Kimpton’s cocktail hour features wines with a conscience

by Melanie Nayer on

Kimpton Hotels is always looking for ways to spice up the party. From the leopard print robes and funky pj’s that hang in their closets, the Kimpton brand is known for its saucy elegance that graces the rooms. To help set the mood, Kimpton also hosts nightly wine hours in the lobby of their hotels (all things point to a happy traveler so far) but the newest addition to Kimpton’s wine hour comes with morals: Starting this month, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will introduce their “Wines That Care” selection.

Yes, the wine is still free for guests who want to kick back in the lobby with a glass of red or white, but now every sip goes to a good cause. Kimpton will feature a different winery each month that has commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability including:

Barefoot Wine (Modesto, CA): Each year more than 25,000 beaches in the U.S. are closed or posted as unhealthy. To remedy this, Barefoot Wine and Surfrider Foundation encourage local residents to volunteer at cleanup and restoration events across the country to help make these beaches “barefoot-friendly.”

Hayes Ranch by Wente Vineyards (Livermore, CA): This 127-year old winery features a progressive Farming for the Future program that enhances the vitality of the soils, creates a balanced, sustainable ecology, minimizes water use and reduces non-organic wastes.

Banrock Station (Australia): Named one of the world’s most powerful wine brands in the annual “Power 100” list of the world’s top wine and spirits brands, this company was recognized for its extensive commitment to global conservation with generous contributions to 60 projects worldwide including the preservation of native ducks in New Zealand, Flamingos in Kenya and the re-introduction of otters in Holland.

Walnut Crest/Emiliana Vineyards (Chile): As the number one seller of bottled wine in Chile, this winery was the first to earn the International Standard Organization 14.001 certification, which acknowledges the vineyard’s high production standards and constant concern for the environment.

Bottoms up!

Alone or not, Kimpton brings deals to NYC for Valentine’s Day

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Kimpton’s offering you two ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Manhattan this year: one if you’re inclined to recognize the holiday, the other if you’re flying solo. Let’s face it; Valentine’s day isn’t designed to appeal to everyone, and the single folks shouldn’t get screwed just because the only way they could get a “date” that night involves several appearances by Benjamin Franklin.

If you’re interested in a more traditional Valentine’s Day getaway, take a look at the “Sweet Savings” deal at Kimpton’s 70 park avenue hotel. For rates starting at a mere $179, you’ll get not only a great room in Manhattan, you’ll pick up a complimentary dessert for you and your guest at silver leaf tavern.

Now, this doesn’t do much for you if you’re alone, unless you really like two desserts. Fortunately, there’s the “Cupid Is Stupid” deal at Kimpton’s The Muse New York. For a rate of $239, you’ll get two free cocktails at NIOS restaurant and a complimentary in-room movie.

So, how do you make this work? Use one of those cocktails to chat up a lonely hottie — she’s hanging out in a hotel bar, it shouldn’t take much more than this. Then, invite her up to your room to enjoy the free movie with you. Choose your movie wisely.

Both deals are open for the entire month of February. The booking code for “Cupid Is Stupid” is PCPL, and the code for “Sweet Savings” is PSSP.

Kimpton’s rub down will make every day Valentine’s Day

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Nobody should have to rub one out on Valentine’s Day alone … nothing is more depressing. So, let Kimpton help you get the contact you need. At 41 hotels , you can take advantage of the “Rub the One You’re with” package from February 1, 2010 through the end of March. Your stay will include a private one-hour massage instruction class. Using the whole “teach a man to fish” concept, you’ll make yourself indispensable to your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or casual fling, with relaxation skills that are positively addictive. Ply your new craft even after Valentine’s Day has passed with a take-home massage kit that includes Kerstin Florian organic lavender massage oil, a lavender and lemon aromatherapy candle and aromatherapy bath salts. You’ll also enjoy a bottle of champagne and complimentary overnight parking.

Says Niki Leondakis, Kimpton’s chief operating officer, “This playful package is a great way for couples to unwind this winter and create memories that will last well beyond their stay with us.”

Kimpton Hotels offer winter freebies

by Annie Scott on

Kimpton Hotels is offering all sorts of winter freebies at nearly 50 North American properties through March 31, 2010.

When you make your reservation, ask if your hotel has the “Spark Winter Fun” package. If so, there are extra bells and whistles you should know about! First of all, when you check in at a participating hotel, ask to play “Light Me Up.” The hotel associate will ask you a trivia question, and if you answer correctly, you’ll get a free upgrade (subject to availability). Then, when 2:00 PM rolls around, head to the lobby for free hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot apple cider. The hotel’s Wine Hour (free wine) will feature complimentary hot roasted hazelnuts and other seasonal bites, as well as wintry Wii games and Trivial Pursuit.

That’s just what’s going on at participating hotels. If you choose to book the “Spark Winter Fun” package, you’ll get a complimentary in-room movie and popcorn and a $25 food and beverage credit. If you’re booking online, enter SPARK in the rate code box and fight those winter doldrums. We love it when hotels throw in a little something extra — it makes for an even easier excuse to get away.

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Kimpton Hotels makes it personal with “MyStory” member profiles

by Scott Carmichael on

It takes a lot of creativity to stand out as a hotel nowadays. Some hotels have upgraded their minibar, others added rubber ducks to the bathtub. Kimpton Hotels took a rather creative approach by redesigning the member profile portion of their site.

Instead of just asking for your name and email address, Kimpton makes it more personal by asking for things like your pillow and floor preference. The “MyStory” site is available to all Kimpton InTouch members, their free frequent guest program. By providing this information, you’ll always have a more personal touch added to your room.

The InTouch program itself is rather generous, and awards you free night after just 7 visits (or 20 nights). You become an “Inner Circle” elite member after 15 visits (or 45 nights). In addition to free nights, InTouch members even get up to $10 free mini bar credits ($15 in New York).