Skip to content
Go to Home Page
News

Use Kimpton's latest surprise password to 'chill' at check-in

Summer Hull
Summer Hull
Senior director of content
Summer Hull has been covering (and using) travel tips, rewards credit cards and loyalty programs for over a decade. She has flown close to a million miles, often on points and miles and with her family in tow.
Nov. 27, 2021
•
3 min read
kimpton-epic-miami-lobby
Use Kimpton's latest surprise password to 'chill' at check-in
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Kimpton devotees know to be on the lookout for passwords that unlock surprises from the IHG hotel brand. The latest has arrived in time for your winter stay.

Kimpton Van Zandt in Austin (Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

From now through February 2022, say the phrase "Just Chilling" at front desk check-in. You'll be on your way to a free perk in no time.

Kimpton properties are known for their unique atmosphere — plus inclusions, such as an evening happy hour and "raid the mini bar" perk for elite guests. Throughout the year, Kimpton takes the fun up a few notches with a secret password that unlocks extra goodies for anyone who utters the magic words.

Earlier this year, Kimpton began the summer travel season with the clever password, "No more sweatpants." Previous surprises included food and beverage credits to gifts such as a hot chocolate kit.

My family has used the secret password several times, including at the Hotel Monaco Denver, which resulted in the kiddos each getting to spin the prize wheel to win a free in-room movie and snacks!

Kimpton prize wheel (Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

Other Kimpton social password surprises we have heard of in the past include:

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
  • A bottle of wine
  • Comped parking
  • Branded coffee mug
  • Two drinks at the on-site bar
  • Doubled Raid the Bar credit
  • Room upgrade
  • $30 dining credit
  • Breakfast vouchers
  • Hot chocolate kit
  • In-room movie
  • Free IHG points
Free Kimpton cookies and milk (Summer Hull / The Points Guy)

On top of whatever treats the password unlocks, remember that Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and Spire Elite IHG Rewards Club members get a "Raid the Bar" or "Raid the Mini Bar" credit which allows a choice between points or a drink/snack when staying at a Kimpton property.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Raid the Kimpton mini bar (Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

If that interests you, the easiest way to quickly earn IHG elite status is through the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card, which provides Platinum Elite status. The card has an $99 annual fee. On top of that, the card is currently offering five free nights after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

But, it doesn't take any elite status or credit cards to unlock surprises with the magic words "Just Chilling." The surprise perk will get your holiday travel off to a cheerful start.

Additional reporting by Ariana Arghandewal, Liz Ramanand.

Featured image by Kris Tamburello
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.