5 Reasons to Love Kimpton Hotels

I never know what to expect when I open the hotel room door in a Kimpton hotel. This restaurant and hotel group is known for its fun and quirky decorating style, with no hotels the same. Yesterday we opened to door to our room in the Hotel Allegro in Chicago and were greeted with carpet and wallpaper in shades of brown and beige, with a pink-and-green painting provided a large splash of color. Kimpton rooms always make me smile.

Kimpton Hotels is a group of boutique hotels with 64 properties in 33 cities in the US and Grand Cayman, with international destinations coming soon. Here are five more reasons it’s one of my favorite hotel groups.

1. Good locations

The Kimptons I’ve stayed in were all within walking distance of major attractions, a huge plus for me. My favorite way to see a city is by foot and I love just walking out the front door to explore.

Yesterday I walked six blocks and was at Millennium Park, passing by several stores I hope to have time to return to. When we stayed at Kimpton Topaz in DC we were two blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro station so we could easily reach anywhere in the city we wanted to go.

2. Nightly Wine Hours

Every Kimpton has a nightly Wine Hour in the lobby hosted by a member of the staff. Yesterday I returned weary and overheated after an afternoon of sightseeing, and putting about nine miles on my Fitbit. That refreshing glass of prosecco was a welcome sight, and revived me for our evening out.

A few of the properties have also started a Nightcap Program that includes a small pour of a libation paired with a snack.

3. Kimpton Karma Rewards

Sign up for this free rewards program and you’re eligible for several perks, including free wifi, a $10 bar credit to use in the room or at the hotel bar, and credit towards free nights. You’ll also receive an email for 20 percent off daily rates for stays Thursday to Sunday during your birthday month.

4. Complimentary bikes and yoga mats

Every room has a yoga mat, and select hotels offer yoga classes by the pool or on the rooftop. And all hotels offer complimentary bikes. During a stay at Hotel Monaco in Chicago a few years ago, I hopped on a bike and set off of a ride on the Chicago Lakefront Trail. I had a delightful morning while enjoying the stunning views and getting in tons of exercise.

5. Pet-friendly service

We no longer have a dog (rest in peace, Riley), but if he had traveled with us, he’d be welcomed at any of the Kimpton properties at no charge. Even though he weighed close to 90 pounds. “If your pet fits through the door, we welcome them,” according to the website. Many Kimptons even have a Director of Pet Relations to greet you.