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Travel Green – The Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar

Not only is the new Kimpton hotel in Los Angeles exceptionally stylish, but it’s also very eco-chic from the in-room recycling to the locally and organic sourced ingredients at the restaurant.

Immediately upon arriving, I was greeted by lovely hotel staff serving complimentary local organic wines at the Kimpton’s standard happy hour in the very comfortable lobby.

Kimpton hotels recently received the California Environmental Protection Agency’s highest ecological honor, the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, which is given to businesses that focus on preserving the state’s resources.

Kimpton Hotels’ EarthCare program, implemented at all of the company’s properties,makes a concerted effort to preserve water, energy, land and air without sacrificing service, style or comfort. Hotel Palomar shows that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury and comfort for sustainability.

Going beyond, energy efficient light bulbs and water conserving showerheads, the Palomar offers:

  • Organic and all-natural options in the mini-bar
  • In-room recycling bins
  • Is a 100% non-smoking hotel (kudos to them for this!)
  • Has all of its conference rooms on sensors so that if no one is using the room, the thermostat automatically adjusts

Blvd 16 at the Palomar

Not only that, but the dining experience at the hotel’s adjacent restaurant is enough of a reason for the trip. The design does a great job of creating an open, spacious feeling without losing intimacy. There are plenty of nooks to duck into for a romantic dinner as well as large tables ideal for business meetings conducted with inspired (and inspiring?) cocktails and delicious food.

Executive Chef Simon Dolinky’s menu is comprised of an impressive array of fresh, in-season and locally grown produce, naturally raised meats and sustainable seafood that takes it’s cue from the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch’s sustainable seafood guidelines.

In addition to the Earth Care program, the Palomar is one of the shining gems of the Kimpton portfolio for it’s other amenities, including the fully decked workout room, the relaxing pool space, gorgeous views of Los Angeles and perhaps most importantly, their pet-friendly policy. The Palomar even has it’s own pet ambassador to greet other 4-leggeds checking in.

I have to admit, before getting to check out the Palomar in Los Angeles’ centrally located Westwood neighborhood, I was a little skeptical about the company’s green practices, but at this location, it really is a labor of love. With Labor Day approaching, now may be the time to check out other Kimpton properties to see if they all live up to the earth-friendly mantra the Palomar puts on display.

Perfect for a weekend getaway or staycation, the “grand opening” room rates are affordable at $245 a night right now.

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Written by Courtney Carlisle Bolton

When she isn't writing or in the library, this tech savvy ecophile can usually be found glued to her mobile or macbook ogling the latest gadgets, scouting the newest designs, traveling or out enjoying the Colorado terrain.

Courtney holds two masters degrees in Psychology and Communications and received her BA from Vanderbilt University in Psychology and English. She recently relocated from Los Angeles to Denver, CO where she is pursuing her PhD in Family and Child Psychology.

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