Happy 301st Birthday to Kimpton, A Pioneer in Pet-Friendly Hotels

Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants turns 43 this year. But in dog years, it’s celebrating its 301st. 

Kimpton was a pioneer in pet-friendly hotels, and has welcomed all pets through its doors since day one. “Knowing that pets have the innate ability to lift spirits and bring comfort, Bill Kimpton would bring his dog, Chianti, to work regularly,” says Kathleen Reidenbach, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Commercial, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas & Kimpton Global at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Since then, we have continued to carry on the belief that pets are an important part of the family and should be treated as such.”

Unique perks
Kimpton’s personal experience traveling for business was often “lonely and isolating,” says Reidenbach. “He recognized the value that social connection and community have on guests and, with this ethos at the heart of his work, he created the world’s first boutique luxury hotel with the goal of bringing travelers together.” Fast forward 43 years, properties under the Kimpton brand’s global portfolio include 75 Kimpton hotels in 13 countries including the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK and Asia. 

“To this day, we base all we do on Bill’s original vision,” says Reidenbach. “The idea behind the very first Kimpton was to create a space that felt more like a livable and stylish home rather than a large, impersonal hotel,” she says. 

In addition to local-oriented perks, there are key Kimpton perks and amenities that guests have come to know and appreciate at all of the properties, says Reidenbach, including the Kimpton Social, where guests connect every evening from 5-to-6pm with a complimentary glass of wine, and the Forgot It? We’ve Got It! Program.

And, of course, Kimpton’s pet policies across the board are especially popular and appeal to travelers who have a pet peeve about leaving their loved pets at home. 

Pet perks include:

? All pets are welcome—no matter size, weight or breed—at no extra charge and with no limit on the number of pets allowed.
? Essential pet items like a water bowl, mats or doggie bag—and extra treats are offered.
? Complimentary access to Wag! Premium, which provides access to pet walks and pet sitting from a guests’ mobile app.
? A curated concierge list of local pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers and pet boutiques.
? A welcome by name, often by a four-legged Director of Pet Relations, with a tail wag and special treat
? Door hangers to alert other hotel guests/staff that a guest’s pet is in the room. 

According to Reidenbach the company’s global expansion will continue this year, with openings including Kimpton Bem in Budapest (late 2024) and Kimpton Las Mercedes in Santo Domingo (summer 2024). Earlier this year, Kimpton Mas Olas in Todos Santos and Kimpton Virgilio in Mexico City debuted. 

And, as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio, Kimpton has a steady growth pipeline planned around the world over the next several years with over 56 projects in the works including 28 in the Americas, 15 in EMEAA and 13 in greater China, says Reidenbach.

Kimpton will also debut its first all-inclusive resort, Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya, Mexico, later this year, says Reidenbach. 

Travel trends
“The travel industry is back in a big way,” says Reidenbach. “Since the pandemic, people are looking for more immersive and personalized experiences and travel is one of the best ways to create that. People are looking forward to traveling now more than ever and trends like slow travel are becoming more prevalent as guests look to enjoy a more leisurely-paced vacation and unwind from their day-to-day routines.”
 
Additionally, travelers are starting to expect more out of their luxury accommodation stay experiences, says Reidenbach. “Kimpton offers a variety of unique programming for guests including Kimpton’s Forgot It? We’ve Got It! Anthropologie Accessories Collection, our Plant Pals plant-lending program and the just-launched Summer Soiree series, which features summer-themed pop-ups and seasonal menu items across restaurant and bar menus.”