Back in 2015, IHG acquired Kimpton Hotels, however, the loyalty programs of each, IHG Rewards and Kimpton Karma Rewards, remained separate. Recently, IHG announced plans to bring together the two loyalty programs.
In early 2018, Kimpton Karma Rewards, the loyalty program of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, will become a part of IHG Rewards Club and offer all members one program with a single reward point system. This will give members of both programs more hotel options and redemption possibilities.
This is exciting news for me because Rob recently got the Chase IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card with an 80,000 IHG Rewards point BONUS! (the offer is back down to the standard 60K, but Chase ups it a bunch so be on the lookout) I definitely will ultimately try to check out a Kimpton with our points.
Some of the relevant points of the press release state….
More Choices in More Places – Kimpton Karma members will be automatically enrolled in IHG Rewards Club, gaining access to an expansive portfolio of nearly 5,300 hotels, including 11 additional IHG brands in almost 100 countries.
In turn, IHG Rewards Club members will now be able to earn reward points and redeem Reward Nights at more than 60 Kimpton boutique hotels across urban locations, up-and-coming cities and resort destinations.
More Ways to Earn Faster – Kimpton Karma members will enjoy the ability to accelerate higher tier status and earn more benefits with incentives and promotions that are personalized for them. Members can also earn points through IHG partners for everyday activities like renting a car, ordering flowers, shopping, dining and more.
More Benefits and Perks – Kimpton Karma members will enjoy the many benefits that have made IHG Rewards Club an industry best program, including discounted rates when booking direct, value-priced Reward Nights with no blackout dates, no cancellation penalties, online reward redemption and the opportunity to redeem with hundreds of partners, including airline miles. Members also have access to digital innovations such as the industry’s first mobile app, as well as mobile check-out and stay preferences. The IHG Rewards Club Concierge shopping experience also offers members the ability to redeem points for everything from event tickets and experiences, to exchanging points for an endless variety of items.
Continued Personalization – The personalized perks and recognition that have been a hallmark of Kimpton Karma will continue as part of the Kimpton experience, in addition to exclusive Kimpton offers, invitations to private events and more.
All Kimpton Karma earned reward nights will be honored. Karma member tier levels will map to IHG Rewards Club membership levels, and activity accrued toward an earned night will be converted into IHG Rewards Club points. Karma InnerCircle will continue to exist at Kimpton hotels and will be grandfathered into the program in 2018.
I am excited to check out my first Kimpton hotel. Not sure where it will be, but I will let you know!