Kimpton Survey (diff/new bennies going forward?)
Jun 10, 2015 | 4:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: WAS
Programs: AA Ex Plt
Posts: 1,657
Kimpton Survey (diff/new bennies going forward?)
I just received and answered a survey from Kimpton. *Asked me about my travels, where I've stayed, what program I liked best (Hyatt), why I liked Hyatt, my status with IHG (Plt, Amb, IC/Tier 4) and then a tell me what you think of these bennies. All bennies were accompanied by a photo.
1. $30 spa credit
2. free wifi
3. 10x points for $ spent on room costs only
4. complimentary coffee
5. afternoon wine
Follow up questions:
What stood out
What didn't stand out
Confusing or not
Ranking
If these were the Karma bennies, would you stay more, less, the same
Why I would stay more, less, the same
Lots of free commenting boxes where I was asked to explain in as much detail as needed (however there is a character limit that I grossly exceeded and had to edit accordingly). It wasn't part of any of the question but I did note in one of the boxes that I stay(ed) at Kimpton because of the current benefits for ICs, namely, upgrades and amenities. I also noted that the lack of info halfway through the year led to me decrease my Kimpton spend. No questions about customer service (knowing I could have (and should have) added that Kimpton CS was on par as a seller for the chain as the bennies. Without the CS, it's a "only" a bigger room, a free bottle of wine and some gummy bears)
Survey is signed by our OWN Maggie Lang Sr. Director, Guest Marketing
Cheers
* To the best of my recollection. Maybe someone can add to my overview with a running commentary as that FTer answers the questions
1. $30 spa credit
2. free wifi
3. 10x points for $ spent on room costs only
4. complimentary coffee
5. afternoon wine
Follow up questions:
What stood out
What didn't stand out
Confusing or not
Ranking
If these were the Karma bennies, would you stay more, less, the same
Why I would stay more, less, the same
Lots of free commenting boxes where I was asked to explain in as much detail as needed (however there is a character limit that I grossly exceeded and had to edit accordingly). It wasn't part of any of the question but I did note in one of the boxes that I stay(ed) at Kimpton because of the current benefits for ICs, namely, upgrades and amenities. I also noted that the lack of info halfway through the year led to me decrease my Kimpton spend. No questions about customer service (knowing I could have (and should have) added that Kimpton CS was on par as a seller for the chain as the bennies. Without the CS, it's a "only" a bigger room, a free bottle of wine and some gummy bears)
Survey is signed by our OWN Maggie Lang Sr. Director, Guest Marketing
Cheers
* To the best of my recollection. Maybe someone can add to my overview with a running commentary as that FTer answers the questions
Last edited by thegrailer; Jun 10, 2015 at 4:59 pm
Jun 10, 2015 | 5:27 pm
#2
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,927
Just received the survey as well, although I stopped answering when the questions became repetitive.
I thought this gave us a good indication that the new program will be based on earning award nights based on spend rather than stays.
The $10 minibar credit and "exclusive offers" were in the survey as well.
I thought this gave us a good indication that the new program will be based on earning award nights based on spend rather than stays.
The $10 minibar credit and "exclusive offers" were in the survey as well.
Jun 10, 2015 | 7:59 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,188
They're asking about 10x points per dollar, with 10,000 points worth $70. That's highly confusing, but seems to amount to a 7% rebate. Pretty bad compared to today's Karma program.
Jun 10, 2015 | 8:28 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2012
Location: LAX
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 128
If we're just looking at the reward earning, this comes out better than the current 20 nights = 1 free. Not enough to compare to SPG/Mariott in value, but still a minor improvement.
Jun 10, 2015 | 9:23 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,188
Jun 10, 2015 | 9:58 pm
#6
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,927
The survey asked me about an earning ratio of seven points per dollar spent.
Jun 10, 2015 | 11:58 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, Costco Executive Member, Safeway Club Card
Posts: 290
Did this survey just arrive today? I wonder how targeted it is.
Jun 11, 2015 | 11:07 am
#8
Company Representative - Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: Kimpton Karma Rewards
Posts: 92
We're listening!
Hi everyone,
The team and I are really excited to read your feedback and thoughts. Rest assured, our goal is to make the future of loyalty at Kimpton even more compelling, and we need your feedback as we craft what that looks like.
Apologies that some of you got frustrated by the structure of the survey. It was important to us that we got as much info and detail as possible, which required a somewhat lengthy format.
Please continue sharing your feedback (whether survey or otherwise) here. We're listening!
Thanks again,
Maggie Lang
The team and I are really excited to read your feedback and thoughts. Rest assured, our goal is to make the future of loyalty at Kimpton even more compelling, and we need your feedback as we craft what that looks like.
Apologies that some of you got frustrated by the structure of the survey. It was important to us that we got as much info and detail as possible, which required a somewhat lengthy format.
Please continue sharing your feedback (whether survey or otherwise) here. We're listening!
Thanks again,
Maggie Lang
Jun 11, 2015 | 12:45 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 61
I got the survey as well and it was pretty clunky and I hate the idea of going to a amount spent = points instead of the current method
Jun 11, 2015 | 4:13 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
Programs: DL DM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 9,815
I received the survey as well and the one positive thing is that it looks like they ARE contemplating keeping Kimpton Karma (or at least some aspects) as a separate rewards program. There was much speculation before that we would all just be rolled into IHG Rewards. The only thing that's given me some hope all these months is that Intercontinental has its own program for recognition (though not for earning and redemption).
Jun 13, 2015 | 5:46 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Kimpton IC, Voila Platinum, Club Carlson Gold Elite,National EE, Hertz PC, Avis First, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 103
I did not receive the survey... I wonder what the targeted group was.
Jun 13, 2015 | 9:08 am
#12
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,927
I received the survey as well and the one positive thing is that it looks like they ARE contemplating keeping Kimpton Karma (or at least some aspects) as a separate rewards program. There was much speculation before that we would all just be rolled into IHG Rewards. The only thing that's given me some hope all these months is that Intercontinental has its own program for recognition (though not for earning and redemption).
The other stuff - wine, coffee - has nothing to do with a rewards program and were red herrings. They are brand identifiers. I don't recall the survey asking about suite upgrades, late checkout, IC amenity - the things that do tend to go more with Kimpton Karma tiers. (And I didn't complete the survey, but those things weren't mentioned in what I did of it.)
Jun 19, 2015 | 3:28 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: WAS
Programs: AA Ex Plt
Posts: 1,657
I think you're both correct. Separate program but based on points (that are IHG points rather than Kimpton points)
Email today from Mike DeFrino, the Kimpton CEO
So IHG will have three separate programs
1. Ambassador/Royal Ambassador for Intercontinental hotels
2. Tiers 1-4 for for Kimpton hotels
3. Levels up to PLT for the rest of IHG (where the only benefit for me so far has been Crowne Plaza lounge access in Europe)
Thoughts? As I noted above, I think IHG points will be used in all 3 programs (almost stated that way in the CEO's email) but each program will keep its own set of status bennies. RAs still get to raid the minibar, ICs still get an amenity and PLTs still get (?), but all will be earning and burning IHG points. I expect that at some point in the future, probably later this year or starting maybe Jan 1, 2016, Kimpton will no longer be on the 7 stay=1 award night plan and we'll be earning something close to what was in the survey re points. One alternative could be to merge IC and RA allowing a sharing of bennies across the higher end chains along with merging Tiers 1-3 into the IHG levels. RA qualification ups the # of nights needed from 40 (IC) to 60 (RA) for top tier.
OT: I was in PHL at the Palomar this week and chatted up a manager. I asked where I should stay in the IHG world of hotels to maintain status for '16. He didn't have an answer -- albeit very apologetic that he couldn't provide an answer (as an aside, a mostly great staff and a rec'd Kimpton if you are in PHL).
Cheers
Entire CEO email:
Email today from Mike DeFrino, the Kimpton CEO
...keeping Kimpton Karma as unique as it is and also giving you the ability to tap into the rich IHG Rewards Club perks...
***
...Beyond Kimpton Karma remaining as a unique IHG Rewards Club program extension... If you're wondering what else is staying the same and what is changing, I can tell you that we're changing in numbers and adding some really exciting new cities to our portfolio...
***
...Beyond Kimpton Karma remaining as a unique IHG Rewards Club program extension... If you're wondering what else is staying the same and what is changing, I can tell you that we're changing in numbers and adding some really exciting new cities to our portfolio...
1. Ambassador/Royal Ambassador for Intercontinental hotels
2. Tiers 1-4 for for Kimpton hotels
3. Levels up to PLT for the rest of IHG (where the only benefit for me so far has been Crowne Plaza lounge access in Europe)
Thoughts? As I noted above, I think IHG points will be used in all 3 programs (almost stated that way in the CEO's email) but each program will keep its own set of status bennies. RAs still get to raid the minibar, ICs still get an amenity and PLTs still get (?), but all will be earning and burning IHG points. I expect that at some point in the future, probably later this year or starting maybe Jan 1, 2016, Kimpton will no longer be on the 7 stay=1 award night plan and we'll be earning something close to what was in the survey re points. One alternative could be to merge IC and RA allowing a sharing of bennies across the higher end chains along with merging Tiers 1-3 into the IHG levels. RA qualification ups the # of nights needed from 40 (IC) to 60 (RA) for top tier.
OT: I was in PHL at the Palomar this week and chatted up a manager. I asked where I should stay in the IHG world of hotels to maintain status for '16. He didn't have an answer -- albeit very apologetic that he couldn't provide an answer (as an aside, a mostly great staff and a rec'd Kimpton if you are in PHL).
Cheers
Entire CEO email:
Dear thegrailer,
Where has the time gone? It's June already and it feels like just yesterday we announced our acquisition by IHG. We have been steadily working with our new family at IHG to identify ways to bring the best of both worlds together. We remain firmly committed to our guests and to continuing to innovate for you. We are excited by the many growth opportunities ahead of us and also remain focused on maintaining our unique Kimpton DNA as we grow with IHG. Throughout this process, we have explored every part of our business with loyalty being a top focus. We think we have a pretty compelling opportunity with the IHG Rewards Club and continue to explore how to best bring these two programs together keeping Kimpton Karma as unique as it is and also giving you the ability to tap into the rich IHG Rewards Club perks.
And, as always, we're listening. We've begun conducting surveys and focus groups to gather your feedback and learn more about what you want (or don't want!). As you can imagine, it will take time to build and implement, but your insight is imperative. Over the course of the next year you should start to see some of your feedback put into action as we roll out loyalty enhancements in phases. We will certainly keep you updated on our progress, but please be assured; we have good things in store!
Beyond Kimpton Karma remaining as a unique IHG Rewards Club program extension, I'm also happy to share that Kimpton as a whole will remain as it is and, in fact, our home office is staying put right here in our home town of San Francisco. IHG recognizes that the Bay Area is a great source of inspiration for us, allowing us to be on the cutting edge and continue to innovate around your guest experience. If you're wondering what else is staying the same and what is changing, I can tell you that we're changing in numbers and adding some really exciting new cities to our portfolio, like Austin, Winston-Salem, Nashville, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Palm Springs and Grand Cayman and have a really healthy pipeline of new hotels.
It's an exciting time in Kimpton's history, but we would be nowhere without our loyal guests and members. You all helped us build Kimpton to the special brand we all love working for and you enjoy staying with. Thank you so much for your continued loyalty!
Best,
Mike DeFrino, CEO
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Where has the time gone? It's June already and it feels like just yesterday we announced our acquisition by IHG. We have been steadily working with our new family at IHG to identify ways to bring the best of both worlds together. We remain firmly committed to our guests and to continuing to innovate for you. We are excited by the many growth opportunities ahead of us and also remain focused on maintaining our unique Kimpton DNA as we grow with IHG. Throughout this process, we have explored every part of our business with loyalty being a top focus. We think we have a pretty compelling opportunity with the IHG Rewards Club and continue to explore how to best bring these two programs together keeping Kimpton Karma as unique as it is and also giving you the ability to tap into the rich IHG Rewards Club perks.
And, as always, we're listening. We've begun conducting surveys and focus groups to gather your feedback and learn more about what you want (or don't want!). As you can imagine, it will take time to build and implement, but your insight is imperative. Over the course of the next year you should start to see some of your feedback put into action as we roll out loyalty enhancements in phases. We will certainly keep you updated on our progress, but please be assured; we have good things in store!
Beyond Kimpton Karma remaining as a unique IHG Rewards Club program extension, I'm also happy to share that Kimpton as a whole will remain as it is and, in fact, our home office is staying put right here in our home town of San Francisco. IHG recognizes that the Bay Area is a great source of inspiration for us, allowing us to be on the cutting edge and continue to innovate around your guest experience. If you're wondering what else is staying the same and what is changing, I can tell you that we're changing in numbers and adding some really exciting new cities to our portfolio, like Austin, Winston-Salem, Nashville, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Palm Springs and Grand Cayman and have a really healthy pipeline of new hotels.
It's an exciting time in Kimpton's history, but we would be nowhere without our loyal guests and members. You all helped us build Kimpton to the special brand we all love working for and you enjoy staying with. Thank you so much for your continued loyalty!
Best,
Mike DeFrino, CEO
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
I received the survey as well and the one positive thing is that it looks like they ARE contemplating keeping Kimpton Karma (or at least some aspects) as a separate rewards program. There was much speculation before that we would all just be rolled into IHG Rewards. The only thing that's given me some hope all these months is that Intercontinental has its own program for recognition (though not for earning and redemption).
I was drawing the opposite conclusion given that testing out the number of points to be earned per dollar spent on rooms looks like something that will plug into the IHG program.
The other stuff - wine, coffee - has nothing to do with a rewards program and were red herrings. They are brand identifiers. I don't recall the survey asking about suite upgrades, late checkout, IC amenity - the things that do tend to go more with Kimpton Karma tiers. (And I didn't complete the survey, but those things weren't mentioned in what I did of it.)
The other stuff - wine, coffee - has nothing to do with a rewards program and were red herrings. They are brand identifiers. I don't recall the survey asking about suite upgrades, late checkout, IC amenity - the things that do tend to go more with Kimpton Karma tiers. (And I didn't complete the survey, but those things weren't mentioned in what I did of it.)
Jun 22, 2015 | 5:40 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: between Albuquerque and Santa Fe
Programs: Kimpton Inner Circle; IHG Spire elite; Marriott & SPG Gold, r
Posts: 838
I got survey too.
I noticed right away the 10x points per $ spent. That was my chief complaint and voiced my 2 cents on it.
I also saw no mention of upgrade; I mentioned that as well. I failed to note the IC amenity; I really love those.
I noticed right away the 10x points per $ spent. That was my chief complaint and voiced my 2 cents on it.
I also saw no mention of upgrade; I mentioned that as well. I failed to note the IC amenity; I really love those.
Jun 25, 2015 | 8:22 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,355
I've been meaning to fill this out. Won't hit IC this year so it probably won't affect me as much. New job means less personal travel time and kimpton rates in the northeast have been very expensive compared to last year except DC.
