-in with Noah who was extremely professional and friendly, to the pool, breakfast, wine happy hour... everything was great. It was clean and up to date with a cool funky touch to it. Will forever stay here when I visit San Diego. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful experience during our first stay at a Kimpton property!

Nov 28, 2023 Greg V

Wonderful first stay at a Kimpton property. The location was very close to Balboa Park and the San Diego Trolley. As a Platinum Elite Member, I greatly appreciated the upgrade provided to us! Thanks for helping us create lasting memories!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great experience.

Nov 27, 2023 Ricardo O

Great experience at the hotel. From the valet, to the front desk, and the restaurant staff, service was exceptional. Everyone was friendly and professional, room was great and there were no issues whatsoever.