The Group: Kimpton Hotels own 54 hotels and, like many other boutique hotel groups, the group claims each hotel has "an individuality that reflects the location and its unique energy and personality". Kimpton's boutique hotels can be found in settings ranging from scenic getaways to historical hubs to urban neighbourhoods.

The Luxury Travel Bible applauds Kimpton Hotels' Earth Care programme which is committed to eco sustainability and the group was named "USA's Greenest Hotel Chain" in 2008 by the Environmental Hall of Fame. In December 2010 they became the first hotel company to be 100% Green Seal Certified.

 

Kimpton Hotels have many initiatives that aim to make travelling easier. Some of TLTB's favourites include KimptonKids (which include in-room child safety kits, child-friendly hotel programmes and a knowledge of family-oriented activities and services in the local area), LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) travel programmes (all of the hotels support LGBT causes and Pride events) and Woman InTouch (which promises what 'travelling takes out of women, Kimpton helps put it back in' through health tips and events).

"Forgot it? We got it!" is a lifesaver for any forgetful traveller. Items from a list of amenities including Computer/Mobile Chargers, beauty products, hairdryers and humidifiers can be sent up to guests' rooms with a minimal amount of fuss. If you regularly visit a city and want to travel light you can leave a set of personal items at your nominated Kimpton Hotel and the items will be waiting in your room when you return.

TLTB also loves the Kimpton's sense of fun and personalised service. Guests start the day with a complimentary cup o' Joe and are welcomed back to the hotel at the end of the day with a glass of wine at hosted evening gatherings. TLTB also rejoices that this is a hotel group that realises that luxury travellers want free WiFi.

 

TLTB also loves the Kimpton's sense of fun and personalised service

Kimpton Hotels also do much for charity. Their admirable work includes supporting Dress for Success, an international not-for-profit organization that assists economically-challenged women as they transition from unemployment to self-sufficiency. Their Red Ribbon Campaign raised $150,000 in 2010 for local HIV charities and they have also partnered with The Trust for Public Land to help create parks in cities across America.

The Creator: Kimpton Hotels celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011 as it was established in 1981 by Bill Kimpton when he opened the first boutique hotel; the Clarion Bedford Hotel, San Francisco, CA. His goal was to provide travellers "with a haven of comfort, service, security and style".

Kimpton continues Bill's legacy by offering personalised service, feel-good amenities and one-of-a-kind hotels and restaurants.

In 2003 Niki Leondakis became Kimpton Hotels' Chief Operating Officer and in 2010 she was named the Group's President. TLTB recently spoke to Niki and she revealed that, in her opinion, the best thing about the group is 'superior customer care [that] separates Kimpton from its competition... Care is at the heart of our brand'.

Alexandria, Virginia - Lorien Hotel & Spa, Hotel Monaco, Morrison House
Arlington, Virginia - Hotel Palomar
Aspen, Colorado - Sky Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia - Hotel Palomar
Baltimore, Maryland - Hotel Monaco
Boston, Massachusetts - Nine Zero Hotel, Onyx Hotel
Cambridge, Massachusetts - Hotel Marlowe
Chicago, Illinois - Hotel Burnham, Hotel Allegro, Hotel Monaco, The Hotel Palomar
Cupertino, California - Cypress Hotel
Dallas, Texas - Hotel Palomar, Hotel Lumen
Denver, Colorado- Hotel Monaco
Los Angeles/Westwood, California - Hotel Palomar
Miami, Florida - EPIC Hotel
New York, New York - 70 Park Avenue Hotel, The Muse New York, Ink48 & Eventi, A Kimpton Hotel
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Hotel Palomar
Portland, Oregon - Hotel Monaco, Hotel Vintage Plaza
Salt Lake City, Utah - Hotel Monaco
San Diego, California - Hotel Solamar
San Francisco, California - Argonaut Hotel, Harbor Court Hotel, Hotel Monaco, Hotel Triton, Hotel Palomar, Prescott Hotel, Serrano Hotel, Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Tuscan Inn
Scottsdale, Arizona - FireSky Resort & Spa
Seattle, Washington - Alexis Hotel, Hotel Vintage Park, Hotel Monaco Seattle

Vero Beach, Florida - Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Washington, D.C. - Hotel George, Hotel Helix, Hotel Madera, Hotel Monaco, Hotel Palomar, Hotel Rouge, Topaz Hotel