We’ve known about the Kimpton/IHG for a while now, but what we haven’t known is was was going to happen to Kimpton’s loyalty program. Now we do.
In early 2018, Kimpton Karma Rewards is going to be merged with IHG’s loyalty program.
But what does this mean for Kimpton members?
If you have Tier 1 status, you’ll be given 1,000 IHG points per earned night. Those with Tier 2 or Tier 3 status will be given 2,000 IHG points per earned night.
Status levels will also be matched. Tier 1 will become Club; Tier 2 will become Gold; Tier 3 will become Platinum; and Inner Circle will become Spire Elite (and maintain Inner Circle). Kimpton’s top-tier Inner Circle status is actually going to be sticking around as an invite-only status level for the elite of the elite Kimpton patrons, but existing Inner Circle members will be grandfathered for 2018.
If you have any Kimpton free nights sitting around, there’s no need to worry about those. They will be converted to IHG free night certificates and can still be redeemed at Kimpton hotels.
Klmpton hotels will also be able to be booked with IHG points with these upcoming changes. Kimpton hotels will cost between 40,000 and 70,000 IHG points per night, which is definitely on the high-end of IHG’s properties. That said, Kimpton hotels do tend to be amazing.
Overall, I’m a little bit sad about this development because I absolutely loved Kimpton’s program and especially having Inner Circle status. I didn’t renew my status with them last year because I was worried about what changes would be made and also knew I didn’t have as much domestic travel planned in 2017. I had been debating about making another run for status, but it looks like my time has run out!
[Image: Kimpton Palomar]