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Report Card: Kimpton Inner Circle Welcome Amenity
Mar 9, 2015, 9:49 pm
#136
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 396
Hotel Tomo SF
complete whiff
Upgrade -- nothing
Amenity -- nothing
Raid the mini bar even? Nope. No mini bar at this hotel.
The Goodland, Goleta (IC new property free night)
Upgrade -- nothing. Could hear adjoining neighbors as if in same room.
Amenity -- hit -- Voss bottled waters, Honest Ades, popcorn and other snacks
Prescott SF
Upgrade -- hit? Suite with sofa bed, long walk from check in
Amenity -- hit -- cut fruit, gourmet popcorn, personalized note
Harbor Court SF
Upgrade -- big whiff. tiny room
Amenity -- whiff. nothing. cookies and milk in the evening in addition to wine hour helped. took an extra item from the mini bar, which was grudgingly allowed when calling to check out
Solamar San Diego
Upgrade -- hit? Small but had sofa. Nice room that didn't seem like an upgrade.
Amenity -- hit -- Cut fruit plate, chocolate covered stawberries, bottled waters, personalized note.
Monaco Philadelphia
Upgrade -- miss -- very nice but not an upgrade.
Amenity -- big hit -- Can't remember the specifics but remember it went above and beyond. Best one so far
complete whiff
Upgrade -- nothing
Amenity -- nothing
Raid the mini bar even? Nope. No mini bar at this hotel.
The Goodland, Goleta (IC new property free night)
Upgrade -- nothing. Could hear adjoining neighbors as if in same room.
Amenity -- hit -- Voss bottled waters, Honest Ades, popcorn and other snacks
Prescott SF
Upgrade -- hit? Suite with sofa bed, long walk from check in
Amenity -- hit -- cut fruit, gourmet popcorn, personalized note
Harbor Court SF
Upgrade -- big whiff. tiny room
Amenity -- whiff. nothing. cookies and milk in the evening in addition to wine hour helped. took an extra item from the mini bar, which was grudgingly allowed when calling to check out
Solamar San Diego
Upgrade -- hit? Small but had sofa. Nice room that didn't seem like an upgrade.
Amenity -- hit -- Cut fruit plate, chocolate covered stawberries, bottled waters, personalized note.
Monaco Philadelphia
Upgrade -- miss -- very nice but not an upgrade.
Amenity -- big hit -- Can't remember the specifics but remember it went above and beyond. Best one so far
Last edited by mrmandel; Mar 10, 2015 at 1:09 am
Mar 10, 2015, 9:52 pm
#137
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: Kimpton Inner Circle, HHonors Silver, Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 155
Canary, Santa Barbara (used a free-night certificate)
Upgrade -- hit -- upgraded five room categories from Deluxe King to 1-Bedroom King Suite.
Amenity -- hit -- received two 22-ounce bottles of Firestone's black rye IPA, a Godiva dark chocolate bar and a jar of dark chocolate-covered raisins. The suite also came with complimentary French press coffee delivered to the room in the morning, which was excellent.
Upgrade -- hit -- upgraded five room categories from Deluxe King to 1-Bedroom King Suite.
Amenity -- hit -- received two 22-ounce bottles of Firestone's black rye IPA, a Godiva dark chocolate bar and a jar of dark chocolate-covered raisins. The suite also came with complimentary French press coffee delivered to the room in the morning, which was excellent.
Mar 17, 2015, 11:02 am
#138
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 98
Palomar Phoenix
Upgrade - HIT, corner suite.
Amenity - MISS, bowl of pretzels and 2 bottles of water. Would be ok if I liked pretzels!
Amenity - MISS, bowl of pretzels and 2 bottles of water. Would be ok if I liked pretzels!
Mar 18, 2015, 2:22 pm
#139
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Kimpton IC, Voila Platinum, Club Carlson Gold Elite,National EE, Hertz PC, Avis First, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 103
DC - George
Upgrade - Homerun, Presidential Suite
Amenity - Hit, chocolate covered strawberries, bottled water and bottle of champagne
DC - Madera
Upgrade - Not sure, room was large but not entirely sure it was a suite; however, it was nice.
Amenity - Hit, meat/cheese plate and bottle of champagne
Pittsburgh - Monaco
Upgrade - Homerun, Rebellion speciality suite - 1000sq ft and beautiful
Amenity - Homerun, cheddar cheese plate, charcuterie plate, bottle of dry white wine, bottle of Saratoga spring water, and two local craft beers (nailed everything I asked for)
Upgrade - Homerun, Presidential Suite
Amenity - Hit, chocolate covered strawberries, bottled water and bottle of champagne
DC - Madera
Upgrade - Not sure, room was large but not entirely sure it was a suite; however, it was nice.
Amenity - Hit, meat/cheese plate and bottle of champagne
Pittsburgh - Monaco
Upgrade - Homerun, Rebellion speciality suite - 1000sq ft and beautiful
Amenity - Homerun, cheddar cheese plate, charcuterie plate, bottle of dry white wine, bottle of Saratoga spring water, and two local craft beers (nailed everything I asked for)
Mar 20, 2015, 8:57 pm
#140
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 7
Pittsburgh - Monaco
Upgrade - Miss. Minimal upgrade to corner king room (although it was on a high floor with nice tub) despite all suite classes being available in the reservation system.
Amenity - Sort of a Hit. Beer and water (good), snacks (cupcakes and cookies) were uninspired but okay.
Biggest problem -- we were turned away from the restaurant (one of the reasons we stay at Kimpton is because we typically enjoy their restaurants -- so not having use of this amenity sucked).
Overall -- disappointed, would not stay here again.
Upgrade - Miss. Minimal upgrade to corner king room (although it was on a high floor with nice tub) despite all suite classes being available in the reservation system.
Amenity - Sort of a Hit. Beer and water (good), snacks (cupcakes and cookies) were uninspired but okay.
Biggest problem -- we were turned away from the restaurant (one of the reasons we stay at Kimpton is because we typically enjoy their restaurants -- so not having use of this amenity sucked).
Overall -- disappointed, would not stay here again.
Last edited by manicmutt; Mar 20, 2015 at 9:46 pm
Mar 20, 2015, 9:03 pm
#141
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 7
NYC - Ink 48
Upgrade - AMAZING. Upgraded to the Hudson corner suite with spectacular views of the river (front windows) and Manhattan skyline (side windows). Best room that we've had at any Kimpton property.
Amenity - Hit! Malbec waiting in room (first Kimpton to get the type of wine on my list), water, cashews and cookies.
Probably my favorite Kimpton hotel -- the staff was amazing friendly and welcoming. We stayed at several non-Kimpton properties on this trip (Park Hyatt, Waldorf, and Andaz 5th) and the Ink 48 hands down blew them all away. Highly recommend! I have a new favorite!
Upgrade - AMAZING. Upgraded to the Hudson corner suite with spectacular views of the river (front windows) and Manhattan skyline (side windows). Best room that we've had at any Kimpton property.
Amenity - Hit! Malbec waiting in room (first Kimpton to get the type of wine on my list), water, cashews and cookies.
Probably my favorite Kimpton hotel -- the staff was amazing friendly and welcoming. We stayed at several non-Kimpton properties on this trip (Park Hyatt, Waldorf, and Andaz 5th) and the Ink 48 hands down blew them all away. Highly recommend! I have a new favorite!
Mar 27, 2015, 6:23 pm
#142
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
Palomar SF
Profile says local craft beer. Got... Stella Artois. Seriously? I'd rather have nothing at all. That stuff is vile, and the opposite of "local" or "craft".
Profile says local craft beer. Got... Stella Artois. Seriously? I'd rather have nothing at all. That stuff is vile, and the opposite of "local" or "craft".
Mar 29, 2015, 8:11 am
#143
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Kimpton IC, Voila Platinum, Club Carlson Gold Elite,National EE, Hertz PC, Avis First, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 103
70 Park Ave (NYC)
Upgrade - Miss, told me I was upgraded to King suite but was actually King Premier. Room was okay, on the lowest floor possible with no view and Jacuzzi tub did not work.
Amenity - Fail, they do not offer an amenity because they do not have a restaurant, but comes off as very lazy and unimaginative. They offer a breakfast coupon (coffee + fruit + juice + roll) and a $30 mini bar coupon (instead of the normal $15). However, it seems I will need to dispute some charges as they did not apply the coupon.
Also, they would not allow a late checkout. Overall my least favorite Kimpton experience, unfortunately.
Ink48 (NYC)
Upgrade - I'll call it a hit. I've become accustom to giant crazy rooms, but I did ask for a two-bed room at the last minute and they did accommodate. Non-suite room on a high floor with a very nice city/water view.
Amenity- Partial hit. I received three beers and a small box of macaroon cookies -- all of which were on my profile. Seemed very last minute and unimaginative though. Staff was excellent, and did mention there were A LOT of welcome amenities going out that afternoon.
Upgrade - Miss, told me I was upgraded to King suite but was actually King Premier. Room was okay, on the lowest floor possible with no view and Jacuzzi tub did not work.
Amenity - Fail, they do not offer an amenity because they do not have a restaurant, but comes off as very lazy and unimaginative. They offer a breakfast coupon (coffee + fruit + juice + roll) and a $30 mini bar coupon (instead of the normal $15). However, it seems I will need to dispute some charges as they did not apply the coupon.
Also, they would not allow a late checkout. Overall my least favorite Kimpton experience, unfortunately.
Ink48 (NYC)
Upgrade - I'll call it a hit. I've become accustom to giant crazy rooms, but I did ask for a two-bed room at the last minute and they did accommodate. Non-suite room on a high floor with a very nice city/water view.
Amenity- Partial hit. I received three beers and a small box of macaroon cookies -- all of which were on my profile. Seemed very last minute and unimaginative though. Staff was excellent, and did mention there were A LOT of welcome amenities going out that afternoon.
Last edited by moze; Mar 29, 2015 at 8:17 am
Mar 29, 2015, 8:24 am
#144
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Kimpton IC, Voila Platinum, Club Carlson Gold Elite,National EE, Hertz PC, Avis First, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 103
Kimpton Hotels/Employees Viewing:
Here's an example of how to make an elite member feel SPECIAL -- even if it wasn't on a special occasion and on a free day! Photo is from Pittsburgh Monaco (@KimptoninPGH) in Rebellion suite where they went above and beyond in every way. Every request on my profile was met and MORE. Love you guys and we WILL return!
The major difference seems to be with some properties who see the welcome amenity as just another chore that needs to be done, such as ensuring all the rooms are cleaned in time for new guests.... vs those properties who really see the welcome amenity as a creative way to express gratitude to their most loyal guests. I have five nights coming up over two properties in San Diego next week, will update soon!
Here's an example of how to make an elite member feel SPECIAL -- even if it wasn't on a special occasion and on a free day! Photo is from Pittsburgh Monaco (@KimptoninPGH) in Rebellion suite where they went above and beyond in every way. Every request on my profile was met and MORE. Love you guys and we WILL return!
The major difference seems to be with some properties who see the welcome amenity as just another chore that needs to be done, such as ensuring all the rooms are cleaned in time for new guests.... vs those properties who really see the welcome amenity as a creative way to express gratitude to their most loyal guests. I have five nights coming up over two properties in San Diego next week, will update soon!
Last edited by moze; Mar 29, 2015 at 9:34 am
Apr 4, 2015, 7:08 am
#145
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
Programs: DL Plat, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 7,487
Palomar DC
Upgrade- Hit. Upgraded to Motion Spa room on high floor. (I know hotel, including the suites, is very booked this weekend.)
Amenity- Hit. Two minis of Vodka, a mini of Cointreau and cranberry juice to make my own cocktail; two bottles of Satatoga water; chocolate chip cookies; and Easter egg themed M&Ms
Also, ate dinner at the hotel restaurant Urbana and without asking for the chef's taste (I had made a reservation on Opentable and indicated that I was IC) the waiter suggested that he bring two glasses of sparkling wine. Overall very happy with this stay.
Amenity- Hit. Two minis of Vodka, a mini of Cointreau and cranberry juice to make my own cocktail; two bottles of Satatoga water; chocolate chip cookies; and Easter egg themed M&Ms
Also, ate dinner at the hotel restaurant Urbana and without asking for the chef's taste (I had made a reservation on Opentable and indicated that I was IC) the waiter suggested that he bring two glasses of sparkling wine. Overall very happy with this stay.
Apr 6, 2015, 3:37 pm
#146
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Kimpton IC, Voila Platinum, Club Carlson Gold Elite,National EE, Hertz PC, Avis First, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 103
Palomar (San Diego)
Upgrade - Miss. Non-suite, nice standard corner room but in a renovation area where they provide you with earplugs. I did not hear any renovation noise though. I did ask if we could be moved to a suite if one were to open up as it was a special trip; I was basically blown off. Oh well.
Amenity- Hit -- nice macaroon cookies and a bottle of white wine. Thanks
Hotel La Jolla
Upgrade - Miss-Hit/Middle of the road, non-suite but a nice ocean view. I believe this was a one tier upgrade. So, so...
Amenity - Minor Hit -- Was not the biggest fan of a couple of cans of beer and a cup of pudding for an anniversary weekend stay... However, they did see my wife and I celebrating at the bar, called the bartender, and offered the first round on the house. Much appreciated.
Overall, I'm wondering if Kimpton is cracking down on the nice upgrades... Prior to the last month or so, no suites offered at all in the past four Kimpton stays. More to come this year.
Upgrade - Miss. Non-suite, nice standard corner room but in a renovation area where they provide you with earplugs. I did not hear any renovation noise though. I did ask if we could be moved to a suite if one were to open up as it was a special trip; I was basically blown off. Oh well.
Amenity- Hit -- nice macaroon cookies and a bottle of white wine. Thanks
Hotel La Jolla
Upgrade - Miss-Hit/Middle of the road, non-suite but a nice ocean view. I believe this was a one tier upgrade. So, so...
Amenity - Minor Hit -- Was not the biggest fan of a couple of cans of beer and a cup of pudding for an anniversary weekend stay... However, they did see my wife and I celebrating at the bar, called the bartender, and offered the first round on the house. Much appreciated.
Overall, I'm wondering if Kimpton is cracking down on the nice upgrades... Prior to the last month or so, no suites offered at all in the past four Kimpton stays. More to come this year.
Apr 7, 2015, 2:26 pm
#147
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: Kimpton Inner Circle, HHonors Silver, Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 155
Palladian, Seattle (IC new property free night)
Upgrade -- hit -- upgraded four room categories from King Deluxe to One Bedroom Suite, which was a very nice corner room with four windows.
Amenity -- hit -- received everything in my profile. A bowl of toffee peanuts, two bottles of Hale's Mongoose IPA, two Theo's dark chocolate + coconut bars and, because it was my birthday, a slice of the very decadent D'Orsay cake from the French bakery Le Panier in the market.
Upgrade -- hit -- upgraded four room categories from King Deluxe to One Bedroom Suite, which was a very nice corner room with four windows.
Amenity -- hit -- received everything in my profile. A bowl of toffee peanuts, two bottles of Hale's Mongoose IPA, two Theo's dark chocolate + coconut bars and, because it was my birthday, a slice of the very decadent D'Orsay cake from the French bakery Le Panier in the market.
Apr 7, 2015, 5:41 pm
#148
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: EUG
Programs: UA Gold; IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 443
Palladian, Seattle (IC new property free night)
Upgrade -- hit -- upgraded four room categories from King Deluxe to One Bedroom Suite, which was a very nice corner room with four windows.
Amenity -- hit -- received everything in my profile. A bowl of toffee peanuts, two bottles of Hale's Mongoose IPA, two Theo's dark chocolate + coconut bars and, because it was my birthday, a slice of the very decadent D'Orsay cake from the French bakery Le Panier in the market.
Upgrade -- hit -- upgraded four room categories from King Deluxe to One Bedroom Suite, which was a very nice corner room with four windows.
Amenity -- hit -- received everything in my profile. A bowl of toffee peanuts, two bottles of Hale's Mongoose IPA, two Theo's dark chocolate + coconut bars and, because it was my birthday, a slice of the very decadent D'Orsay cake from the French bakery Le Panier in the market.
Apr 9, 2015, 3:16 pm
#149
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,203
Moze, you have good luck getting the big-time suites!
Monaco Pittsburgh over Easter Weekend
Upgrade- Decent. Upgraded from basic Queen/Queen to Corner QN/QN which was huge, 450-500 sq ft. It felt like a suite. We had 3 people, so really this is better than a suite with a pullout. We also had our Labrador retriever, so the extra room was great for her crate.
Beverage Amenity: Hit. Prosecco and 3 waters. ^
Food amenity: Sorta. Fruit tray which was nice. No cheese though, or a 2nd snack.
All in all very pleased because it was a free IC stay and certificate night. Ending up leaving the hotel with just a $170 restaurant bill, that of course with the IC Offer adjusted to $120.
We'll be back since it's a fun weekend just a drive away (& we have a very close friend in Pittsburgh).
Monaco Pittsburgh over Easter Weekend
Upgrade- Decent. Upgraded from basic Queen/Queen to Corner QN/QN which was huge, 450-500 sq ft. It felt like a suite. We had 3 people, so really this is better than a suite with a pullout. We also had our Labrador retriever, so the extra room was great for her crate.
Beverage Amenity: Hit. Prosecco and 3 waters. ^
Food amenity: Sorta. Fruit tray which was nice. No cheese though, or a 2nd snack.
All in all very pleased because it was a free IC stay and certificate night. Ending up leaving the hotel with just a $170 restaurant bill, that of course with the IC Offer adjusted to $120.
We'll be back since it's a fun weekend just a drive away (& we have a very close friend in Pittsburgh).
Apr 18, 2015, 7:09 pm
#150
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: EUG
Programs: UA Gold; IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 443
Hotel Vintage, Portland
Upgrade -- To a King Studio Suite. This property just finished a major renovation, with a grand re-opening last month. Our room, while not a true suite, was really pretty fabulous -- very large, high ceilings, well furnished, good use of space. We were very impressed. Just a touch disappointed that we didn't get one of their higher end suites (which look absolutely amazing), but overall a HIT.
Amenity -- Bottle of prosecco, bowl of caramel corn, and a really nice cheese plate. HIT
I still think the RiverPlace is the best Kimpton property in Portland, but with the renovations, the Vintage is giving it a run for its money.
Upgrade -- To a King Studio Suite. This property just finished a major renovation, with a grand re-opening last month. Our room, while not a true suite, was really pretty fabulous -- very large, high ceilings, well furnished, good use of space. We were very impressed. Just a touch disappointed that we didn't get one of their higher end suites (which look absolutely amazing), but overall a HIT.
Amenity -- Bottle of prosecco, bowl of caramel corn, and a really nice cheese plate. HIT
I still think the RiverPlace is the best Kimpton property in Portland, but with the renovations, the Vintage is giving it a run for its money.