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Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel: Traveler Reviews

4.0 of 5
435 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (Downtown)
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Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
Ranked #16 of 271 hotels in San Diego
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1,039 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    563
    326
    80
    48
    22
See reviews for
Families
118
 
Couples
425
 
Solo
74
 
Business
258
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Canmore, Canada
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“Perfect Location, Great Service, Groovy Room”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 13, 2012

All the little details at the Solamar are fantastic. The rooms were lovely, well put together and I loved all the designy touches -- including the leopard print robs! The lobby was very comfortable to sit in and the coffee/tea/hot chocolate bar with fun toppings was a great surprise. They even stored our fish that we caught from our trip. Awesome location downtown and the staff was really friendly and helpful -- they even accommodated our super-early check-in. I'd definitely go back.

Room Tip: Our room on the top floor was a bit noisy due to ventilation fan... but if you don't mind white...
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  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask LESBourgeoises about Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert_Hannigan, General Manager at Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
December 19, 2012
Dear Les Bourgeoisis,

Thanks, you don't hear the word Groovy enough! We were thrilled to host both you and your fish. Have a wonderful holiday and we hope to see you soon.

Robert
General Manager
Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Newbury Park, California
1 review
“Hotel Solamar's staff was wonderful”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 13, 2012

We had a quick trip to SD for Daughter's Art Exhibit & staff was very attentive & concerned about us enjoying our stay. Location was fantastic & able to walk to great restaurants & clubs. Enjoyed our breakfast at the hotel restaurant & morning swim in heated pool before our long drive home. Would like to return when weather is better to enjoy rooftop pool & amenities more.

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Sally E about Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert_Hannigan, General Manager at Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
December 19, 2012
Dear Sally E,

Glad you made it! It must have been a great family weekend. Congratulations to your daughter on her show and we hope you make it back this spring.

Robert
General Manager
Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
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Simi Valley, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
10 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“decent hotel, great location, but parking is an issue....”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 12, 2012

the location of this hotel is great! right in the downtown San Diego, many bars and restaurant are within walk distance. The hotel entrance is not that easy to spot as the other hotels. It was even difficult to find a spot to park and to check in. they do not offer any parking for their guest, only VALET parking ($40 for over-night guest) I think this is a bit over-charge. I understand its in downtown and parking always not free, but $40 for your over-night guest? Anyway, we ended up parking at a parking structure for $17 for over night.
On top of that, the valet guy told me that we could pull our car in and check in first and then we can decide if we want to park here over-night or not. HOWEVER, when we come down to the main lobby to pick up our car, they already registered our car as "parked". On the next morning when we check out, we have to deal all that "NO, I didnt park here last night, so please remove that valet parking fee" hassle. Took us another 20 minutes at the lobby when we check out. On the positive side, the staffs were really helpful and friendly. (made my morning easier)

Beside the parking issue, the room is great and the bed is comfortable. We had a pool view room (too bad that I didnt bring my swimsuit) The noise level is minimum. I liked how they use big bottles for their shampoo/body wash/ conditioner instead of the little ones. its more eco-friendly. :) The room is clean and comfy. they offer a long list of "Forgot to bring it? We have it all...." They got almost everything on that list! From iron curler to stain remover... :) (big plus!!)

Overall...
Plus: friendly staff, great location, nice and comfy bed, great coffee in the morning
Negative: over-charge parking fee, NO internet (unless you join their royal program), dysfunction sink,

Room Tip: Pool view is not bad!!! :) ENjoy the coffee/tea in the morning! Unless you want to pay $40 to pa...
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  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Polka H about Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert_Hannigan, General Manager at Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
December 12, 2012
Dear PolkaH,

Thanks for reaching out with feedback on your experience with us. It's always great to hear comments about the warmth and personality of our team. They're the biggest driver of our success, so we're thrilled when our guests acknowledge their hard work. I also appreciate the comments about parking. First of all, my apologies about the incorrect billing on your parking. While I'm happy the team was able to sort it out I did want to apologize for the frustration. Regarding our fees, we do want to make sure we're in the range of other hotels that offer a similar service, so we do regular rate surveys. We are in line with other hotels that offer valet parking in a secured garage. As you noted there's other options and we'll always be sure to make sure you're aware of them to assist with your stay. Next time we'll just make sure to not inadvertently charge you if you do later move the car! Thanks again for your feedback and I hope we can welcome you back soon.

Robert
General Manager
Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
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Portland, Oregon
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Very Nice”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 11, 2012 via mobile

I'm a big fan of Kimpton hotels. This was very good but not the absolute best one I've stayed in.

-The room was spacious and modern
-Really nice bathroom with some counter space
-No cotton swabs in bathroom
-No coffee maker in room - coffee was available around 5:45 in the lobby
-Early breakfast options are very limited for room service. Before 6:30 AM there are just a few cold entrees available such as cereal. The yogurt with fruit and housemade granola was very good, though.
-Very friendly front desk and valet staff

Overall would stay again.

  • Stayed December 2012
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask FancyBirthday about Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert_Hannigan, General Manager at Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
December 12, 2012
Dear FancyBirthday,

Appreciate the comments! I know there's so many great Kimptons to choose from so I'm grateful for the feedback on how we can work to be your favorite. Regarding the cotton swabs and coffee makers, we certainly have those as part of our 'Forgot It, We Got It' program. Simply call and we'll run them up! Thanks again and we hope to welcome you back soon, we'll have the coffee ready!

Robert
General Manager
Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
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Silver Spring, Maryland
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Great stay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 9, 2012

Stayed at Solamar for 5 days on business. Loved the location, the friendly staff, the morning coffee, tea, hot chocolate and evening wine and snacks. The only negative was pool heating mechanism was broken during the visit so I could not use the pool :(

Room Tip: If you don't like dogs (which are permitted), choose a floor that is "canine-free"
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  • Stayed December 2012, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask terpfamily about Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert_Hannigan, General Manager at Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
December 10, 2012
Dear TerpFamily,

Thanks for joining us this past week. We're very happy you had a chance to join us for our afternoon wine hour and in the morning for our famous hot chocolate. I did want to apologize for the challenges regarding the pool. Our heater died and it took our vendor a couple of days extra to get a replacement shipped in. It's now working properly, so it'll be ready to go for your next visit!

Thanks again, and Fear the Turtle!

Robert
General Manager
Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel
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Additional Information about Hotel Solamar - a Kimpton Hotel

Also Known As:
Kimpton San Diego
Hotel Solamar
Hotel Solamar San Diego
Address: 435 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > San Diego > Downtown , Gaslamp
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center Fitness Center Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#5 Luxury Hotels in San Diego
#6 Business Hotels in San Diego
#17 Romantic Hotels in San Diego
#31 Family Hotels in San Diego
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
At the apex of cosmopolitan downtown San Diego, the boutique Hotel Solamar lounges between the exciting Gaslamp Quarter, trendy East Village and stunning San Diego Convention Center. These vibrant neighborhoods complement the luxury hotel’s coastal cool décor and personable service. Home to the sassy rooftop LOUNGEsix and adjacent Jsix restaurant, Hotel Solamar is also moments from PETCO Ballpark, San Diego Bay, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo and miles of beaches. ... more   less 
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