Kimpton Solamar Hotel

I am usually a fan of Kimpton or former Kimpton in this case. It has lost all the charm of Kimpton and is badly in need of a makeover. Connecting rooms - Don’t book. Walls and door are thin. You can enjoy your neighbors tv, music and weed. I moved rooms to find the WiFi not working. I was a opposed to be there a week checked out after one night. I called in advance and asked about EV charging. Was told they had a charger - nope it’s a wall plug in the garage and that It was included to with nightly valet. That is not an EV charger. I pick hotels because they have chargers. While the staff was trying they admitted “new management” since Kjmpton has a lower standard. Add on all the Covid restrictions not worth booking here and more. Rooms and hallways are tired dark and need a lift. Spend you me money elsewhere. Read less

It was our 15 year anniversary. I had a romantic weekend planned to celebrate with my wife. I chose the Spa Corner King room for the Oversized Fuji soaking tub. I was also sent a early checkin offer by email earlier in the week, and got that too. I needed it to surprise my wife with a set up room with rose pedals and chilled champagne waiting for her when we arrived. I arrived at the hotel alone at 1pm. I checked in with one of the highlights of the hotel. Kelsey, she was wonderful. Her customer service was 1 of the saving graces from this review getting 2 stars. The 1st issue was the room wasnt ready. So I was not able to set up the room. She informed me I wouldn't be charged for the early checkin fee. She would text me when the room was ready. I understood, she didnt have anything to do with it being ready, so no worries. Even tho it hampered my plan to set up the room. This is a important detail that would later cause the 3 star review. She would begin putting the room on my card. We had to split the room on 2 credit cards. One for the room and another 200 dollar hold for any incidentuals. I had no problem with that. Matter of fact Kelsey made sure that the cards went through and that everything was go to go. I asked since the room wasnt ready could they hold and chill my 2 bags of rose pedals, my alcohol and Champagne. She said sure. She told me she would text me when the room was ready and that Colby would be covering for her when she leaves. I get the text and return to get my room card. I meet Colby who was also great. He would be the unfortunate individual who would later be there when things went wrong. I checked in and he asked if I would like to have all my things sent to the room. I said no initially, but ended up texting him to send it up. So we carry on with our night and head off to dinner. We have amazing dinner downtown. Once we were finished we came back to our room to continue our romantic night. We get to the room and our keycard doesnt work. We try both our cards and nothing. So my wife tells me to go downstairs and fix it, and she'd wait there. I agree and head down. This is where the problems begin. I head down stairs and see Colby. I tell him that my key card doesnt work. He apologized and said that the manager wanted to speak to me. So then a young woman, who I only assumed was the manager came out. I never got her name or Id have definately used it here. She tells me that she needs my card for the room. This is where I was confused. I asked her if she was sure, because Kelsey had made sure that it had gone through. She tried to tell me that that it didnt go through. That she just authorized it. I said Noooo. It went through. Kelsey and I both saw it went through. She tried to say again that it hadnt. I was feeling really patronized at this point. But I figured okay ill just swipe my credit cards again and hurry back to my wife. I swiped the same card in. DECLINED. What? We try it again. DECLINED. So I ask again. Are you sure it didnt go through. Why would the card be declined if it didnt go through. Then she has the audacity to ask do you have any other card i could use? I told her yes but its my checking card and that money was for the night out I had planned. She just looked at me. I was livid at this point. I told her I dont want to use my checking card. But it looks like I dont have a choice here do I. So I swipe that and my other credit card again. As Im doing this Im embaressed cause people are behind me listening to this whole conversation. I just wanted out there and continue my night with my wife. I figured i would check tommorrow and see if I was wrong. No need to leave my wife waiting any longer and try to save the rest of the night. We wake up go out for brunch and i decided to look at my bank statement. And just like I thought, the card did go through. I held my anger in as to not ruin the mood. I was upset because now I $1200 on hold for the room. We got ready to go to our dinner reservation. I went downstairs to get this fixed. I saw Colby and explained the situation. I told him I was not mad at him. He was great, he did nothing wrong. I was upset at the condecending manager. He apologized again. And brought out the manager. I explained the situation again. I did not appreciate the treatment I got and the inconvenience that this brought. I had money I plan to use that night and now I dont for a ERROR THEY CAUSED! They stated that the money would be returned. I responded with yes in 3 WORKING DAYS. ITS SATURDAY NIGHT! ILL SEE IT ON WEDNESDAY EARLIEST! I DONT NEED IT THEN I NEED IT NOW! She responded with ill take off the upgrade for the room for the error. I was like What upgrade? I booked that room. It wasnt a upgrade. At this pointI was running late for my dinner reservations. So i said we'll talk about this later! My wife was present during all this and even said we can just go home. I said no I will not let them ruin our anniversary. We had dinner and came back to the room. I did not want deal with this anymore that night. Finally check out time and Kelsey is there. I give her the run down on what happend. She is so understanding and apologetic. I tell her Im upset at the manager and not at her or Colby. She recalls everything I said and remembers everything going through. She gets the manager. And he listened, i asked him, If it was your 15 year anniversary how would you feel. Especially when it wasnt your fault it was the hotels? He handle my grievance it in a professional manner. The 3 stars go to Kelsey, Colby and the Manager who's name I think starts with a K. The -2 stars for that manager and the bed in the room. The bed was the worst. Please replace the bed in room 435 A.S.A.P. PSA- Remember that when money gets taken out of a credit card incorrectly it doesnt not automatically go back. It normally is on hold for 3 working days unless the bank gets involved. Read less

I love the Solamar!!! Liza checks up on you to make sure that you have everything you need! Every stay is absolutely amazing and The staff is lovely and attentive. This Gorgeous, glamorous and adorable boutique hotel is so very well Decorated - extremely beautiful and fancy. Great stations on TV, EVEN bicycles for rent!!!! (and when Covid isn’t happening even more amenities)! There is a gorgeous rooftop (4th floor roof- but ROOFTOPPPP!!!) pool With a bar and stuff! They were so quick to help with anything that I needed I forgot to bring and most importantly of all...my sweet dog is even welcome!!!!!! This place couldn’t be better. I especially love their glam mod rooms with mega bathtubs as I really enjoy (and can always use) a good soak! Both of the rooms that I know have large spas are always made available to me and my requests for robes and A coffee maker were already there by the time I arrived!!! Absolutely everything has been lovely since I arrived with all of the very nice boutique selection of treats behind the front desk, a lovely check-in, attentive hotel workers and absolutely gorgeous rooms!! I haven’t so I am in the pool myself but it looks so lush!!! The parking is a little expensive but totally worth it and understandable since were in the gaslamp district and they’re even nice enough to give a discount for hybrid cars! I will definitely be back again! Read less