I don't get what the brouhaha is all about with the addition of the Kimpton Hotels to the IHG program. Not what we are used to for hotel stays. Platinum Ambassador with IHG and dirt with Kimpton. Booked a Chase free night and a consecutive second for 60K IHG points for last weekend checking out yesterday Sunday (4/22). 2 adults with our 2 children in town to celebrate the Thai New Year at the nearby Thai Town (East Hollywood).
Positive:
- Room at their top floor (16th) with amazing views facing the Hollywood sign.
- Comped upgrade for the second night to their Argyle Suite on the 7th floor also facing the Hollywood sign.
- Roll-away provided for the stay at the suite and bedding for the 2nd child on the sofa without charges.
- Sparkling wine (Kenwood Yulupa Cuvée Brut), Bottle of Acqua Panna, 2 cookies, and 3 berries.
- 1 PM late checkout
- Wine hour 5-6 PM offering white, red, and rose wine. On the 2nd day, as soon as I approached the bar area, an elegant Asian lady approached me and explained the various wines included in the happy hour and she served me with a smile. Different experience (no consistency) on the first day - see below.
- Waived one day of parking charges $45.
- Excellent location with walking distance to the Metro, Pantages Theater, and short drive to many architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright and to Griffith Park.
Negative:
- Check in at FD, the agent did not explain or even offer the $10 "Raid the Bar" Platinum benefit. Were not offered or given bottled drinking water. When we requested late checkout during checkin, the FD said the best she could do is 1 PM and yet she did not notate the account. She also said to check with the FD on checkout day to get a later check out. When we requested again on the morning of checking out, they said 12:30 PM!!! They said they were sold out and yet they were still selling rooms online. Finally allowed a 1 PM checkout. I found the FD associates at the this property to be some of the least flexible hotel employees ever and I do 70-100 nights a year in hotels. Not well trained on the benefits of the IHG program.
- Rooms were basic and bare! No coffee machine (I enjoy instant coffee), supplies to make coffee, coffee cups or mugs, no microwave oven. Requested by email to management, never receive it. On Sunday morning again I requested some items including a coffee mug and it 45 minutes to deliver the items. They brought me a coffee mug but no teaspoon to stir my coffee. We travel with a well stocked cooler and had our instant coffee and creamer. Next time (if any) will bring our own spoon!
- Called Jean Q restaurant at least 10 times for dinner on Saturday nigh to no avail. Finally called the FD who put me on hold. I hanged up only to be called by the FD manager 15 minutes later. I told him I needed to order dinner from Jean Q and that they were not answering their phone. He said no problem and that he will have them reach out to me - this was around 8 PM. Past 9 PM, they did not call me. I went downstairs only to find the doors locked. Walked out to the Shake Shack and had a double cheeseburger with fries for ~ $12.
- Astronomical Jean Q and room service prices - example: 2 eggs any style for $18. Denny's All American you get 3 eggs, bacon, and hash for around $12. We are not cheap, we pay our way, and occasionally splurge, but there has to be a value and enjoyment and not just spend for the sake of spending.
- First day when I went to the bar for the wine hour, I requested a glass of Rose wine. My impression was that the bartender was grumpy and did not seem to be happy to serve me.
- Parking $45 per 24-hour period including tax with in-out privileges.
Would I go back? Sure, given that I know now what to expect and what to ask for upon checkin. More photos of this property can be found here: