I think you're both correct. Separate program but based on points (that are IHG points rather than Kimpton points)
Email today from Mike DeFrino, the Kimpton CEO
...keeping Kimpton Karma as unique as it is and also giving you the ability to tap into the rich IHG Rewards Club perks...
***
...Beyond Kimpton Karma remaining as a unique IHG Rewards Club program extension... If you're wondering what else is staying the same and what is changing, I can tell you that we're changing in numbers and adding some really exciting new cities to our portfolio...
So IHG will have three separate programs
1. Ambassador/Royal Ambassador for Intercontinental hotels
2. Tiers 1-4 for for Kimpton hotels
3. Levels up to PLT for the rest of IHG (where the only benefit for me so far has been Crowne Plaza lounge access in Europe)
Thoughts? As I noted above, I think IHG points will be used in all 3 programs (almost stated that way in the CEO's email) but each program will keep its own set of status bennies. RAs still get to raid the minibar, ICs still get an amenity and PLTs still get (?), but all will be earning and burning IHG points. I expect that at some point in the future, probably later this year or starting maybe Jan 1, 2016, Kimpton will no longer be on the 7 stay=1 award night plan and we'll be earning something close to what was in the survey re points. One alternative could be to merge IC and RA allowing a sharing of bennies across the higher end chains along with merging Tiers 1-3 into the IHG levels. RA qualification ups the # of nights needed from 40 (IC) to 60 (RA) for top tier.
OT: I was in PHL at the Palomar this week and chatted up a manager. I asked where I should stay in the IHG world of hotels to maintain status for '16. He didn't have an answer -- albeit very apologetic that he couldn't provide an answer (as an aside, a mostly great staff and a rec'd Kimpton if you are in PHL).
Cheers
Entire CEO email:
Dear thegrailer,
Where has the time gone? It's June already and it feels like just yesterday we announced our acquisition by IHG. We have been steadily working with our new family at IHG to identify ways to bring the best of both worlds together. We remain firmly committed to our guests and to continuing to innovate for you. We are excited by the many growth opportunities ahead of us and also remain focused on maintaining our unique Kimpton DNA as we grow with IHG. Throughout this process, we have explored every part of our business with loyalty being a top focus. We think we have a pretty compelling opportunity with the IHG Rewards Club and continue to explore how to best bring these two programs together – keeping Kimpton Karma as unique as it is and also giving you the ability to tap into the rich IHG Rewards Club perks.
And, as always, we're listening. We've begun conducting surveys and focus groups to gather your feedback and learn more about what you want (or don't want!). As you can imagine, it will take time to build and implement, but your insight is imperative. Over the course of the next year you should start to see some of your feedback put into action as we roll out loyalty enhancements in phases. We will certainly keep you updated on our progress, but please be assured; we have good things in store!
Beyond Kimpton Karma remaining as a unique IHG Rewards Club program extension, I'm also happy to share that Kimpton as a whole will remain as it is and, in fact, our home office is staying put right here in our home town of San Francisco. IHG recognizes that the Bay Area is a great source of inspiration for us, allowing us to be on the cutting edge and continue to innovate around your guest experience. If you're wondering what else is staying the same and what is changing, I can tell you that we're changing in numbers and adding some really exciting new cities to our portfolio, like Austin, Winston-Salem, Nashville, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Palm Springs and Grand Cayman and have a really healthy pipeline of new hotels.
It's an exciting time in Kimpton's history, but we would be nowhere without our loyal guests and members. You all helped us build Kimpton to the special brand we all love working for and you enjoy staying with. Thank you so much for your continued loyalty!
Best,
Mike DeFrino, CEO
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
I received the survey as well and the one positive thing is that it looks like they ARE contemplating keeping Kimpton Karma (or at least some aspects) as a separate rewards program. There was much speculation before that we would all just be rolled into IHG Rewards. The only thing that's given me some hope all these months is that Intercontinental has its own program for recognition (though not for earning and redemption).
Originally Posted by
l'etoile
I was drawing the opposite conclusion given that testing out the number of points to be earned per dollar spent on rooms looks like something that will plug into the IHG program.
The other stuff - wine, coffee - has nothing to do with a rewards program and were red herrings. They are brand identifiers. I don't recall the survey asking about suite upgrades, late checkout, IC amenity - the things that do tend to go more with Kimpton Karma tiers. (And I didn't complete the survey, but those things weren't mentioned in what I did of it.)