Jan 11, 2018, 7:52 pm
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
A tradition of Kimpton is to have secret social passwords periodically during the year (note - this means there are periods when there isn't a password). Any guest mentioning the password at check-in will be given an amenity at the discretion of the hotel. This thread lists the current password and what members received.
Based on recent history, there is a winter password that starts around the US Thanksgiving Holiday in November through the end of February and a summer password that starts around the US Memorial Day Weekend in May and ends around the US Labor Day Holiday in September.
Current Password "Chalet All Day"
Valid Between 1 December 2023 and 29 February 2024
Official postings will come from Kimpton via social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (fka., Twitter).
Based on recent history, there is a winter password that starts around the US Thanksgiving Holiday in November through the end of February and a summer password that starts around the US Memorial Day Weekend in May and ends around the US Labor Day Holiday in September.
Current Password "Chalet All Day"
Valid Between 1 December 2023 and 29 February 2024
Official postings will come from Kimpton via social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (fka., Twitter).
The thread documenting what was offered in previous years may be found here - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/othe...rd-thread.html
Q. What happens if a property isn't aware of the secret password promotion?
A. If you have a mobile device, go to Kimpton's Facebook or Instagram feed, find their post announcing the secret password, and show it to the uninformed staff member. If needed, escalate to a supervisor. After the fact, send a note to IHG Customer Care or post a message via social media to Kimpton's attention.
Q. Is the promotion limited to IHG Rewards/IC Ambassador members only?
A. No, the promotion is open to any guest with a reservation at the hotel.
Q. Is the promotion good for award stays or is it only for paid stays?
A. The promotion is good for any stay, paid or award.
Q. What if I forget to mention the password when I check in?
A. You can always try and mention it at the front desk later during your stay and see if they will honor it. YMMV.
Q. What happens if a property isn't aware of the secret password promotion?
A. If you have a mobile device, go to Kimpton's Facebook or Instagram feed, find their post announcing the secret password, and show it to the uninformed staff member. If needed, escalate to a supervisor. After the fact, send a note to IHG Customer Care or post a message via social media to Kimpton's attention.
Q. Is the promotion limited to IHG Rewards/IC Ambassador members only?
A. No, the promotion is open to any guest with a reservation at the hotel.
Q. Is the promotion good for award stays or is it only for paid stays?
A. The promotion is good for any stay, paid or award.
Q. What if I forget to mention the password when I check in?
A. You can always try and mention it at the front desk later during your stay and see if they will honor it. YMMV.
Older Post
November 2017 to December 2018
The Kimpton Hotels Secret Password Experience Thread (2019 Onward)
Jun 6, 2022, 10:19 am
#288
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SIN and Medway, UK (so... LCY/LGW/BRU)
Programs: A3 *G, BA OWS, VS Gold, IHG Diamond Amb, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 749
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel (Manchester) - A box of clotted cream fudge. It's an either/or thing with something else (which I wasn't offered), but if I were to hazard a guess, it'll be the other flavour of fudge they have. Relatively big box for one - I'm not done eating with half and I'm two days in
Jun 6, 2022, 6:55 pm
#290
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,585
I've had 3 Kimpton stays in 2022 and they've all been very weak. No food in the hotel at all - any meal - and the most barebones wine reception in the evening, less than what you get at a typical Embassy Suites. Not quite Boones Farm but not far above it.
So I'm not surprised they've somewhat killed off the secret word too.
Two weeks ago I had a choice between a Kimpton and an HIX at approximately the same price and I chose the HIX for the better service and amenities.
So I'm not surprised they've somewhat killed off the secret word too.
Two weeks ago I had a choice between a Kimpton and an HIX at approximately the same price and I chose the HIX for the better service and amenities.
Jun 6, 2022, 7:59 pm
#291
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I've had wildly different experiences at various Kimpton's this year. I actually prefer that they are unique. I just learn to avoid the bad ones and reward the good ones. Kind of the same as InterContinental's and CP's, etc. Not to mention Marriott's, Hyatt's, etc.
Jun 7, 2022, 3:49 pm
#292
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,532
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Stayed during the Jubilee and mentioned the password.
Got a drinks voucher for ANY cocktail on the menu at Fitz bar for 2 persons.
Seems they were in the festive mood then or i just got lucky.....
Jun 8, 2022, 5:42 am
#293
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador
Posts: 349
I had a great experience this time as posted in the reviews thread.
Jun 9, 2022, 1:15 am
#295
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 1,470
Jun 9, 2022, 9:50 am
#296
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SIN/BNE
Posts: 816
On booking sites, nightly turn down service is listed as one of the amenitites. Have a stay there next week, let's see if they'll do better.
Jun 9, 2022, 2:31 pm
#297
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mostly EU & (SE)Asia
Programs: Various shiny cards at hotel chains and airlines
Posts: 1,042
I've had 3 Kimpton stays in 2022 and they've all been very weak. No food in the hotel at all - any meal - and the most barebones wine reception in the evening, less than what you get at a typical Embassy Suites. Not quite Boones Farm but not far above it.
So I'm not surprised they've somewhat killed off the secret word too.
Two weeks ago I had a choice between a Kimpton and an HIX at approximately the same price and I chose the HIX for the better service and amenities.
So I'm not surprised they've somewhat killed off the secret word too.
Two weeks ago I had a choice between a Kimpton and an HIX at approximately the same price and I chose the HIX for the better service and amenities.
Jun 9, 2022, 5:33 pm
#298
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
In the US, yes HIX or Staybridge suites are better than ICs. Rooms are anyway similar, breakfast has usually more options at HIX or Staybridge than at IC where you could just get egg or some not great pastries. At HIX or Staybridge usually there are some fruits, granola, yougurt etc options besides the egg and pastries. And Stabridges can be nice in the evenings as well.
And rooms are similar? I was upgraded to a 1500 sq foot, nicely equipped suite at the IC Boston last week. I've never seen anything like that at an HIX or Staybridge. Full standalone tub with a large walk in shower and his and hers sinks. Pray tell what HIX or Staybridge has that? And yes I have seen the entry level rooms at that IC and they too are far, far nicer than any HIX or Staybridge room.
I have not tried the Kimpton hotels in Thailand. But I have stayed at several in the US and they were all pretty good with decent service and exceptional elite treatment.
Jun 12, 2022, 4:25 am
#299
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: North of the Highland line
Programs: BA Gold IHG Ambassador Spire Shangri La Diamond
Posts: 706
What are you talking about? I'm laughing as I type this. Comparing an HIX to an IC? HIX serves dog food for breakfast. At least in the US they do. In Europe it would be illegal to feed that to humans. Nearly all IC's in the US and elsewhere have very, very nice breakfasts. With full menus. I will agree the IC Times Sq in New York has an awful breakfast, but none of the lesser IHG hotels in NYC have a good breakfast these days. And that IC does not own, nor manage the restaurant. The restaurants that IC manages are all quite nice.
And rooms are similar? I was upgraded to a 1500 sq foot, nicely equipped suite at the IC Boston last week. I've never seen anything like that at an HIX or Staybridge. Full standalone tub with a large walk in shower and his and hers sinks. Pray tell what HIX or Staybridge has that? And yes I have seen the entry level rooms at that IC and they too are far, far nicer than any HIX or Staybridge room.
I have not tried the Kimpton hotels in Thailand. But I have stayed at several in the US and they were all pretty good with decent service and exceptional elite treatment.
And rooms are similar? I was upgraded to a 1500 sq foot, nicely equipped suite at the IC Boston last week. I've never seen anything like that at an HIX or Staybridge. Full standalone tub with a large walk in shower and his and hers sinks. Pray tell what HIX or Staybridge has that? And yes I have seen the entry level rooms at that IC and they too are far, far nicer than any HIX or Staybridge room.
I have not tried the Kimpton hotels in Thailand. But I have stayed at several in the US and they were all pretty good with decent service and exceptional elite treatment.
The room may have been bigger but the functionality was smaller and the bathroom so dated. At least in HIEX I can walk into a clean shower.
Jun 12, 2022, 12:03 pm
#300
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I regret to say dog food would have been an excellent description of the included breakfast at the Intercontinental New Orleans last week complete with the “dog” begging for treats aka the omelette chef rattling his tip jar in your face before handing over the not well prepared eggs you asked for because the scrambled egg on the buffet was cold and inedible like everything else. (And the range of hot food in HIEX is more and their pastries/bread consists of a much wider choice).
The room may have been bigger but the functionality was smaller and the bathroom so dated. At least in HIEX I can walk into a clean shower.
The room may have been bigger but the functionality was smaller and the bathroom so dated. At least in HIEX I can walk into a clean shower.
So yes, for the handful of IC's around the world that did not come out of the pandemic well, maybe strike those off the list. But the vast majority are in the class that they belong.