pbjag

So disappointed/concerned when I read this news. Kimpton has such a unique culture - they really "get" hospitality.

When I read what they sold the company for, I started kicking myself. This would have been very much in alignment with acquisitions made by one of my PE firm clients - who look for differentiated businesses and take great care to preserve the unique elements of every company they invest in.

Say Vandelay

This announcement is the final straw for me for what used to be the best hotels and rewards program. Since they switched to Karma it has been increasingly difficult to book rewards. Used to be if you had a free night you could call and if the hotel had availability, you could use it. Now it's almost always blacked out and since there is no way to check online, you have to call to find out that you can't use it. Hilton can at least tell you online that your rewards are worthless. Good luck with becoming another Holiday Inn brand.

Kimpton Karma Rewards

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the posts and interest in our big news, announcing that we are joining the IHG family. The entire Kimpton Home Office is excited about the future, and really look forward to taking our brand global under the IHG umbrella. We're still the same people behind the brand, and the same culture that celebrates uniqueness and individuality, and we don't plan on changing that.

As we shared in our member letter, as well as various social media posts, nothing will change for the time being. I wish I could answer specific questions that you pose here, but we just don't have more details yet. I just wanted to chime in and let you know that we're reading your feedback and comments, and true to who we are, never want to ignore it. I may not have more answers for you but we're committed to keeping everyone updated as we go.

On behalf of myself, Susan and the entire Kimpton team, we do want to thank you for your unwavering loyalty leading up to this exciting time in our company. You have helped us build a great brand, and we wouldn't be where we are without you. Please rest assured that we remain committed to always serving you, and our furry friends (!), with the same enthusiasm and warmth that we always have.

Hope that everyone has a very happy holiday season and that we get to see you at a Kimpton soon!

All our best,
Maggie, Susan and the Karma team

***
Maggie Lang
Sr. Director, Marketing
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
San Francisco, CA

JohnMacWW

Well, I think most of that use Kimpton's hotels want that to not change. but we also all know that (unless the transaction had specific conditions or limitations on what the acquirer could do it once it bought it) there is no way for anyone to know what will happen or to know what the future brings. I think we all want the Kimpton Hotels to stay unique and consistent with what they are.

I am certain we will be rooting for you and the rest of the management team to survive and be allowed to grow the Kimpton brand without ruining it. The upside could be Kimpton brand hotels, like the ones currently in place, in more places and even countries. I would love that: real investment in a successful formula to grow it.

born sleepy

Well as IHG Platinum I'm thrilled. I've only stayed at a few Kimpton properties before and haven't in years because I can't accommodate a fourth program and still keep status on all of them.

infmedic

Trying to stay optimistic as I love the Kimpton Inner Circle treatment. Probably one of the best programs out there and they ALWAYS take the best care of their guests.

However, any company that has Holiday Inn in their portfolio is bound to destroy the Kimpton brand. Good to know that stuff now though, so I can stop staying at Kimpton now and work on another program in 2015.

Time to burn all of those free nights I built up with Kimpton.

Thanks for the good times Kimpton, it was fun while it lasted...

grumbler

I wouldn't hold my breath for improvements. If the idea is to increase efficiencies, everyone should know what that means.

Hands off Firmdale !

aussieinsf

Very glad to see the repeated commitment to staying Pet Friendly. I want to echo other posters that this is a highly valued part of the Kimpton experience for me. Kimpton is the only chain where pets are truly welcomed, not just tolerated or treated as another source of revenue.

I also wanted to add that Kimpton's environmental and labor practices are important to me and those from my organization who frequently stay at Kimpton. I hope Kimpton can retain those commitments too.

jeautk01

I felt a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror.

kipper

Being so pet-friendly is why we stay at Kimpton locations when we do. It means not needing to worry about how the dogs will be received.
LOL, I understand!

drewp123

What was wrong with how they handled this program? I was looking to qualify for a free night to use at the IC in HKG. All the stays are upcoming, so I can still change my reservations and would be interested in knowing if there's a catch I missed...

Amicus

Elite recognition is one of the standout aspects of Kimpton.

This acquisition is definitely disappointing news.

As an Inner Circle member for several years, and a Platinum Ambassador member for many more years, I feel truly saddened by this development.

Whereas my status at Intercontinental is seldom appreciated or even acknowledged, I am always treated extremely well at my favorite Hotel Allegro in Chicago, and any other Kimptons I am lucky enough to visit. I receive awesome upgrades to wonderful suites, fabulous welcome amenities in my room upon arrival, and lovely staff. Whereas, at Intercontinental, my so-called upgrade is to the smallest room next to the elevator and the ice machine.

SJC AA

Do any of these even still exist? I've been IC for 2-3 years and have not had a single one of these.

worldwidedreamer

Wow...my heart is broken. Time took away Southwest and Continental; now Kimpton too. So sad.

ldsant

Exactly the same - still waiting for a 20K points return since March of this year. Kimpton responds and takes care of everything within 24 hours and personally responds. I am so disappointed with this news. The staff at properties at the Alexis, Palomar Phoenix, Hotel Monaco in Seattle, and Chicago are just so above and beyond.

IHG doesn't "deserve" Kimpton imo.