Editor’s note: This is a regular post, updated regularly with new information.
Kimpton Karma Rewards was folded into the IHG loyalty program in early 2018. But, to the delight of Kimpton loyalists, Kimpton Inner Circle status remains within the IHG One Rewards program.
The Kimpton Inner Circle is an invitation-only status that offers benefits at Kimpton hotels and restaurants. Unlike other IHG elite categories, there are no published requirements for the Kimpton Inner Circle. Also, unlike an InterContinental Ambassador membership, you can’t buy Kimpton Inner Circle status.
Here’s what you need to know about Kimpton Inner Circle membership, including how to get an invite.
How to find the Kimpton Inner Circle
You must meet two requirements to receive an invitation to Kimpton’s Inner Circle. First, you must be an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member. Second, you must demonstrate loyalty to Kimpton by meeting unpublished criteria.
Now, let’s look at these two Kimpton Inner Circle requirements.
IHG Diamond Elite status
To earn IHG Diamond Elite status, you’ll typically need to complete 70 exclusive nights or earn 120,000 qualifying points within a calendar year. Once you’ve earned Diamond Elite status, you’ll keep it until the end of the next calendar year.
Card members of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card automatically receive Platinum Elite status as long as they remain card members. However, these card members can secure Diamond Elite status through the end of the following calendar year if they make a total of $40,000 or more with one of these IHG Premier cards during the calendar year.
Loyalty to Kimpton
IHG does not publish specific loyalty criteria for the Kimpton Inner Circle. However, I think eligibility is based on how often you stay at Kimpton properties and how much you spend at Kimpton properties.
Related: Top Kimpton hotels around the world, according to IHG Diamond members
Kimpton Inner Circle benefits
You must hold IHG Diamond Elite status to be eligible for an invitation to Kimpton’s Inner Circle. So, you’ll get Diamond Elite benefits at all IHG brands, and you’ll get Diamond Elite and Inner Circle benefits when you stay at Kimpton properties.
Specifically, Kimpton Inner Circle members can expect the following additional benefits at Kimpton hotels.
Inner Circle Service
During each stay, Kimpton will provide a complimentary drink and beverage 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 you with snacks and drinks that meet your preferences, but you may not always get what you ask for during your stay.
The chef’s taste
When you have dinner at Kimpton restaurants, you can enjoy the taste of a wonderful chef. A chef’s tasting is usually a small appetizer or dessert.
You don’t need to stay with Kimpton to enjoy the chef’s flavors while you dine, but you do need to let the restaurant staff know that you’re an Inner Circle member.
Free Kimpton Inner Circle night
Inner Circle members receive a new free hotel night certificate each calendar year if they have stayed at three or more different Kimpton properties in the past 12 months. Members can redeem a new free night at select Kimpton properties in North America based on availability and availability. However, even though the new free hotel night covers the cost of the room, you will still need to pay for incidentals, taxes and fees.
1 stage room upgrade guaranteed
Kimpton Inner Circle members are guaranteed a one-level upgrade above the room type booked upon check-in at Kimpton hotels. If you stay at Kimpton properties that price all room types the same, you’ll get a room in a better location.
This benefit does not include upgrades to presidential suites, special suites or suites with two or more bedrooms. Additionally, if you use suite upgrades earned through the IHG Milestone Rewards program, you will not be eligible for additional room upgrades upon check-in due to your Inner Circle status.
Related: How to earn and redeem IHG food and beverage rewards
Guaranteed early check-in and late check-out
You can check in from 10am on your arrival day. If your room is not available in advance, you can use another room until yours is ready. You can also reserve your room until 4pm on your departure day.
Assistance payments have been waived
When you stay at a Kimpton property, you won’t need to pay for guest services or resort fees, but you’ll still need to pay for travel and incidentals.
This may seem like a convenient loophole, but when I looked at several popular Kimpton hotels, each property advertised guest services fees instead of resort fees.
Premium Internet
When you stay at a Kimpton hotel, you’ll get free high-speed internet for that area.
VIP phone line
You’ll also get access to a VIP phone line that connects you with 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 make the process easier if you need to.
Related: IHG’s best beach hotels, ranging from family-friendly resorts to luxury resorts
Bottom line
Kimpton Inner Circle membership only provides benefits at Kimpton properties. But, unlike the InterContinental Ambassador (another exclusive product status in the IHG program), you can’t buy the Kimpton Inner Circle. Instead, you must earn Diamond Elite status and reach unpublished loyalty limits through Kimpton to receive an invite. However, with all the perks and benefits on offer, loyalty to IHG (and Kimpton, in particular) can be valuable.
Related reading:
- A scary place but a dirty room: A review of the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City
- Very nice but nothing special: My stay at the Kimpton Gray in Chicago
- 5 things you’ll love (and 2 things you might not) about Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
- Amazing view even on the lake in the heart of Paris: Kimpton St Honore Paris review
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Review: When Can I Check In Again?
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