This was my first time staying in a Kimpton property, and wow was I impressed! I recently was awarded Kimpton Karma Rewards Inner Circle status thanks to a status match based on my Hilton Gold status. I had heard that top level members were treated really well…. I just underestimated how well, as I found out during the four 1-night stays in New York while attending a conference.
The first night was at the Eventi, and all I can say is “WOW”. Not only was I upgraded from the base rate that I booked online, but I was booked into the best room in the property!
In This Post
Trip Details
- Free weekend in New York for Affiliate Summit East 2014
- Going to a New York Yankees game this weekend
- Using the AtTheBallpark app to improve the stadium experience
- Why I’m paying $1,000 for 4 nights in New York
- Where to stay in New York City – Kimpton Eventi
- Where to stay in New York City – Kimpton 70 Park Avenue
- Where to stay in New York City – Kimpton The Muse
- Where to stay in New York City – Kimpton Ink48
Kimpton Eventi
The Eventi is located at 851 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10001, which is a short walk from the 31st & Avenue of the Americas subway station.
Booking online
I booked my reservation online using the promo code “MYDEAL”. You had to book before August 15, 2014 to receive up to 25% off the normal booking price. At $209, this night was 25% off the standard price of $279.
Check-in
When I arrived, I was tired from a cross-country flight and in a hurry to make it to the Yankees game against the Indians.
I had mid-level expectations of an upgraded rooms, but I had no idea what was in store for me. When I heard that I was being upgraded to “the best room in the property” my eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. I could barely contain the huge smile on my face.
The room
I booked a standard room, but what I actually received was FAR superior. It is called a 1 bedroom Premium Suite that is usually reserved for events. I tried to look for it online to see how much it would cost to book, but it wasn’t available. I imagine you’d have to call Eventi directly to book this room.
Here’s a 15 second video of my room.
My room had a beautiful bathroom just off the doorway.
Then a hallway which led to my sleeping area…
A desk and fridge…
And a HUGE balcony! With space at such a premium in New York City, how I had such an amazing balcony is beyond my comprehension.
Benefits
Beyond the upgrade, whenever an Inner Circle level member stays at a Kimpton property, a personalized “welcome amenity” awaits you. Because this was my first night at a Kimpton, and I was unsure of what to ask for as a welcome amenity, I received the standard fruit and chocolate. The Tumbador chocolates were delicious… I saved them to share with Anna when I got home. The four truffles were 55% Hawaiian, Wildflower Honey, Cookie Crunch, and Creme de Cashew. There was a personalized note from Jason,
Also, you are allowed to “raid the mini bar” up to $15, or you can use the $15 credit towards a meal at an on-site restaurant. I chose to raid the mini-bar, primarily because I needed a Red Bull in the morning to help me adjust to the 3 hour time difference and recover from working late on a project for work.
The Gym
When I travel, I try to offset the food and drinks I indulge in with a little “me” time at the hotel gym. Unfortunately, I had to stay up late working on a project for work, so I slept in rather than working out. It was a good sized gym with a good mix of machines and free weights. For your convenience, Kimpton provides a yoga mat inside every hotel room.
Would I change anything?
For me, the entire experience was fantastic because my expectations were exceed by such a wide margin. Overall, I wish the hotel prices were lower, but the 25% discount was awesome and helped quite a bit. Beyond that, going to NYC, you just know that decent hotel rooms are going to cost between $200-$250 a night before taxes.
On the balcony, I wish there was an option to turn on more light. I was checking email on my laptop when I got back from the Yankees game, enjoying the night, and there wasn’t enough light for me to adequately see my keyboard. Maybe this was a sign from the Kimpton Gods telling me that I should have put down the laptop and focused on relaxing and enjoying the great views?
There’s nothing that Kimpton could do about this, but the only other negative I experienced was that a spider hitched a ride on my shoulder from (I assume) one of the balcony plants. I had to kill the little booger, but it was either him or me!
Book your reservation
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Conclusion
I normally focus on using points and award nights to stay in hotels when not using my timeshare or traveling for work. I have status with a few hotels based on the credit cards I have. With Kimpton, I’m going to need to stay 14 times or have 40 nights before December 31, 2015 to maintain my status. Usually, I would balk at that requirement, but given this first impression of Kimpton, I couldn’t wait to experience more of their properties!
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Such a good review! And you have a beautiful bathroom in your room, it seems very perfect!
Thanks Marie. The Eventi was a beautiful location, and I was treated so well. Even though it was my first time at a Kimpton, after this stay, I am hooked!