Kimpton Karma Rewards became part of the IHG loyalty program in early 2018, but don't worry—Kimpton Inner Circle is still accessible through the IHG One Rewards program, which is great news for devoted Kimpton enthusiasts.
Kimpton Inner Circle is an exclusive status offered at Kimpton hotels and restaurants. Unlike other elite status tiers in the IHG One Rewards program, the specific requirements for Kimpton Inner Circle are not publicly disclosed. Additionally, unlike the InterContinental Ambassador membership, you cannot purchase Kimpton Inner Circle status.
Here's all the information you need about Kimpton's Inner Circle, including details on how to secure an invitation.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Experienced Users
80,000 Points
How to Become a Kimpton Inner Circle Member
To receive an invitation to Kimpton's Inner Circle, you must meet two criteria. First, you need to be an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member. Second, you must demonstrate loyalty to Kimpton by fulfilling undisclosed criteria. Kimpton usually sends out new Inner Circle invitations in January. Let's delve into the two specified criteria for Kimpton Inner Circle.
IHG Diamond Elite Status
To achieve IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status, you must either accumulate 70 elite-qualifying nights or earn 120,000 elite-qualifying points within a calendar year. Once you attain Diamond Elite status, it will be maintained until the end of the following calendar year.
You can obtain IHG Platinum Elite status by using the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card. However, holding a co-branded IHG credit card does not earn you elite-qualifying points or nights for Diamond Elite status or an Inner Circle invite. Nevertheless, the IHG One Rewards Premier and IHG One Rewards Premier Business cards offer benefits such as Platinum Elite perks and fourth-night free rewards as you progress towards Diamond Elite status by redeeming IHG points.
Loyalty to Kimpton
The specific loyalty criteria for Kimpton Inner Circle are not disclosed by IHG. However, it is likely that qualification is based on the frequency of stays and the amount spent at Kimpton properties.
Benefits of Kimpton Inner Circle
To be eligible for an invitation to Kimpton's Inner Circle, individuals must hold IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status. This status grants you Diamond Elite benefits across all IHG brands, as well as Diamond Elite and Inner Circle perks specifically when staying at Kimpton properties.
Inner Circle Amenity
Kimpton provides a complimentary snack and drinks as an in-room amenity for each stay. You can customize your preferences through your online profile or by contacting the Inner Circle VIP line. While every hotel will strive to accommodate your snack and beverage preferences, it may not always be possible to fulfill your exact request during every stay.
Chef's Taste
When dining at participating Kimpton restaurants, Inner Circle members are treated to a complimentary chef's taste, which is usually a small appetizer or dessert. It is essential to inform the restaurant staff that you are an Inner Circle member to enjoy this perk, whether or not you are staying at a Kimpton property.
New Hotel Free Night
Inner Circle members receive an annual complimentary hotel night certificate, which can be used at select Kimpton properties in North America, subject to availability and the property's discretion. When redeeming the certificate, a deluxe category room will be booked for you.
To utilize the complimentary night, you must be a current member of the Inner Circle program and have stayed at least three times at different Kimpton properties within the past year. Additionally, please note that while the free night covers the room expense, incidental charges, taxes, and fees are the responsibility of the guest.
Waived Amenity Fees
At Kimpton properties, guests are exempt from paying guest amenity or destination fees. However, resort fees and surcharges still apply. It's worth mentioning that each Kimpton hotel may promote guest amenity fees rather than resort fees. For instance, the Kimpton Seafire Resort imposes an $80-plus-tax guest amenity fee per night, while the Kimpton La Peer Hotel charges a $35-plus-tax guest amenity fee along with a $10-plus-tax hotel worker protection ordinance surcharge per night. The growing concern over increasing hotel resort fees and the need for regulation is noteworthy.
Premium Internet
Guests at Kimpton Hotels enjoy complimentary internet access at the highest available speed offered by the property.
VIP Phone Line
By utilizing the VIP phone line, you can connect with Inner Circle agents who are dedicated to assisting with IHG reservations and providing information about Diamond Elite and Inner Circle benefits. These agents can enhance your experience, even if you don't frequently contact IHG.
In conclusion, the perks of Kimpton's Inner Circle are exclusive to Kimpton properties. Unlike the InterContinental Ambassador program, you cannot buy your way into Kimpton Inner Circle. Instead, you need to earn IHG Diamond Elite status and meet undisclosed loyalty thresholds with Kimpton to receive an invitation. Demonstrating loyalty to IHG, especially Kimpton, can be highly rewarding due to the various perks and benefits on offer.
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