InterContinental Hotels Group will acquire American-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants for US$430 million, bringing the boutique hotel brand under the IHG Rewards Club banner.
Once the transaction is complete, Rewards Club members will be able to earn and redeem points at Kimpton brand hotels, and can enjoy their usual perks such as free in-room Internet access and free room upgrades.
Adding to the roster of IHG’s boutique hotels, Kimpton’s 62 properties join the likes of Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels, yet will retain their individual identity and name.
Currently limited to locations within the United States, IHG plans to launch the Kimpton brand internationally within Europe and Asia at an unspecified date.
“Adding Kimpton to our portfolio of preferred brands creates the world’s largest boutique hotel business,” said IHG CEO Richard Solomons.
“The culture and values of both companies are well aligned and Kimpton will bring a wealth of expertise and specialist skills to IHG.”
There’s no word yet as to the future of the Kimpton Karma Rewards loyalty scheme – launched only in July this year and has already grown to 1.6 million members – and whether current elite members will be offered an equivalent status in IHG’s own Rewards Club.
IHG’s Kimpton buyout is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2015.
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
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