InterContinental Hotels Group in early 2018 will
combine its IHG Rewards Club program with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants'
Kimpton Karma Rewards program to create a unified loyalty platform with a
single reward point system.
Loyalty members will move from Kimpton's
stay-based program to IHG's point-based program, and Kimpton Karma members
automatically will be enrolled in IHG Rewards Club. Kimpton Karma member tier
levels will map to IHG Rewards membership levels, and any accumulated activity
toward a free night with Kimpton will be converted into points.
Though IHG acquired Kimpton in January 2015, IHG SVP of
customer loyalty marketing Susanna Freer Epstein said the company wanted to be
sure they weren't taking anything away from the Kimpton brand by rushing to
unite the two loyalty platforms. "The intention of the acquisition from
the onset was really to bring the best-loved boutique brand to more
destinations around the world while delivering long-term benefits to all
stakeholders," she told BTN. "We've been careful to ensure that we're
really preserving the unique style and culture that have made Kimpton the
undisputed leader among boutique hotels. And in bringing our loyalty programs
together now, we wanted to ensure we were delivering the most value to our
guests over the long-term. We think we've arrived at the perfect place."
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With the combination of
the two programs, Kimpton Karma members will have access to 80 times more
hotels through IHG's network of more than 5,200 properties and 11 additional
brands across almost 100 countries. They'll also be able to take advantage of
other IHG benefits, such as the IHG Rewards app, plus member direct rates and
the ability to redeem reward nights without blackout dates or cancellation
penalties. IHG Rewards members will now be able to earn and redeem points at
Kimpton's more than 60 hotels. At Kimpton properties, all loyalty members will continue
to receive the keystone experiential perks of the Kimpton Karma program, such
as Raid the Bar, a $30 spa credit and personalized welcome amenities.