Hotel Review: The Kimpton Pittman Hotel
The Kimpton Pittman Hotel was designed by African-American architect William Sidney Pittman and opened its doors in 1916 as The Knights of Pythias Temple. It holds a historical significance as it was the first commercial building built by and for African Americans in Dallas at that time. After a series of ownership and renovation, IHG rebranded the building into a boutique Kimpton property. Intrigued by its historical significance and due to the Kimpton brand’s dog-friendly nature, I visited the hotel with my wife and our dog, Laisy. Our staycation was a joyful experience for the family, and here is my review of the Kimpton Pittman Hotel:
The Laisy-approved Kimpton Pittman Hotel is located at 2551 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226.
Location
The Kimpton Pittman Hotel is located in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of downtown Dallas—the neighborhood known for its live music, art galleries, and trendy dining scene. The Pittman Hotel offers easy access to downtown attractions. Within a short distance, visitors can reach popular destinations like the American Airlines Center and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Lobby & Chek-In Review
The Deep Ellum district is known for its bustling atmosphere. As expected, parking in this area can be quite expensive. The Pittman Hotel charges $50 for an overnight valet service, but fortunately, there was an adjacent commercial parking garage available for a more affordable rate of $25 per night.
The Kimpton Pittman Hotel used to be the Pythian Temple and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although the cheaper option did not provide in-and-out privileges, it was conveniently situated just a short walk away from the hotel, making it a logical choice for us to park there. The lobby exuded the essence of a modern boutique hotel, with its stylish interior design.
The lobby radiated the contemporary charm of a boutique hotel, showcasing stylish interior design that captivated the senses.
Utilizing the high ceilings to their advantage, the lobby featured elegant tall chandeliers and contemporary art pieces, collectively creating an ambiance that was perfect for social gatherings and inspiring a sense of grandeur.
The hotel expertly leveraged its lofted ceilings and expansive windows to flood the lobby with abundant natural light.
Speaking of social gatherings, as a Kimpton-affiliated hotel, the Pittman Hotel treats guests to complimentary wine hours every day from 5 PM to 6 PM. My wife and I had the pleasure of indulging in both red and white wine during our stay, which made for delightful pre-dinner beverages.
Happy hour at Kimpton Hotels offers a delightful opportunity to enjoy in complimentary wine, and the Kimpton Pittman Hotel was no exception.
The Pittman Hotel also offered the complimentary service of renting scooters for kids and bicycles. While I wasn't fully acquainted with the surrounding area, it would be an exciting opportunity for families to explore nearby parks and enjoy a leisurely ride around the hotel.
Scooters and bicycles were excellent amenities for families, providing a fantastic way to discover the local neighborhoods.
Upon exploring the inviting lobby, I proceeded to the front desk for check-in, where a friendly receptionist welcomed me with a warm smile.
My check-in process was smooth, and upon recognizing my Platinum status, the hotel graciously offered me an upgrade.
He took the time to provide a comprehensive overview of all the hotel amenities, including the daily wine hours and the location of the outdoor pool. To our pleasant surprise, he also graciously upgraded our room to a spacious one-bedroom suite.
The Kimpton Pittman Hotel provided a charming service where guests could send a postcard to anyone in the US, with the postage fully covered by the hotel.
After grabbing my card keys, we went up to the third floor, where our suite was located.
Living Room Review
Upon entering the suite, I was greeted by a spacious and well-lit living area. Adorned with large, contemporary pop art pieces, the living room beautifully showcased its impressive 12-foot high ceiling.
The suite featured a dedicated living area with an impressive 12-foot high ceiling, adding a sense of grandeur to the space.
The industrial interior design theme was subtly conveyed through the exposed concrete walls and ceiling, while the oversized artwork evoked a sense of modern pop funk aesthetics. Moreover, there was a dedicated dining space with four chairs, which I ended up utilizing as a remote workspace.
Oversized artwork infused the suite with vibrant colors and dynamic energy.
At the table, I noticed that the hotel graciously presented us with a bottle of champagne, sweets, and a thoughtful card penned by the general manager to enhance our arrival experience. He acquainted us with the hotel's captivating history and extended a warm welcome, and I genuinely appreciated the hotel’s generous acknowledgment of my loyalty to the brand.
With this heartfelt gesture, I knew that my stay at the Pittman Hotel would undoubtedly be an extraordinary experience.
For a hotel of its size, the minibar was impressively well-stocked. The countertop featured an elegant smoked mirror and atmospheric lighting, creating a sophisticated ambiance. It offered a decent variety of premium spirits, along with a Nespresso machine complete with a generous supply of espresso pods.
The minibar boasted a generous selection of snacks and beverages, including a variety of alcoholic options, while Nespresso capsules were replenished daily.
Within the minibar cabinet, a mini fridge stood, brimming with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, all available at reasonable prices that didn't break the bank.
The mini fridge operated properly and contained a wide array of beverage options to cater to various preferences.
The living space was sleek and minimalistic, featuring a lengthy couch with a blend of velvet and leather upholstery. A massive coffee table took center stage, while a wall-mounted TV equipped with Chromecast capabilities broadened in-room entertainment options for guests. The understated arrangement harmonized seamlessly with the interior of the living area, avoiding any potential clutter that could arise from an abundance of smaller furnishings.
The spacious living area was ideal for entertaining a large group, with an abundance of seating options available to accommodate everyone comfortably.
The absence of small decorative items in our suite at the Pittman Hotel proved to be ideal for our furry companion. As a Kimpton hotel, the Pittman Hotel has an exceptionally pet-friendly atmosphere, with no weight restrictions and a warm embrace extended to all breeds.
True to its Kimpton heritage, the Pittman Hotel welcomes pets with open arms and supplied a water bowl and a cozy bed for Laisy
Our beloved Laisy weighs over 105 pounds, and we were delighted to discover that the hotel had already provided dedicated food and water bowls, as well as a cozy doggy bed for her before we even arrived. Although she didn’t fit the bed due to her size, her sheer joy at having her own bed was unmistakable.
While the dog bed may have been a tad snug for Laisy, she was a happy camper!
Additionally, the suite's generous dimensions afforded ample room for Laisy, ensuring that she had plenty of space to roam and relax. In general, the combination of a modern pop-funk aesthetic reminiscent of the 80s and 90s blended seamlessly with the semi-industrial interior design of the living room. Personally, I appreciated the hotel's choice to incorporate larger furniture pieces instead of cluttering the space with smaller items, as it amplified a sense of openness and prevented any potential feeling of congestion.
Bedroom Review
Continuing the industrial interior design theme found in the living room, the bedroom also featured exposed concrete columns and a ceiling. The area around the bed was carpeted, while the cozy hardwood flooring complemented the neutral-toned furniture throughout the space. A king-sized bed took center stage, accompanied by an abstract, monochromatic artwork decorating the wall above the headboard.
A king-sized bed commanded attention as the focal point, complemented by an abstract, monochromatic artwork adorning the wall above the headboard.
Though the mattress provided comfort, it did have a slight springiness to it. On each side of the bed, there were roomy nightstands with faux marble details. A bottle of Aqua Panna, priced at $10, was placed on each nightstand, though it was not complimentary. The nightstands conveniently had outlets and USB ports on the side, which worked reliably.
Spacious nightstands were situated on either side of the bed, but the bottle of Aqua Panna was not free.
Across from the bed, there stood a dresser with gold accents. Furthermore, another TV with Chromecast capability was wall-mounted within a wooden frame.
The exposed concrete elements contributed to an industrial ambiance, lending a raw and edgy feel to the bedroom.
The bedroom had identical floor-to-ceiling windows to those found in the living room, providing a view of the N Good Latimer expressway. Unfortunately, the view itself was not particularly exciting. Besides, the proximity of the hotel to the nearby Deep Ellum light rail station and the busy four-way intersection meant that even with decent noise cancellation, I could still hear a moderate amount of noise from passing cars and the light rail.
Regrettably, due to the proximity of the light rail just outside the hotel, I was regularly subjected to a moderate level of noise.
Though the light rail operated at intervals of approximately 20 minutes, even as a light sleeper, it didn't bother me too much. Thankfully, the blackout curtains effectively blocked out any incoming light at night. Apart from the minor noise from the outside, I thoroughly enjoyed the snug yet trendy atmosphere of the bedroom. The lofty ceilings generated an airy feel, while the blend of industrial accents seamlessly integrated with the suite's overall ambiance.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was attached to the bedroom, and a sturdy sliding door with a farm-style design stood between them. Although the door did not have a locking mechanism, its weightiness provided a sense of security. Inside the bathroom was a single-sink vanity featuring a sleek black marble top.
The bathroom featured a chic matte black-and-white color palette, evoking a modern and stylish ambiance.
The bathroom employed a stylish matte black-and-white color scheme and included a separate water closet with an opaque glass door. While the door also lacked a locking mechanism, it ensured visual privacy.
While the water closet lacked a locking mechanism, its opaque glass materials made the space private.
The soaking tub stood out as my favorite part of the bathroom. Positioned on a raised platform, alongside a walk-in shower, it wasn't practical to utilize both simultaneously. However, the depth of the soaking tub was impressive, and because the overflow drain was positioned at the very top of the tub, the tub provided an immersive bathing experience. In addition, the tub featured a convenient handheld shower attachment, making it effortless to clean before and after each use.
The bathing experience was immersive, thanks to the deep soaking tub that invited relaxation and rejuvenation.
The walk-in shower boasted both a standard showerhead and a convenient handheld option. The elevated placement of the standard showerhead delivered invigorating showers with strong water pressure. However, due to the partial glass barrier, it was inevitable that some water would splatter onto the surrounding floor. The hotel provided communal bottles of Atelier Bloem toiletries, while also offering scented bath salts infused with eucalyptus and mandarin orange.
While the body wash from Atelier Bloem offered an inviting citrusy scent, the hair products provided a woody aroma.
All in all, I relished the visual appeal of the bathroom, with its sleek monochromatic design that radiated a sense of modernity and sophistication. The inclusion of the standalone tub added a touch of luxury, offering a personal spa experience whenever I desired.
Gym & Pool Review
The gym, conveniently located on the lobby level just behind the elevators, was open 24/7. Like the rest of the hotel's interior design, it featured modern light fixtures and made excellent use of its tall ceiling. Despite its limited square footage, the gym felt spacious and not at all cramped.
The gym seamlessly continued the modern interior design synonymous with the aesthetic of the lobby.
A row of cardio machines was positioned in front of mirrored walls, and one corner of the fitness center hosted two Peloton bikes and an all-in-one strength machine. Interestingly, a TV was mounted at an unusually high position, and the viewing angle wasn’t all that ideal.
The gym featured a considerable amount of open space, suggesting potential for the hotel to expand its equipment offerings and optimize the available area further.
When it came to free weights, the gym only offered a basic set of dumbbells alongside an adjustable bench.
The gym's weight lifting options were somewhat limited, with only dumbbells available as free weights.
Luckily, there was a significant amount of open space in the center of the gym. While the hotel could have provided more equipment, this spacious area allowed guests to engage in full-body workouts or participate in group exercises. To further enhance the experience, it would have been beneficial to have a TV where people could access self-guided workout lessons; for example, the hotel could include a smart fitness mirror similar to what W Osaka has implemented.
The gym's incorporation of various materials, particularly the use of wood, added a nice contrast to the aesthetics.
The outdoor pool could be accessed either from the rear of the gym or through the lobby. If you approach it from the gym side, you will pass by a cozy fireplace, perfect for late-night group hangouts.
The outdoor fireplace served as a cozy gathering spot for groups during the evening.
The pool was open from 10 AM to 10 PM and welcomed non-hotel guests as long as they purchased day passes for access. The water in the pool was pleasantly warm, and the ambient lighting and beautiful tile design added to its appeal.
The outdoor swimming pool, gently heated for added comfort, was the the standout amenity of the hotel.
The lounge seats by the poolside were available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the two cabanas required reservations.
For larger groups, cabanas were available although reservations were required for their use.
The pool was situated relatively close to street level, but the hotel had thoughtfully installed bushes and a fence between the pool and the street to create a sense of privacy. Nonetheless, even with these measures, I couldn't completely escape the noise from the lively crowd on Elm Street. I revisited the pool at night, and that’s when I encountered a big issue—crowd control. It wasn't necessarily the number of people present, but rather the behavior of certain individuals. Some guests left multiple wine glasses on the pool floor, and some completely disregarded the hotel's policy by smoking cigarettes while lounging in the pool. It was unfortunate to observe that some people couldn't behave responsibly without constant supervision, which meant the hotel could no longer rely on the guests’ good conduct.
Some guests were observed smoking cigarettes or bringing glassware to the pool area, and unfortunately, there was a lack of supervision from the hotel staff.
Despite the presence of some inconsiderate guests, I genuinely enjoyed the pool itself. It was spacious enough to accommodate many people, and the water temperature was just right. I would be excited to give it another chance when I return to the Pittman Hotel in the future.
Breakfast Review—Elm & Good
Elm & Good, situated on the lower level of the hotel, offered breakfast from 7 AM to 10 AM. The dining area was one big open space with high ceilings and stylish furniture.
Elm & Good was located on the lower level and served contemporary American cuisine
Despite the potential for additional tables, I didn’t mind the setup as it provided a decent level of privacy. The restaurant also featured spacious rooms suitable for hosting group dinners, adorned with contemporary fixtures and accents that perfectly embodied the Kimpton brand.
The interior of the restaurant exuded character, and I particularly appreciated its casual ambiance.
After checking in with the receptionist, I was promptly seated and made use of the breakfast voucher provided to me at the front desk. Not only did it cover both me and my wife, but it also included one entrée from the menu along with a non-alcoholic beverage. What made it even better was that there were no restrictions on the price, allowing us to choose whichever entrée we truly wanted.
My breakfast voucher included one non-alcoholic beverage and one entrée from the menu.
I opted for a cup of black coffee to start my morning, accompanied by Wagyu Breakfast Hash. The Wagyu bits in the hash were tender, and the potato hash had a subtle hint of heat. The poached eggs on top were flawlessly cooked, and I savored every bite as the runny egg yolk enveloped the hash.
The potato hash was well-seasoned, and the poached eggs were perfectly cooked.
My wife, on the other hand, chose Stuffed French Toast, which was generously portioned. Although it was quite sweet, the banana cream cheese filling added a savory element that balanced out the flavors.
The banana cream cheese filling balanced the sweetness of the French Toast.
The staff went above and beyond with their exceptional service, and I highly recommend visiting Elm & Good, especially if you're an IHG Diamond Elite member.
Positives & Negative
Positives
The suite seamlessly blended industrial interior design elements with modern aesthetics, creating a charming boutique atmosphere. I particularly loved the presence of music-related art throughout the living room, which paid tribute to the vibrant Deep Ellum neighborhood. With its lofty ceilings and a deep soaking tub, the suite served as a spacious and inviting retreat for our entire family to enjoy.
True to the reputation of the Kimpton brand, the Pittman Hotel proved to be an exceptional choice for dog owners. The hotel went above and beyond by offering a range of pet amenities such as leashes, pet beds, and feeding mats. What sets Kimpton apart is their remarkable pet policy, which includes no restrictions on size or weight, no limit on the number of pets allowed, and absolutely no cleaning fees or deposits. As a pet owner, it's incredibly rare to find such generous perks in boutique hotels, making the Pittman Hotel a standout choice.
Despite the unfortunate behavior of a few thoughtless guests, I really enjoyed using the outdoor swimming pool. The water was mildly heated, offering a comfortable and refreshing experience. The surrounding lounge chairs provided the perfect spot for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Negatives
The hotel itself offered excellent accommodations for pets. Nevertheless, it did not have a dedicated dog park on-site or nearby. There were small areas of grass surrounding the hotel where dogs could take care of their business, but I wish there was a nearby dog park for guests seeking a more spacious and designated area for their four-legged companions to play in.
Summary
Located in the lively Deep Ellum neighborhood of downtown Dallas, the Kimpton Pittman Hotel offered a boutique experience that was perfect for our stay. Bringing along our furry friend Laisy, the all-inclusive dog-friendly amenities provided by the Kimpton brand played a major role in our decision to choose the Pittman Hotel. Our spacious suite featured a dedicated dining area in the living room and a luxurious soaking tub in the bathroom, ensuring our comfort throughout our stay. The hotel also offered fantastic on-site amenities, including the renowned daily wine happy hour that Kimpton hotels are famous for, as well as an outdoor heated swimming pool that I thoroughly enjoyed throughout my time there. For those seeking a pet-friendly hotel with boutique amenities in the heart of downtown Dallas, I highly recommend the Kimpton Pittman Hotel.
