A kitschy place that tries to make guests feel very Hollywood, this Kimpton hotel has as its theme: “Fifteen Minutes of Fame.” After guests “make an entrance” through sliding curtained doors, the playful staff greets you amid flashing neon squares and illuminated booths. The fame is more of the old-school type, with a retro hallway and an elevator decked out with hot pink lights and padded snakeskin walls.
The hotel club, Helix Lounge, is central to the theme, with upbeat music and a ceiling of colored lights strung over the patio. In summer, there are Doggy Happy Hours on the patio—all Kimpton hotels are pet-friendly. And they aren’t kidding about allowing all pets—they once hosted a group of penguins.
Guest rooms adhere to the theme, with vibrant prints and sheer curtain dividers separating the bed area from the rest of the room. Suites are apartment-like in size with big bathrooms; standard rooms are also quite spacious, with large windows. King rooms have a nice touch: a three-panel, full-length mirror whose side panels swing out to give guests a 180-degree view.
The theme is played up down to the last detail: when you call Hotel Helix, you’ll be greeted by an Austin Powers recording on the other end.
Insider tip: As with all Kimptons, guests can mark their preferences online with Kimpton InTouch, and get free personal add-ons—such as Oreo cookies—waiting in their room. Sign up with Kimpton InTouch and also get free wi-fi, free breakfasts, and free Nightly Bubbly Hour of champagne.
Room amenities: 37-inch flat-screen television, in-room spa treatments available, Nintendo, iHome, honor bar, bathrobes, daily newspaper delivery, in-room coffee maker upon request, pet amenities such as food/water bowls and treats
Other amenities: 24-hour fitness center with televisions and CD players, laundry service, valet service, 24-hour concierge, 24-hour business center, 2,240 square feet of event space, free champagne at the Nightly Bubbly Hour.
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