Kimpton Karma rewards are classified as IHG loyalty program in early 2018. However, to the delight of Kimpton loyalists, Kimpton Inner Circle status persisted in IHG One Rewards Program.
Kimpton Inner Circle is a invitation only status offers perks at Kimpton hotels and restaurants. not like other IHG One Rewards Elite Status ranks, there are no published qualification requirements for Kimpton Inner Circle. And, unlike Intercontinental Ambassador member — other brand-specific status of IHG — you cannot purchase Kimpton Inner Circle status.
Here’s what you should know about Kimpton’s Inner Circle, including how to get an invite.
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How do you get Kimpton Inner Circle?
You must meet two criteria to receive an invitation to join Kimpton’s Inner Circle. You must first be an IHG One Awards Diamond Elite member. Second, you must demonstrate allegiance to Kimpton by meeting unpublished criteria.
Kimpton usually sends out new Inner Circle invitations every January. So, let’s take a closer look at the two stated criteria for Kimpton Inner Circle.
IHG Diamond Elite Status
To achieve IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status, you must complete 70 elite-eligibility nights or earn 120,000 elite-eligibility points during the calendar year. After achieving Diamond Elite status, you will maintain that status until the end of the next calendar year.
You can get IHG Platinum Elite status as a benefit of IHG® Rewards Premier credit card or IHG® Rewards Premium Business Credit Card. But if you want Diamond Elite status and a chance of getting an Inner Circle invite, owning a co-branded IHG credit card won’t provide elite qualifying points or nights. However, the Premium IHG Rewards And Top IHG Enterprise Award are great ways to win Platinum Elite perks and free Wednesday night bonus when redeeming IHG points while you work towards achieving Diamond Elite status.
Loyalty to Kimpton
IHG does not publish specific loyalty criteria for Kimpton Inner Circle. But, perhaps, the benchmark is based on how often you stay at Kimpton properties and how much you spend at Kimpton properties.
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Benefits of Kimpton Inner Circle
You must hold IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status to be eligible for an invitation to join Kimpton’s Inner Circle. So you’ll get Diamond Elite benefits at all IHG brands. And you’ll receive Diamond Elite and Inner Circle perks while staying at Kimpton properties.
Specifically, Kimpton Inner Circle members can expect the following additional perks at Kimpton properties.
Inner Circle Utilities
Kimpton will provide your favorite snacks and drinks with each stay as an in-room amenity. You can set your preferences in your online profile or by calling the Inner Circle VIP line.
Each hotel will do their best to provide snacks and beverages that meet your preferences, but you may not get exactly what you ask for during each stay.
chef taste
You can enjoy a complimentary chef’s taste while dining at participating Kimpton restaurants. The chef’s taste is usually a small appetizer or dessert.
You don’t have to stay with Kimpton to enjoy the chef’s taste while you dine, but you do need to let the restaurant staff know you’re an Inner Circle member.
New hotel free night
Inner Circle members receive a new hotel night certificate each calendar year. Members can use new free nights at select new Kimpton property in North America based on availability and at the hotel’s discretion. When you stay for a free night at the new hotel, you’ll book a deluxe room.
To use the free night, you must be an existing Inner Circle member with at least three qualifying stays at various Kimpton properties within the past 12 months. And note that while a free night at a new hotel covers the cost of the room, you still have to pay incidentals, taxes, and fees.
Related: 7 best hotel credit cards with free nights every year
One room upgrade guaranteed
Kimpton Inner Circle members are guaranteed a one-tier upgrade from the room type booked upon check-in at Kimpton hotels. When staying at Kimpton hotels that have all room types the same price, you’ll get rooms in a better location.
This benefit does not include an upgrade to a presidential suite, a dedicated suite, or a room with two or more bedrooms. Also, if you use the set upgrade earned through IHG’s Milestone Rewards Programyou will not be eligible for additional room upgrades upon check-in due to your Inner Circle status.
Related: IHG food and beverage rewards are now redeemable worldwide
Guaranteed early check-in and late check-out
You can check in starting at 10am on the day of arrival. If your room is not available soon, you can use another room until your room is ready – and you can reserve your room until 4pm on the day of departure.
Those set times mean you can count on having extra time in your room when you need it.
Free utility
You won’t need to pay guest amenities or destination fees when you stay at Kimpton properties, but you will still have to pay resort fee and surcharges.
When I reviewed several of Kimpton’s popular hotels, each advertised a guest amenity fee instead of a resort fee. For example, the Kimpton Sea Fire Resort There is a guest amenities fee of $80 plus tax per night. But while Hotel Kimpton La Peer There is a guest amenities fee of $35 plus tax per night, it also has a hotel employee protection ordinance surcharge plus $10 per night tax.
Related: Hotel resort fees are out of control and need to be stopped immediately
Premium Internet
When staying at Kimpton hotels, you will enjoy free internet access with the highest speed the hotel has to offer.
vip phone line
You will also have access to a VIP phone line that connects you to Inner Circle agents. These agents can assist with IHG reservations and answer questions about Diamond Elite and Inner Circle benefits. Even if you don’t call IHG often, these agents can improve the process when you need it.
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bottom line
Kimpton’s Inner Circle offers privileges only at Kimpton properties. However, unlike IHG’s other brand-specific elite status, Intercontinental Ambassador, you cannot purchase Kimpton Inner Circle. Instead, you must earn IHG Diamond Elite status and reach an unpublished loyalty threshold with Kimpton to receive an invite. With all the perks and benefits on offer, staying loyal to IHG (and Kimpton in particular) can be worth it.
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