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

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

Kimpton Karma Rewards folded into the IHG loyalty program in early 2018. But, to the delight of Kimpton loyalists, Kimpton Inner Circle status still exists within the IHG One Rewards program.

Kimpton Inner Circle is an invite-only status that offers perks at Kimpton hotels and restaurants. Unlike other IHG elite status tiers, there aren’t published qualification requirements for Kimpton Inner Circle. And, unlike InterContinental Ambassador membership, you can’t buy 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 satisfy two requirements to receive an invite to Kimpton’s Inner Circle. First, you must be an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member. Second, you must show loyalty to Kimpton by meeting unpublished criteria.

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

IHG Diamond Elite status

To earn IHG Diamond Elite status, you’ll usually need to complete 70 elite-qualifying nights or earn 120,000 elite-qualifying points during the calendar year. Once you earn Diamond Elite status, you’ll keep it through the end of the following calendar year.

Cardmembers of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card get automatic Platinum Elite status for as long as they remain cardmembers. However, these cardmembers can secure Diamond Elite status through the end of the following calendar year if they make purchases totaling $40,000 or more with one of these IHG Premier cards during a calendar year.

Loyalty to Kimpton

IHG doesn’t publish specific loyalty criteria for Kimpton Inner Circle. However, I assume qualification is based on how frequently you stay with Kimpton properties and how much you spend at Kimpton properties.

Kimpton Inner Circle benefits

You must hold IHG Diamond Elite status to become eligible for an invite to 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 expect the following extra perks at Kimpton hotels.

Inner Circle amenity

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

Each hotel will do its best to provide a snack and beverage that meets your preferences, but you may not get exactly what you request during every stay.

Chef’s taste

When you eat dinner 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 need to stay with Kimpton to enjoy a chef’s taste while having dinner, but you do need to let the restaurant staff know you’re an Inner Circle member.

Kimpton Inner Circle free night

Inner Circle members get one new hotel free night certificate each calendar year if they’ve stayed at three or more different Kimpton properties in the previous 12 months. Members can use the new free night at select new Kimpton properties in North America based on availability and at the property’s discretion. However, although the new hotel free night covers the cost of the room, you’ll still need to pay for incidental charges, taxes and fees.

Guaranteed 1-category room upgrade

Kimpton Inner Circle members are guaranteed a one-category upgrade above the room type booked when checking in to Kimpton hotels. When staying at Kimpton properties that price all room types the same, you’ll get a room in a better location.

Room view Kimpton Seafire Grand Cayman — KIMPTON SEAFIRE RESORT + SPA GRAND CAYMAN/DON RIDDLE/FACEBOOK

This benefit doesn’t include upgrades to presidential suites, specialty suites or suites with two or more bedrooms. Additionally, if you use a suite upgrade earned through the IHG Milestone Rewards program, you won’t be eligible for an additional room upgrade at check-in due to your Inner Circle status.

Guaranteed early check-in and late checkout

You can check in beginning at 10 a.m. on your arrival day. If your room isn’t available early, you can use another room until yours is ready. You can also keep your room as late as 4 p.m. on your departure day.

Waived amenity fees

When staying at Kimpton properties, you won’t need to pay guest amenity or destination fees, but you’ll still need to pay resort fees and surcharges.

Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman in Montana. LAURE JOLIET/KIMPTON

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

Premium internet

When staying at Kimpton hotels, you’ll get complimentary internet at the property’s highest speed.

VIP phone line

You’ll also get access to a VIP phone line connecting you with 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 frequently, these agents can make the process better when you need to do so.

Bottom line

Kimpton Inner Circle membership only provides perks at Kimpton properties. But, unlike InterContinental Ambassador (another brand-specific status in the IHG program), you can’t purchase Kimpton Inner Circle. Instead, you must earn Diamond Elite status and hit unpublished loyalty thresholds with Kimpton to get an invite. However, with all the perks and benefits offered, loyalty to IHG (and Kimpton, in particular) could be worthwhile.

Related reading:

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