We all have different needs when it comes to hotels, so it sounds like what you need isn't necessarily what's offered under the current Kimpton brand standards.
It's also important to note the positioning of each flag, irrespective of price (or roughly corresponding) reward category, which is often dictated more by location than amenities. Kimpton competes more in the upper-upscale segment, like Renaissance and Le Meridien, not in the luxury or near luxury segment.
Well, at least to me (versus wife & kids), I don't approach these issues emotionally but pragmatically to see what best works for us at the best price/rate level. And, hence, I never say never again. Here, I am just trying to understand why the huge excitement, I was not by any measure impressed by this property. The rooms are your run of the mill on the smallish size (even the suite) and the same with the bathrooms. At night, if one goes to the restroom and open the sliding industrial door, the sliding sound would wake everyone else up. Ok, for amenity, the hotel does not participate in the Ambassador program. For IHG Platinum, they have a $10 "Raid the Bar" credit and I had to ask for it. Some positive factors about this property:
- Excellent location - But if you are an elite SPG member, the W Hotel would offer a better location. Lower cash rates but also lower redemption value at the W (my valuation out-of-pocket points value $350 vs. $500 at the W). Never stayed at a W and don't know what they offer their elites.
- Awesome views of the Hollywood Hills, the sign, Griffith Observatory.
- Management (Erik and Connie) was very accommodating but the staff were a meh on the most part.
- The spaces at their lobby floor were nice.
That's it folks, and this is the best Kimpton in the LA area??? We did not try the $40 steak at JaneQ and I presume it should be good
The Capital Records building as seen from the lobby floor.