Last Updated on July 23, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a luxury boutique hotel brand owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts. Bill Kimpton founded the company in San Francisco in 1981. IHG announced its agreement to buy Kimpton in December 2014 and completed the $430 million acquisition in January 2015. Today, the brand is known for individually designed hotels, locally focused restaurants, hosted social hours, wellness perks, and an unusually broad pet policy.
Quick Answer
IHG Hotels & Resorts owns the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand. The purchase agreement was announced in December 2014, and IHG completed the $430 million acquisition on January 16, 2015. Individual Kimpton properties may still be owned by separate real-estate or hospitality companies.
Key Takeaways
- IHG owns the Kimpton brand, but it does not necessarily own every hotel building.
- The acquisition was announced in December 2014 and completed for $430 million in January 2015.
- IHG reported 87 open Kimpton hotels and 17,108 rooms as of March 31, 2026.
- Kimpton is positioned as a luxury lifestyle brand with locally influenced design and restaurants.
- Brand perks include hosted social hours, in-room yoga mats, bikes, pet-friendly stays, and IHG One Rewards participation, although details can vary by property.
Who Owns Kimpton Hotels?
IHG Hotels & Resorts owns Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. IHG agreed to buy the company in December 2014 and completed the acquisition on January 16, 2015, for $430 million in cash.
The purchase moved Kimpton from an independent U.S. boutique hotel company into IHG’s global group of hotel brands. Kimpton kept its name, design-led identity, restaurant focus, and guest-service style while gaining access to IHG’s reservation network, loyalty program, technology, and international development system.
Does IHG Own Every Kimpton Property?
No. IHG owns the Kimpton brand, but the ownership and operation of an individual hotel can involve several different companies.
- Brand owner: IHG controls the Kimpton name, standards, loyalty participation, and global brand strategy.
- Property owner: A separate real-estate company or investor may own the hotel building.
- Hotel operator: IHG, Kimpton, the owner, or another approved management company may operate the property.
- Franchise or management agreement: The property may use the Kimpton name under a contract with IHG.
IHG states on its hotel websites that most of its hotels are independently owned and operated. Therefore, owning the Kimpton brand does not mean IHG directly owns the land and building behind every Kimpton hotel.
How Kimpton Hotels Grew
Bill Kimpton founded the company in San Francisco in 1981 after taking inspiration from the small, distinctive hotels he encountered in Europe. The brand helped popularize the boutique hotel concept in the United States by giving individual properties their own designs, restaurants, and neighborhood identities.
| Year | Growth milestone |
|---|---|
| 1981 | Bill Kimpton founded the company in San Francisco. |
| December 2014 | IHG announced an agreement to acquire Kimpton for $430 million. |
| January 2015 | IHG completed the acquisition and began accelerating global development. |
| 2017 | Kimpton De Witt opened in Amsterdam as the first Kimpton outside the Americas. |
| 2026 | IHG reported 87 open hotels, 17,108 rooms, and 67 additional hotels in the development pipeline. |
As of March 31, 2026, IHG reported 87 open Kimpton hotels, 17,108 open rooms, and 67 hotels in the development pipeline.
IHG’s international network allowed Kimpton to move beyond its original U.S. base. The brand now operates in urban, beach, resort, historic, and mountain destinations across several regions.
What Makes Kimpton Hotels Different?
Kimpton does not use one identical room or lobby design across every property. Instead, each hotel is developed around its building, neighborhood, destination, and target guests. One Kimpton may occupy a historic city building, while another may operate as a beach resort or modern high-rise.
IHG describes Kimpton as a luxury lifestyle brand. Common characteristics include:
- Locally influenced design: Hotels often work with local artists, designers, makers, and food businesses.
- Individual property identities: Rooms, public areas, restaurants, and branding can differ considerably from one hotel to another.
- Restaurants and bars: Many properties operate destination dining venues intended for local residents as well as hotel guests.
- Hosted social experiences: The evening social hour gives guests a casual space to meet, have a drink, or speak with hotel staff.
- Relaxed service: The brand combines upscale surroundings with a less formal service style than some traditional luxury hotels.
- Wellness amenities: Yoga mats, bikes, fitness facilities, and other wellness features are common parts of the brand experience.
This property-by-property approach gives Kimpton more personality than a tightly standardized hotel chain. It also means you should review the exact room layout, restaurant options, parking, pool, spa, and resort or destination fees for the hotel you plan to book.
Where Kimpton Hotels Are Located
Kimpton began in the United States, but it is now a global brand. According to IHG’s corporate brand data, Kimpton had 87 open hotels as of March 31, 2026. Its consumer destination directory advertises 85+ hotels in 65+ cities.
Note: Hotel totals can differ between IHG’s corporate development reports and its booking directory. Corporate figures may include newly opened properties before every consumer page is updated, while directory totals may use rounded numbers such as “85+.” Always attach a date to portfolio figures.
U.S. City Hotspots
Kimpton still has a strong U.S. presence, particularly in large cities and leisure destinations. Current markets include San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Philadelphia, Denver, Nashville, New Orleans, Phoenix, Portland, Palm Springs, and several other cities.
The number of hotels in each city changes as properties open, close, convert, or leave the brand. For example, a city may have several Kimpton properties with different price points, room styles, restaurants, and neighborhood settings. Checking the current official directory is more reliable than relying on a fixed national hotel count.
Global Expansion Markets
Kimpton’s international expansion began with Kimpton De Witt in Amsterdam in 2017. The brand now appears across Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Canada, and the Middle East.
| Market | Current destination examples |
|---|---|
| Europe | Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Frankfurt, London, Manchester, Paris, Crete, Mallorca, and the Algarve |
| Asia Pacific | Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, Koh Samui, and Sydney |
| Canada | Toronto |
| Mexico | Mexico City, Riviera Maya, and Todos Santos |
| Caribbean and Latin America | Grand Cayman, Santo Domingo, and Roatán |
The portfolio also includes a Kimpton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and continues to grow through additional hotel signings. A signed or pipeline property is not the same as an open hotel, so check its opening status before making travel plans.
Kimpton Hotels Amenities and Perks
Kimpton is known for including practical and social extras that are not always standard at other hotel brands. Its current brand materials highlight a hosted evening social hour, morning coffee and tea, yoga mats in guest rooms, complimentary bikes, pet-friendly services, and free guest-room Wi-Fi for IHG One Rewards members.
Common Kimpton amenities include:
- Hosted evening social hour: Guests can gather for complimentary drinks and conversation. The exact drinks, time, format, and availability can vary. Alcohol is subject to local law and legal-age requirements.
- Morning coffee and tea: Many properties offer a complimentary morning beverage service.
- In-room yoga mats: Yoga mats are a signature wellness feature, with other fitness equipment available at selected hotels.
- Complimentary bikes: Many Kimpton properties provide bikes for local exploration, subject to availability and local operating conditions.
- Forgot It? We’ve Got It!: The front desk can supply or lend commonly forgotten travel essentials, such as chargers, toothbrushes, razors, sewing kits, and adapters.
- Pet amenities: Loaner beds, food and water bowls, mats, door hangers, waste bags, and local pet recommendations may be available.
- Family features: Selected properties offer welcome gifts, high chairs, booster seats, pools, family dining options, bunk rooms, or children’s activities.
Kimpton’s strongest brand distinction is not one luxury amenity. It is the combination of individual hotel design, social spaces, restaurants, wellness features, and a broad pet policy.
Pro Tip: Check the individual hotel’s amenities page before booking. Pools, spas, parking, restaurants, bike availability, family rooms, resort fees, and social-hour formats are property-specific and may change.
How Kimpton’s Pet Policy Works
Kimpton’s stated brand policy welcomes furry, feathered, and scaly pets without an extra pet fee or deposit. The policy lists no size or weight limit, no breed restriction, and no set limit on the number of pets, provided they can enter the hotel.
| Benefit | Brand policy | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Pet fee | No additional pet charge or deposit | Damage charges can still apply when appropriate |
| Size and breed | No stated size, weight, or breed limit | Local laws and transport rules |
| Number of pets | No stated brand-wide limit | Room size and property procedures |
| Pet supplies | Beds, bowls, mats, bags, and local recommendations may be offered | Availability at the selected hotel |
For international travel or nontraditional pets, contact the hotel before arrival. Airline rules, border controls, health certificates, local animal laws, and restrictions in restaurants or public areas remain separate from the hotel brand’s pet policy.
How Kimpton Rewards Work
Kimpton participates in IHG One Rewards. Members can earn points on qualifying stays and eligible hotel charges, redeem points for Reward Nights, receive member rates, and access benefits based on their membership level.
Many benefits require an eligible booking made through IHG’s website, app, customer-care center, or directly with the hotel. Reservations made through some third-party travel sites may not earn points or receive every elite benefit.
Kimpton-specific loyalty features include:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: Available to IHG One Rewards members at participating Kimpton properties.
- Elite welcome benefits: Eligible Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members may receive a choice of welcome amenity under current program rules.
- Kimpton Inner Circle: An invitation-only extension of IHG One Rewards for highly loyal Kimpton guests who have reached Diamond Elite and meet additional unpublished criteria.
- Inner Circle benefits: These can include a personalized amenity, a chef’s taste at participating restaurants, a guaranteed one-category room upgrade, early check-in, late checkout, premium internet, and selected new-hotel free-night offers.
Inner Circle benefits have participation rules, exclusions, and availability conditions. For example, new-hotel free nights apply only to selected hotels and eligible members during published offer periods.
Business travelers can also review IHG’s separate business-booking programs. However, joining a business program does not automatically guarantee Gold Elite status for every employee. Status depends on current earning rules or a specifically published partner promotion.
Who Kimpton Hotels Are Best For
Kimpton can be a strong choice when you want an upscale hotel with more visual character and fewer standardized design elements. It is especially appealing to travelers who value local restaurants, neighborhood locations, social spaces, wellness amenities, or easy pet travel.
Style-Driven Explorers
Kimpton suits travelers who prefer a property with its own design story rather than an identical room layout in every city. You may appreciate the brand if:
- You enjoy locally influenced art, interiors, restaurants, and neighborhood recommendations.
- You prefer upscale service without a highly formal atmosphere.
- You like having a bar, restaurant, social hour, or shared gathering space in the hotel.
- You want access to a wider hotel loyalty program while staying at an individually designed property.
Pet-Friendly Leisure Travelers
Kimpton is particularly useful for travelers who do not want to compare pet weight limits, breed lists, and nightly pet fees at every destination. Its broad brand policy can also make multi-pet trips easier.
You should still contact the hotel when traveling with several animals, an unusual pet, or a pet that needs special arrangements. The front desk can confirm room suitability, pet-relief areas, nearby parks, housekeeping procedures, and whether animals may attend the social hour.
Who May Prefer Another Brand?
Kimpton may not be the best match if you want the lowest possible room price, a limited-service stay, or the same room design and facilities in every city. Because each property is different, parking charges, room sizes, destination fees, restaurants, pools, and family amenities require more comparison than at a highly standardized chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Secret Word for Kimpton Hotels?
Kimpton does not have one permanent secret word. Its social password is a temporary promotion that may change by season or may not be active at all. Check Kimpton’s official social accounts shortly before your stay. When a promotion is active, say the published password at check-in to receive the stated surprise, subject to availability.
Is Kimpton a Luxury Hotel Brand?
Yes. IHG positions Kimpton as a luxury lifestyle brand. Its hotels usually combine upscale rooms, design-led public spaces, restaurants, personal service, and lifestyle amenities, although the facilities and price level differ between properties and destinations.
What Happened to Kimpton Hotels?
Kimpton did not disappear or merge into another hotel name. IHG announced its agreement to acquire Kimpton in December 2014 and completed the $430 million purchase in January 2015. Kimpton has continued operating as a separate IHG brand and has expanded internationally.
What Are Kimpton Hotels Known For?
Kimpton is known for individually designed boutique hotels, locally influenced restaurants, hosted evening social hours, yoga mats, bikes, personal service, and a pet policy with no stated size, weight, or breed limit and no standard pet fee.
How Many Kimpton Hotels Are There?
IHG reported 87 open Kimpton hotels and 17,108 rooms as of March 31, 2026. Its consumer destination directory uses the rounded description “85+ hotels” in “65+ cities.” Hotel totals can change as properties open, convert, or leave the brand.
Does IHG Own Every Kimpton Hotel Building?
No. IHG owns the Kimpton brand, but separate investors or real-estate companies may own individual hotel buildings. A property can operate under the Kimpton name through an IHG management or franchise agreement.
Does Kimpton Charge a Pet Fee?
Kimpton’s stated brand policy does not charge an additional pet fee or deposit and does not set a size, weight, breed, or number limit. Contact the individual hotel for unusual pets, special room needs, local legal restrictions, and current pet-amenity availability.
Conclusion
IHG Hotels & Resorts owns the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand, following a $430 million acquisition completed in January 2015. Kimpton has since grown from its U.S. boutique roots into a global luxury lifestyle brand with 87 open hotels reported as of March 31, 2026. Its locally influenced design, restaurants, social hour, wellness amenities, loyalty participation, and broad pet policy make it especially attractive to travelers who want an upscale stay with more personality than a standardized chain hotel.
Sources
- IHG: Completion of Acquisition — confirms that IHG completed its $430 million Kimpton acquisition on January 16, 2015.
- IHG: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Brand Profile — supports the luxury-lifestyle positioning and March 31, 2026 portfolio figures.
- Kimpton Hotels: Destinations — provides the current consumer-directory count, regions, cities, and individual hotel listings.
- Kimpton Hotels: Pet-Friendly Hotel Policy — supports the no-fee, no-size-limit, and pet-amenity information.
- Kimpton Hotels: Brand Perks — supports social hour, coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, yoga mats, bikes, and wellness amenities.
- Kimpton Inner Circle — supports current invitation requirements, benefits, and participation conditions.