Can I Use IHG Rewards to Book Award Stays at Kimpton Hotels?
TPG reader Matt sent me a message on Facebook to ask about redeeming IHG Rewards:
"Can I use IHG points to book a stay with Kimpton Hotels?"
When IHG acquired Kimpton in 2014, it was announced that the two brands and their loyalty programs would not be merged — at least, not yet. That plan was reinforced in June 2015, when Kimpton CEO Mike DeFrino explained that Kimpton and IHG would "continue to explore how to best bring these two programs together."
Well, it seems like they're still exploring. For now, IHG Rewards Club and Kimpton Karma Rewards remain completely separate. You can't earn or redeem IHG points at Kimpton properties, and vice versa. There's also no overlap in elite benefits, so even top-tier IHG Spire elite status won't get you so much as free Wi-Fi when you stay with Kimpton (though in fairness, you can easily get it as a Tier 1 member by simply signing up with Kimpton's program).
A December email to Karma Rewards members hinted that things could change in 2017, but didn't offer any specifics. For now, IHG seems content to focus on Kimpton's portfolio: The brand lost several properties in San Francisco last year, but it has a number of new hotels opening domestically. It also recently announced plans to expand globally by taking over the Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre.
I think IHG Rewards would be strengthened by bringing Kimpton into the fold, since the brand's only comparable offerings are the 60 or so Hotel Indigo properties worldwide. However, Kimpton has made a point of keeping the Karma Rewards program unique and highly personalized, and bringing the two programs together could threaten that. There's bound to be some pushback from both management and elite members who want to preserve the Kimpton experience.
There are some similarities between IHG's acquisition of Kimpton and the prospective acquisition of Starwood by Marriott. While Starwood is much larger than Kimpton, the Starwood Preferred Guest program has also helped the brand stand out, and many SPG members are concerned about how a merger with Marriott Rewards could shake out (if it comes to fruition at all). In both cases, your best bet is to let management know how you feel, and hope any adjustments that are made will bring out the best of these programs.
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
[card card-name='IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card' card-id='221210684' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees