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

Nov. 27, 2021
4 min read
Kimpton EPIC Hotel lobby
Use Kimpton's latest surprise password to 'chill' at check-in
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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.

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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!

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Kimpton prize wheel (Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

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

  • 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 175,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of 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.

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Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: 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.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees