Kimpton’s Summer Deals – all over the US and Canada!

by Annie Scott on

Kimpton has a number of great specials going on this summer, and if you’re booking any last minute travel (before September 7th), you can totally take advantage!

Their Summer Playground Package, which starts at just $199 per night (enter PLGD in the rate code box or mention “Summer Playground” when calling 1-800-KIMPTON), includes comfy amenities like a $25 food and beverage credit and an in-room movie with popcorn. That doesn’t sound too playground-y, but how about this stuff:

  • Play a game for upgrades. I’m talking rock paper scissors or a hula hoop challenge. You could get a free upgrade.
  • Sangria Happy Hour. Need I say more? There are also “Play Dirty” and “Play Nice” -themed cocktails available.
  • Virtual Wii Sports. Get your golf, tennis, or baseball game on.
  • Tag! They have playground-themed luggage tags available in the lobby.

If the Summer Playground Package sounds like a bunch of insanity to you, perhaps you’d be more interested in the “Cocktail or Breakfast for Just $1 More” deal … which is exactly what it sounds like.

The above deals are available at all of Kimpton’s nearly 50 hotels throughout the US and Canada, but there’s even more special stuff happening at NYC’s 70 Park Avenue, where you can “Shape Up Your Stay” (starts at $229 — which is pretty darn cheap for New York!), a package which includes:

  • 20% off the Best Available Rate
  • Healthy Power Bar and bottled water
  • Complimentary in-room yoga basket for use while at the hotel
  • Jump rope
  • Personalized running route mapped by the concierge

If you like to see some art when you head into to New York, both 70 Park Avenue and The Muse (also in NYC) are offering a “Summer Art in the City” package. This package starts at just $199 per night and includes a complimentary breakfast, a bottle of wine upon arrival, and unlimited daily MTA metrocard — which will take you directly to the ferry to Governor’s Island, where there’s a huge public art quadrennial called Plot 09: This World & Nearer Ones, which features works by artists from nine different countries, including Patti Smith and Mark Wallinger. You also get a map of Governor’s Island. (Rate code: PSMA.)

Basically, Kimpton is rocking this summer. They’ve just earned the Top 2009 Customer Satisfaction Ranking from Market Metrix Hospitality Index — topping their own previous winning scores with a 94.7 percent — beating out Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, and other leading luxury hotel chains.

And the low prices they’re offering at their chic boutique hotels in these tough economic times are no coincidence. “Over Kimpton’s 28 years in business, I don’t believe we’ve ever seen travelers in greater need of the extraordinary kindness and care they find at our hotels,” said Niki Leondakis, chief operating officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

So, if you’re traveling anywhere in the US and Canada before September 7, be sure and check out the nearest Kimpton. And if your next trip is happening after that date? Stay tuned; we’ll tell you what’s up.

The Top 10 Luxury Hotels in the United States

by Annie Scott on

When I set out to create a list of the Top 10 Luxury Hotels in the United States, I found that there were so many options, it was quite difficult to choose.

First of all, there are the chains. In most cases, I don’t associate the word “chain” with “luxury,” but in the case of hotels, chains are actually very enticing. What list of luxury hotels would be complete without a Ritz-Carlton and a Four Seasons (both listed)? The advantage of visiting a chain is that they employ consistent standards of hospitality and accommodation, which ensure a luxurious stay. Sometimes, when you go to a boutique hotel, you don’t know what to expect. I think knowing what to expect is a luxury.

And yet, boutique hotels are often amongst the most luxurious (like the Chambers Minneapolis, which receives an honorable mention and is pictured above) — particularly the ones which offer unique experiences, or an undeniably authentic and exquisite taste of the local culture. I’ve done my best to include hotels from all over the country; not just the usual “destinations.” I tell ya, getting it down to ten involved Olympic levels of compare-and-contrast.

In short, it is difficult to define luxury, but I think you’ll find the hotels on this top ten list will exceed your expectations and anticipate your needs and desires, as well as provide you with delightful surprises! The people who say “luxury is necessity” haven’t been truly pampered.

%Gallery-67471%

Luxury hotels in NYC offering a free night stay

by Jamie Rhein on

“Strike when the iron is hot” is a proverb for these times when it comes to taking advantage of a travel bargain. Cruises aren’t the only places to find a deal–even if the deal may start off pricey.

For those heading to New York City before February 28, ten luxury hotels are offering a third night free when you book two nights. This can be a hefty savings of more than $300. Sure, you have to come up with enough money for the two nights, but there are inexpensive things to do the city which can take off the sting off the sticker price.

The participating hotels are:

To take advantage of these deals called “Signature Collection Third Night,” click on this link for the promotional code for the hotel of your choice.

Making a reservation over the phone is recommended. In addition to the third night free, guests who take advantage of the offer, receive other deals at places like Saks Fifth Avenue where you can get a free cup of coffee and a complimentary dessert at the store’s Cafe SFA.

WiFi? Yes. Free breakfast? Not so much: What else are hotels offering these days?

by Jamie Rhein on

If you’re a person who likes a free breakfast when you go to a hotel–the donuts and Fruit Loops call out your name the moment you open your eyes in the morning, you might be missing out.

According to a survey conducted for the American Hotel and Lodging Association, of the 10,000 hotels out of 45,000 that participated, they’re providing wireless Internet more often, but cutting out the free breakfast. You can get the free breakfast at many– but don’t assume.

Here is a summary of the survey findings to help you compare what you’ll be getting for your dollars before you make that reservation.

  • 91% offer Internet (15% hotels charge for it, and of those, 75% to 91% of them fit into the luxury to up upscale category)
  • 75% have a computer in the lobby for guest use
  • 47% have indoor swimming pools.
  • 58% have outdoor swimming pools
  • 82% have refrigerator in the room
  • 40% have only non-smoking rooms
  • 25% have allergy-free rooms
  • 67% have weekend specials
  • 56% allow pets, and of those, 67% charge extra for your four-legged family member.
  • 43% have flat-screen TVs
  • 48% offer vegan meals
  • 66% offer healthy meals
  • 70% offer a free newspaper

And about that free breakfast? 59% offer it, but that’s down 9% from two years ago, the last time the survey was conducted.

For more details, read the MSNBC article. You’ll notice how the changes reflect societal trends and habits.

%Poll-16162%