Kimpton Inner Circle: What it is and how to get an invitation

3 hours agoLast Updated: October 14, 2024

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Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, updated regularly with new information.

Kimpton Karma rewards were introduced into IHG’s loyalty program in early 2018. However, to the delight of Kimpton loyalists, Kimpton’s Inner Circle status persisted for IHG One rewards program.

Kimpton’s inner circle is one Invite only status offers perks at Kimpton hotels and restaurants. Unlike other IHG elite status ranks, there are no published qualifications for Kimpton Inner Circle. And, unlike Intercontinental Ambassador members, you cannot purchase Kimpton Inner Circle status.

Here’s what you should know about Kimpton Inner Circle membership, including how to get an invite.

How to get Kimpton inner circle

You must meet two requirements to receive an invitation to join Kimpton’s Inner Circle. First, you must be an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member. Second, you must demonstrate your loyalty to Kimpton by meeting unpublished criteria.

Now, let’s look at these two requests of Kimpton Inner Circle.

IHG Diamond Elite status

To achieve IHG Diamond Elite status, you will typically need to complete 70 elite-qualifying nights or earn 120,000 elite-qualifying points during the calendar year. Once you achieve Diamond Elite status, you will maintain this status until the end of the next calendar year.

Cardholder’s Premier IHG One Rewards credit card or IHG One Rewards Premier business credit card receive automatic Platinum Elite status as long as they remain a cardholder. However, these cardholders can secure Diamond Elite status through the end of the next calendar year if they make purchases totaling $40,000 or more with one of these IHG Premier cards in one calendar year.

Loyalty to Kimpton

IHG does not publish specific loyalty criteria for Kimpton Inner Circle. However, I think the qualification is based on how often you stay at Kimpton properties and how much you spend at Kimpton properties.

Benefits of Kimpton Inner Circle

You must hold IHG Diamond Elite status to be eligible for an invitation to join Kimpton’s Inner Circle. So you’ll get Diamond Elite benefits at all IHG brands, and you’ll get Diamond Elite and Inner Circle perks when staying at Kimpton properties.

Kimpton Santa Barbara — KIMPTON CANARY SANTA BARBARA/FACEBOOK

Specifically, Kimpton Inner Circle members can look forward to the following additional perks at Kimpton hotels.

Inner Circle utility

During each stay, Kimpton will provide favorite snacks and beverages as an in-room amenity. You can set your preferences in your online profile or by calling the VIP Inner Circle line.

Each hotel will do its best to provide snacks and drinks that meet your preferences, but you may not get exactly what you request during each stay.

Chef’s taste

When you dine at participating Kimpton restaurants, you can enjoy a complimentary chef’s taste. The chef’s taste is usually a small appetizer or dessert.

Kimpton Fitzroy London — KIMPTON FITZROY LONDON/IHG

You don’t have to stay at Kimpton to enjoy the chef’s taste when dining, but you do need to let the restaurant staff know you’re an Inner Circle member.

Free night at Kimpton Inner Circle

Inner Circle members receive one free night certificate at a new hotel each calendar year if they stay at three or more different Kimpton properties in the previous 12 months. Members can use the new free night at select the new Kimpton property in North America are subject to availability and at the property’s discretion. However, even though the new hotel’s free night covers the cost of the room, you still have to pay fees, taxes, and incidentals.

Guaranteed upgrade to category 1 room

Kimpton Inner Circle members are guaranteed a one-class upgrade above their booked room type upon check-in at a Kimpton hotel. When staying at Kimpton hotels where all room types are priced the same, you will get a room in a better location.

View of Kimpton Seafire Grand Cayman room — KIMPTON SEAFIRE RESORT + SPA GRAND CAYMAN/DON RIDDLE/FACEBOOK

This benefit does not include upgrades to presidential suites, executive suites, or suites with two or more bedrooms. Additionally, if you use the upgrade package earned through IHG Milestone Rewards Programyou will not be eligible for additional room upgrades at check-in due to your Inner Circle status.

Guaranteed early check-in and late check-out

You can check in starting at 10 a.m. on the day of your arrival. If your room is not available early, you can use another room until your room is ready. You can also reserve your room no later than 4pm on the day of departure.

Free utilities

When you stay at Kimpton hotels, you won’t need to pay a guest amenity or destination fee, but you will still have to pay resort fee and additional fees.

Kimpton Armory Bozeman Hotel in Montana. LAURE JOLIET/KIMPTON

This may seem like a convenient loophole, but when I looked at several popular Kimpton hotels, each advertised a guest amenity fee instead of a resort fee.

Premium Internet

When staying at Kimpton Hotel, you will have free Internet access at the hotel’s highest speed.

VIP phone line

You will also have access to a VIP phone line connecting you to Inner Circle agents. These agents can assist with IHG reservations and answer questions about Diamond Elite and Inner Circle benefits. Even if you don’t call IHG often, these agents can help make the process better when you need it.

Bottom line

Kimpton Inner Circle membership provides privileges at Kimpton properties only. However, unlike InterContinental Ambassador (another brand-specific status in the IHG program), you can’t buy Kimpton Inner Circle. Instead, you must have achieved Diamond Elite status and met an unpublished loyalty threshold with Kimpton to receive an invitation. However, with all the perks and benefits on offer, loyalty to IHG (and Kimpton in particular) can be worth it.

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