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Can I Use IHG Rewards to Book Award Stays at Kimpton Hotels?

April 03, 2016
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3 min read
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Can I Use IHG Rewards to Book Award Stays at Kimpton Hotels?
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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.

Gaining access to boutique properties like the Beverly Hills Hotel Wilshire would be a huge win for IHG Rewards.

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.

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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.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.