Kimpton Alma

I stayed at the Kimpton Alma this past week for a conference. For a 7-day stay, I'd say it has it's major ups and downs. The rooms are beautiful! I was upgraded to an amazing 1 King corner Skyline Suite with two balconies for the first 5 nights, and an ADA-King for the 6th night. The suite had a great little work station and comfy living area. The windows weren't sound proof from Gaslamp happenings (people screaming on 5th at 4am, loud roof vents, light-rail buzzing), and the air conditioning vent in my suite's bedroom was especially noisy. The suite also surprisingly did not have an iron/ironing board or steamer (unlike my coworkers' and the ADA room), but it was quick and easy to request. I only wish the suite had a tub... there was a double shower instead and a single sink with zero counter space. The ADA King room was small yet charming, though awkward to shower with the folded seat and lacking in towel racks. The hotel is located a couple blocks outside the most pedestrian active area of the Gaslamp, and those two blocks are rough to walk alone at night. Lots of group drug activity just outside the hotel. Luckily the valet is present outside at all hours, so you don't need to fumble in your bag outside alone to find a room key for access. The service had it's ups and downs, with the majority of the front desk staff being very attentive, upbeat, and friendly. I received a text from Travione upon checking into my second room to make sure all was okay, and a handwritten note from Shania, the sales manager. However, there were a few encounters with one front desk individual who was professional, yet unfriendly and fairly cold. My coworkers had mentioned similar interactions with that individual. Another front desk attendee was also dismissive when I asked about scheduling room service for my 6th and final morning at the hotel before an early drive. I thought most hotels offered this service? The food and drinks from the pool and downstairs cafe were delicious and better than expected. Loved the poolside cocktails and flatbreads. The 5pm wine hour is dope, but beware that on Monday and Tuesday there are zero food options between 11:00am and 5:00pm. All restaurants are closed and room service is inactive. I asked at the front desk if they had any snacks (there was nothing in the rooms), and they recommended a nearby corner store or CVS. I have stayed at both the Andaz and Moxy in the Gaslamp this year, and both have small lobby markets for 24hr bites. I travel often for work and would consider staying at the Kimpton Alma again, but would also check if other hotels (of the same caliber) located directly in the active Gaslamp area were available. Beautiful hotel and rooms, but the outside atmosphere left me feeling a bit uneasy, especially when walking with a large bag and laptop. And I say this as someone who grew up within a mile of Downtown LA and has walked their fair share of dark streets. Read less

This is a clean hotel with nice and kind staff. It is located at the Gas lamp quarter, with many restaurants and clubs. This means that it is in the middle of very busy nightlife, and therefore, it is not a quiet area. A grocery store and pharmacy is conveniently located across the street. This hotel is quite pricey, in my opinion. It cost 340 US dollars per night, including taxes. The beds are comfortable, while they are quite small. I think the beds were double size or even smaller than that, so it felt quite crowded. The swimming pool is very small and the water were cloudy. Further cleanup of the swimming pool is needed. Also, the swimming pool is located right where the hotel bar is with music. This means there is no privacy when swimming. The big advantage is the location, which is right in downtown, and a very nice staff. They are always willing to help, however, if you call from your room and ask for towels or water bottles, it may take a while to get it, as they are very busy and understaffed. Also, this is the first hotel that I had encountered with no coffee maker or a kettle for tea. However, 2 bottles of water are supplied at no extra cost, per day. Overall, I would say this is an average and overpriced hotel. Read less

Robby at the front desk was fantastic! Tre who was in the fine dinning area providing the complimentary wine was also fantastic. The hostess in fine dinning - I didn’t care for but Robby and Tre and the bartender near check in made up for the hostess. My room was nice but the view sucked. hotel is in a very good location close to restaurants other places that can easily be walked to for your own please. I will say there are a lot of homeless people in the area. That was a huge surprise!! The hotel does not control that but it is not a pretty sight to see every day. Other than that I do recommend that hotel. Oh and the pool was on the roof. It also had a bar up on the took. Again, I do recommend. Read less