If your travels have not yet taken you to a Kimpton boutique hotel, make this the year you give yourself the gift of the experience. Part of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), Kimpton Hotels offer an intimate, uniquely styled lodging encounter, while offering benefits through the IHG Rewards Club. With 70 properties in 43 cities, all over the world, you should be able to find one near your chosen destination.

Here are some reasons to put a Kimpton visit at the top of your list:

Service – First and foremost, from the moment you step into the lobby, you are treated as a special guest. Checking in is always a breeze and the personal touches you will find in your room are bound to make you feel appreciated. During a recent stay at Oregon’s Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, a hand-written note was on the dresser stating, “Welcome. I checked and there are no monsters in your closet!” Phew, that took care of one concern!

Wine Hour – Every day at 5 p.m., guests gather in the lobby, to enjoy a glass or two, at Kimpton’s complimentary Wine Hour. Local wines are promoted as well as craft brews, bites and, sometimes, musical talent. It’s a special time to meet fellow travelers or just huddle in a corner and relax. Millions of glasses of wine are poured each year at all of their hotels.

Pets – “If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.” That’s been the Kimpton philosophy since its inception in 1981. With no extra charge or deposit required, there is no size, weight limit, nor max on number of pets allowed. They are also welcome at Wine Hour to socialize with other furry friends that might be visiting. Several properties employ the use of a Director of Pet Relations to greet your furry friend at the door.

Décor/Style –Kimpton interiors are always funky and fun, but not at the expense of comfort or a welcoming ambience. Bold color and whimsical patterns are used in both private rooms and public spaces. Make sure you slow down and take it all in or you’ll miss that lamp with the duck legs, or the funky wallpaper in the bathroom. Each Kimpton has its own collection of important art, much of it from local artists of the region. For instance, the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland carries a wine art theme throughout, even on the elevator doors.

Dining – Each Kimpton location offers a local restaurant featuring regional, seasonal and sustainable culinary options, whether you just want a drink and a snack or a full meal for the family. Each dining milieu is as unique as the city in which it is located, and features food and drink immersed in that city’s culture.

Amenities – Kimpton’s bath amenities include the Atelier Bloem line of soaps, lotions and hair care products. With scents like Kadota Fig, Mandarin & Citrus, Geranium and Oolong Tea, you’ll be wishing you could enjoy the experience all year long. All are available online for purchase so if you get hooked on a particular scent, you can enjoy at home.

Multi-generational – While traveling with the grandkids, don’t make the mistake of staying in a boring hotel, decorated in early nursing home. The minute the kids walk into a Kimpton, their eyes will wander from their electronics and curiosity will take over. You’ll be the cool grandparents on the block when they find a special gift on the bed and check out the closet for kid-sized, animal print bath robes (and no monsters).

Off the Record – Several times a year, a Kimpton location will host a local entertainer or band in concert, as part of their Off the Record Music Series. Seven concerts were scheduled in 2019 and the 2020 lineup is about to be announced. Cuts from these concerts are also available on the Kimpton website along with the opportunity to subscribe to Vinyl Me, Please, with a portion of the proceeds going to The Trevor Project.

Last Minute Deals – Look for the Last Minute Deals link on the Kimpton website if you are the spontaneous type who prefers not to plan ahead. Sometimes we just need to drop everything and get away from the stress of everyday life and Kimpton is the way to go. These reduced rates are offered to IHG Rewards Club Members and are good for seven days.

Stay Human Project – In 20 participating properties, Kimpton has launched a social experiment with the purpose of forming deeper human connections among its guests. Examples vary from leaving a message, confession or inspiration on a wall for the next guest, to signing a guestbook with suggestions for interesting neighborhood food or drink spots, to using a typewriter in the room to describe how you engaged in human experiences in the local area. Usually one room in the property is designated as part of the Stay Human Project, so make sure to ask about Room 301.

On several occasions, the Kimpton brand hotels have hosted our stay, but the opinions stated above are my own…just love the brand!