I’m a huge fan of Kimpton and love how they treat me whenever I stay with them. However, since the announcement of their acquisition by IHG (Holiday Inn), they have lost several properties, which is very concerning. The most recent property lost is the Hotel La Jolla near San Diego, California.
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Kimpton acquired by IHG
Kimpton was acquired by International Hotels Group (IHG) in December 2014 for $430 million in an all-cash deal. For the most part, there have been very few changes over the last year. It seems management is still trying to figure out if Kimpton will operate on its own or if it will somehow merge with IHG’s loyalty program.
In fact, Kimpton opened 8 new properties in 2015, with many more planned for 2016 and beyond, including international destinations of Grandy Cayman and Amsterdam. With IHG’s capital behind the Kimpton brand, there is a great chance for success, as long as the new management doesn’t eliminate the special feeling that Kimpton provides its guests… and makes them so loyal.
Visiting Hotel La Jolla
We previously visited the Hotel La Jolla as a fun weekend getaway “baby moon” just before Anna gave birth to Scarlett. We enjoyed an awesome upgrade to a suite with a killer view. Anna enjoyed waking up to delicious coffee from the lobby and taking in the view from our balcony.
While Timmy was enamored with the goldfish that was waiting for him in our room. We didn’t get a chance to enjoy the pool, because the air was too cold to swim in February. However, there were plenty of fire pits to enjoy and there was live music in the open-air bar and dining area just outside the lobby.
We really enjoyed our stay. Living in Orange County and having Sea World and Legoland annual passes meant that the Hotel La Jolla was one of our favorite Kimpton properties due to location and relatively economical price point. The only thing I didn’t like was the mandatory valet parking (I like to park for free and walk a few extra steps) because La Jolla is not known for its parking.
Hotel La Jolla leaves Kimpton effective February 4, 2016
I received a sad email on Tuesday indicating that the Hotel La Jolla would be leaving Kimpton effective February 4, 2016. What makes this so bad (personally) is that I’ll be staying at the Hotel La Jolla on February 11th… the last day that credits will count towards the Kimpton Karma loyalty program. I booked this room in October during a Kimpton promotion offering great rates and double stay credits.
Here is a copy of the email I received:
As a valued member and important part of our extended family, I wanted to share some news about the Hotel La Jolla and Cusp. As of February 4, 2016, the Hotel La Jolla and Cusp will no longer be part of the collection of boutique hotels and restaurants operated by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. The Hotel La Jolla and Cusp will continue to have the same name and honor all existing reservations, but will be operated under new management.
Given the short notice, for reservations booked by today you will automatically receive Kimpton Karma Rewards stay credit for arrivals through February 11, 2016, which will be reflected in your member profile within 30 days. After this transition period, you will no longer be eligible to receive stay credits for future stays at this hotel. Any reward reservations already confirmed will be honored.
We’re truly sorry to see this property leave the family and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We’re committed to helping alleviate any issues to the extent we can, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can email KarmaHelp@KimptonHotels.com or call us toll free at 1-888-695-4678.
This is not the first defection from the Kimpton brand since the IHG acquisition. In San Francisco, where Kimpton is headquartered, they used to have a relatively large concentration of properties. However, 7 properties left the Kimpton brand, leaving only two behind — The Buchanan in Japantown and Sir Francis Drake across from Union Square. I stayed at both properties earlier this month while in San Francisco for work. Unfortunately, I didn’t have an opportunity to stay at many of the others before they left Kimpton.
What should I do with my upcoming reservation?
Because Kimpton always treats me so well whenever I stay with them, I fear that the Hotel La Jolla will not match the same level of appreciation, amenities, and upgrades that I usually receive due to my Kimpton Inner Circle status now that they are no longer part of the Kimpton family.
I called the Kimpton Inner Circle phone number and spoke with Candy to express my concerns. She reassured me that my stay will still receive the double stay credits I’m entitled to since I’m staying on the last night that stays will credit back to Kimpton.
We explored my options and the two other San Diego properties – Solamar and Palomar – were pretty full and their rates ($319 to $409 a night) were more than double the $149 that I paid. Candy said that, because each property is independently managed and operated, she wouldn’t be able to match my great rate, although she would be able to submit a request for the double credit if I was dead-set on booking a new reservation.
It made sense to keep my current reservation. I have faith that the new management will seek to make me (and all other guests) a fan of theirs, so I’m sure they’ll treat me right. Candy reassured me that Kimpton will make it up to me if I have a bad experience with the new management.
What do you think I should do? Have you ever had something like this happen to you?
