Kimpton Alma

San Diego, California

Star 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 (276)
  • Very good (54)
  • Average (27)
  • Poor (11)
  • Terrible (10)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Personality count !

Feb 1, 2025 Hiromi K Beverly Hills, California

Such a sweet and smart service by Monette. She is so flexible, with a beautiful manner, patient, and escorted me to the front desk when I wanted to see the hotel rooms. The front desk staff was also easy to communicate with and introduced me to the manager, who was able to show me the rooms. The room was spacious, and the hotel was coolly… Read more
Such a sweet and smart service by Monette. She is so flexible, with a beautiful manner, patient, and escorted me to the front desk when I wanted to see the hotel rooms. The front desk staff was also easy to communicate with and introduced me to the manager, who was able to show me the rooms. The room was spacious, and the hotel was coolly designed. I am sure I can bring entertainment groups here. Thank you, Monette, for making my San Diego trip so delightful. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Customer service

Jan 31, 2025 Horacio R

Rooms was nice service was nice Ericka was nicer! I appreciate the professionalism displayed and customer service by her. I’ve expressed my pleasure towards her in person but I wanted to make it official and post this on the review boards..
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great views and even better staff

Jan 27, 2025 Gregory R

This is probably my new favorite Marriott in down town San Diego. I’ve stayed here twice now and each time the front desk was able to honor my Bonvoy status benefits and was super professional. I very much loved each of the rooms. They also made sure I understood the destination fee and the credit assoaciacted with it. Which was great because the… Read more
This is probably my new favorite Marriott in down town San Diego. I’ve stayed here twice now and each time the front desk was able to honor my Bonvoy status benefits and was super professional. I very much loved each of the rooms. They also made sure I understood the destination fee and the credit assoaciacted with it. Which was great because the food at the cafe actually tasted good (I tried every entree, swordfish is TOP). The cafe staff was superb and easy to talk to, specially Valerie and Monette who gave me the impression of having breakfast or dinner with friends who talk about what to get in accordance with the mood of the day. Meals taste better with service like this. The valet staff was also supper friendly as well, whether you tipped them or not. It was an all around great experience, keep it up Alma. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best Cappuccinos and Service

Jan 18, 2025 Jacqueline P

Valarie from management is always in attending to guests needs and makes the BEST cappuccinos! Loved the rooms. Cleanliness is obviously a top priority for them. Don’t have any complaints over my stay at this hotel. Recommend if you’re looking for a good place to stay in sunny San Diego!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Balcony Views on the 11th Floor

Jan 15, 2025 Explorer28437092746 Chicago, Illinois

I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The balcony on the 11th floor was the highlight—spacious with an incredible view that’s perfect for relaxing or enjoying a coffee in the morning. Paula at check-in was super kind and made the process easy, answering all my questions. Brandon at check-out was also very friendly and explained the bill clearly.… Read more
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The balcony on the 11th floor was the highlight—spacious with an incredible view that’s perfect for relaxing or enjoying a coffee in the morning. Paula at check-in was super kind and made the process easy, answering all my questions. Brandon at check-out was also very friendly and explained the bill clearly. If you’re looking for a great view and a nice place to unwind, definitely ask for a room with a balcony on the 11th floor! Read less