FACT: I love Kimpton hotels.

ANOTHER FACT: This is not a paid post. So genuine is my love for this brand that I gladly lend them a little space on my blog just so you, my readers, can make adequate lodging decisions the next time you vacation or travel for work.

I didn’t purposely or intentionally fall in love with Kimpton Hotels. When I was traveling the East Coast in 2017, and I wanted to stay close to my major attractions of interests (Time Square in New York City, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and Capitol Hill in Washington DC). During my time in Israel made me fall in love with the concept of boutique hotels–smaller hotels with fewer rooms but more individualized accommodations–but I had yet to find them in domestically. There was this one place, the Kimpton Monaco, literally right across the road from Independence Hall and not too outrageously priced while fitting the boutique hotel definition, so I thought, what the heck? Let’s try there.

The view was all it took; as I stared at the place where our independence was declared from a hotel room, I knew I was forever a Kimpton vacationer.  Since that time in Philadelphia, I have stayed in as many properties as I can, and I have loved each and every one of them. Why? Well…

1. THEY ARE EACH SO UNIQUE.

I appreciate that every property has its own unique personality while staying true to the Kimpton Brand. No two are exactly the same, but the luxurious, contemporary comfort you feel while staying at any of their sixty-eight properties is.

2. THEY ARE DOG FRIENDLY.

The customer profile one fills out when joining the Kimpton Family is pretty extensive (they even know I prefer foam pillows to down). At the very end, however, they ask questions about potential pet travelers, which I think is just amazing. They know not only Benny’s name, but his breed. I like knowing I am important, but if a hotel can make my doggo important, well, that’s just great.

3. THEY HAVE ROBES.

When a guest opens the closet doors at their Kimpton, they are going to see a whole selection of things–yoga mat, umbrella, maybe a safe. They will also see one amenity that will be repeated at every property: The Robe. Kimpton is known for their fluffy robes, which serve as a nice warm hug after a long day of traveling or sightseeing. 

4. THE HAPPY HOUR. 

Every one of the Kimpton Hotels I have stayed at hosts a wonderful happy hour in their lobby. Wines, coffees, hot chocolates, there is often a beverage for everyone. The Kimpton Gray in Chicago had delicious mulled wine this past winter when I stayed. It’s a nice little social hour to get out of the room, in from the streets, and just relax and chat. 

5. THEY USE ATELIER BLOEM BATH PRODUCTS.

Never heard of Atelier Bloem? There’s good reason for that; this is a line of bath and body products that have been developed just for Kimpton by the founders of  MALIN + GOETZ. I. LOVE. THESE. TOILETRIES. They smell so good and feel so amazing on the skin and hair. The kadota fig lotion? I stocked up on the little bottles just so I always have one in my purse. It is like a little spa in your room and just adds to the amazingness of this brand. (Their amazing marketing minds have even found a way to up-sell you once you fall head over heels with their brand. Hospitality geniuses, I tell you.)

No, Kimpton isn’t a cheap as some other hotel chains. What they offer, however, is more than just a bed, a pool, and a complimentary breakfast. Kimpton Hotels are an experience–one that is so amazing that it alone is a reason for travel.

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer who provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest.