If there’s one thing you can say about Kimpton hotels, it’s that they strive to be different. I mean, it probably borders a little on quirky. And you know how much I love me some quirky!
Here are some of the offbeat things the hotel brand has done, and, in some cases, still does:
Secret password
The brand, under the umbrella of IHG, is well known for its secret passwords. When you mention the secret password (which periodically changes) to the front desk of the Kimpton hotel at which you’re staying, it can earn you one of a variety of on-property surprises. Could be free parking, free breakfast, dining credits, general onsite credits, complimentary cocktails, etc.
Complimentary wine tasting
You might see complementary wine or even a happy hour at some small, privately owned hotels (I remember a happy hour at a bed & breakfast on Key West that was FABULOUS!)
Goldfish rental
There was a time when Kimpton was known for its goldfish rental program. Beginning in 2001, their “Guppy Love” program gave guests the option to request a live guppy or goldfish for their overnight stay. The feeding and actual care of the aquatic animal was done by hotel staff, and it was considered a fun way for road warriors to not feel so alone while traveling. The program was especially popular with children staying at Kimpton hotels (here’s a sweet story about what one enterprising Kimpton employee did for the children who were looking for “Speedy the Goldfish”).
Guppy Love lasted until 2018, when PETA got them to discontinue the program.
Plant rental
In the wake of the Guppy Love program going away, Kimpton introduced their Plant Pals program in 2023, right around Earth Day. Studies suggest that having plants in a person’s environment can boost their mood and increase their productivity. So this first-of-its-kind global guest amenity offering, providing guests with regionally sourced plants to enjoy in their rooms, began. That program continues to this day.
Kid friendliness
Kimpton seems to go above and beyond when it comes to keeping their youngest guests happy. Select Kimpton hotels offer a child-friendly welcome gift, bunk beds, kids’ happy hour, hula hoops and child safety kits (outlet covers, toilet latches, nightlights).
And now…a free tattoo
Calling all “tattourists!”
Through late June, guests of select Kimpton hotels across the US are eligible to get a complimentary mini tattoo as a personal, artistic way to remember their trip. From Kimpton:
We’ve all been there – contemplating how best to commemorate an incredible travel experience because typical souvenirs don’t quite hit the mark. And we always land on the same thing: a tattoo. That’s why we’re teaming up with Tiny Zaps, an emerging and innovative tattoo studio specializing in tiny tattoos, to bring the rising trend of “tattourism” – celebrating and commemorating travel with meaningful tattoos – to Kimpton guests.
PC: Kimpton
Where You Can Get a Free Tattoo
May 15, June 12 – New Orleans
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, New Orleans, LA
May 17, June 12 – Washington D.C.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Washington, D.C.
May 23, June 20 – New York City
Kimpton Theta New York, Times Square, New York, NY
(Hey, we stayed there last month!)
May 29, June 26 – Los Angeles
Kimpton Everly Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
June 2 – Nashville
Kimpton Aertson Hotel, Nashville, TN
Guests aged 18 and over can sign up the day of the event by scanning a QR code. That adds them to a digital wait list. The QR code will also ask guests to complete basic information and sign a digital legal waiver from Tiny Zaps. All forms must be complete to receive a tattoo.
“At Kimpton, we’re all about creating thoughtful, unexpected guest experiences that leave lasting impressions,” said Vicki Poulos, Head of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands Americas and Global Kimpton, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Through our partnership with Tiny Zaps, we’re combining travel, art, and self-expression to offer a one-of-a-kind way for people to connect with the cities they visit and have a deep connection with. Our Kimpton x Tiny Zaps collection represents the ultimate travel souvenir: meaningful, personal, and a lasting celebration of exploration.”
“People get tattoos for the same reasons they travel – to create and commemorate life experiences,” said Sam Kelly, Co-Founder, Tiny Zaps. “We’re thrilled to partner with Kimpton to create these innovative travel experiences catered to traveling tattoo collectors. Having unique design collections centered around each city adds a fun, passport stamp-like feature providing travelers with a lifetime of memories.”
Very different!
Virgin Voyages was the first (and undoubtedly is still the only) cruise line to offer an onboard tattoo parlor. I’m pretty sure this is the first tattoo pop-up offered by a hotel. It’s no surprise that Kimpton is doing it.
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