Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Kimpton Hotels was founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, a former investment banker who had fallen in love with the charming, character-filled boutique hotels of Europe and was dismayed to find nothing comparable in the United States. At a time when the American hotel industry was dominated by large, cookie-cutter chain properties, Kimpton converted a historic San Francisco building into the Bedford Hotel (later renamed the Kimpton Sir Francis Drake)—pioneering the boutique hotel concept in America. His vision was radical for its time: create unique, design-forward hotels with genuine personality, hosted evening wine receptions, pet-friendly policies, and service that felt like visiting a friend's stylishly decorated home rather than a corporate hotel. Kimpton grew to become America's largest boutique hotel company and was acquired by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in January 2015 for approximately $430 million, giving the brand global reach while preserving its distinctive independent spirit. Today, Kimpton operates 81+ hotels and over 90 restaurants, bars, and lounges worldwide.

Kimpton invented the boutique hotel concept in America and continues to lead with signature touches that no other brand replicates. The brand's hallmarks include the complimentary Evening Wine Hour (5-6 PM daily) where guests gather in the lobby for hosted wine—a tradition started by Bill Kimpton himself to create a communal living room atmosphere. Kimpton is also the hospitality industry's most pet-friendly brand, welcoming pets of all sizes and breeds with no fees, no deposits, and no weight limits—from Great Danes to goldfish. Other signature elements include yoga mats and fitness accessories available in every room upon request, bold and eclectic interior design where no two properties look alike, chef-driven independent restaurants (not hotel restaurants—actual destination dining), a ridiculously friendly culture of genuine human connection where staff are encouraged to be themselves, and the "Forgot It? We've Got It!" program lending guests items they may have forgotten. The brand's philosophy is that a hotel should feel like a friend's home—warm, stylish, comfortable, and full of personality.

Booking through WhataHotel grants you access to IHG Destined benefits at no additional cost—our rates match the best flexible rates available on ihg.com. You'll receive complimentary daily breakfast for two guests, $100 USD property credit per stay (typical amount, applicable toward dining, spa, or other eligible services), priority room upgrade confirmed 24 hours before arrival (subject to availability), early check-in and late checkout based on availability, a personalized VIP welcome amenity, and full IHG One Rewards points and elite night credit earning. These exclusive perks are in addition to Kimpton's complimentary offerings available to all guests, including the Evening Wine Hour, pet-friendly policies, and in-room yoga mats. All benefits are applied automatically when you book through WhataHotel with our $10.95 booking fee.

The Evening Wine Hour is Kimpton's beloved daily tradition, held every evening from 5-6 PM in the hotel lobby. Complimentary for all guests, this hosted wine reception transforms the lobby into a communal living room where travelers and locals mingle over curated wine selections and light snacks. Bill Kimpton started this tradition because he believed hotels should foster human connection rather than isolate guests in their rooms. The Wine Hour has become so iconic that it's often cited as one of the main reasons guests choose Kimpton over competitors. Each property puts its own spin on the experience—some feature local winemakers, others showcase the hotel's restaurant chef with paired bites, and many rotate themes seasonally. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring, meet fellow travelers, and get insider recommendations from staff who genuinely know and love their neighborhoods.

Kimpton takes pet-friendliness to a level unmatched in the hospitality industry. There are no pet fees, no deposits, no weight limits, and no breed restrictions—every Kimpton property welcomes every pet. Bill Kimpton was a passionate animal lover who believed that if you're going to welcome pets, you should do it wholeheartedly without nickel-and-diming guests. Dogs receive beds, bowls, treats, and waste bags upon arrival. Many properties have designated "Director of Pet Relations"—often an adorable resident dog who greets guests in the lobby. Some locations offer pet-sitting services, dog-walking routes, nearby dog parks information, and partnerships with local pet businesses. Kimpton even provides a list of pet-friendly restaurants, shops, and parks near each property. The brand has hosted everything from dogs and cats to hamsters, ferrets, rabbits, and even the occasional potbellied pig. For travelers who consider their pets family members, Kimpton's genuine commitment to animal welfare makes it the obvious choice.

Kimpton operates 81+ hotels worldwide, with the majority in culturally vibrant urban neighborhoods across the United States and growing international presence:

Kimpton pioneered the concept of chef-driven, independently branded hotel restaurants—a revolutionary idea when Bill Kimpton introduced it in the 1980s. Rather than generic hotel dining rooms, each Kimpton property houses a full-fledged destination restaurant with its own name, identity, chef, and following among locals. These aren't restaurants that happen to be in hotels; they're acclaimed dining establishments that happen to have a hotel attached. Notable examples include Dirty Habit in San Francisco, Outlier in Seattle, and The Commoner in Pittsburgh. Kimpton restaurants and bars have earned numerous James Beard nominations, local "best of" awards, and devoted neighborhood followings. The brand operates over 90 restaurants, bars, and lounges worldwide. Your complimentary daily breakfast and $100 property credit can be enjoyed at these exceptional dining venues, giving you access to some of the most creative culinary experiences in each city.

Kimpton bookings through WhataHotel are made at the best available flexible rate and include a $10.95 booking fee. Most properties have no minimum stay requirement, though some may require a 2-night stay during peak seasons. You will earn full IHG One Rewards points on your stay, including elite qualifying night credits. All IHG One Rewards elite benefits apply according to your membership tier (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Spire Elite), and for overlapping benefits you receive the superior one. Room upgrades are confirmed 24 hours before arrival (subject to availability), giving you advance certainty. The $100 property credit is issued once per stay and can be used toward dining at the hotel's restaurant, spa services, minibar, or other eligible amenities. Cancellation and modification policies follow the hotel's standard flexible rate terms.