Is Kimpton Part Of Marriott? A Detailed Look

With over 30 luxury boutique hotels across the United States, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has made a name for itself in the hospitality industry over the last 40 years. If you’ve wondered whether this trendy hotel chain is part of the Marriott family, you’re not alone.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, Kimpton is part of Marriott International, having been acquired by the larger hospitality company in 2015 for a reported $430 million.

In this nearly 3000 word guide, we’ll cover the history of both Kimpton and Marriott, provide details around Marriott’s acquisition of Kimpton, and discuss what this means for guests of these hotels going forward.

We’ll also analyze the benefits and drawbacks of the acquisition from multiple perspectives.

The Origins and Expansion of Boutique Hotel Chain Kimpton

Founded in San Francisco in 1981, Kimpton has become one of the most well-known boutique hotel chains in the United States. What started as a small group of hotels in the Bay Area has now expanded to include properties in major cities across the country.

With its unique blend of luxury and personalized service, Kimpton has carved out a niche for itself in the hospitality industry.

Kimpton’s founding in San Francisco in 1981

The story of Kimpton begins in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Bill Kimpton, a former investment banker, saw an opportunity to create a different kind of hotel experience. He wanted to offer guests a more intimate and personalized stay, with a focus on design, comfort, and outstanding service.

In 1981, he opened the first Kimpton hotel, the Clarion Bedford Hotel, in the heart of San Francisco. The hotel quickly gained a reputation for its stylish rooms and exceptional customer service.

Kimpton’s early commitment to boutique style

From the beginning, Kimpton set itself apart by embracing the boutique style of hospitality. Rather than offering cookie-cutter rooms and generic amenities, Kimpton hotels were designed to feel like unique, one-of-a-kind spaces.

Each property had its own distinct personality, reflecting the neighborhood and city it was located in. This commitment to individuality and attention to detail helped Kimpton attract a loyal following of travelers who craved a more personalized hotel experience.

National expansion in the 1990s and 2000s

In the 1990s and 2000s, Kimpton began a period of rapid expansion, opening hotels in major cities across the United States. This growth was fueled by a combination of strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and new developments.

By the early 2000s, Kimpton had become a national brand, with properties in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Today, Kimpton is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the largest hotel companies in the world. While Kimpton maintains its unique identity and boutique style, being part of IHG has allowed the brand to reach an even wider audience and continue its expansion.

With a focus on creating memorable experiences for guests, Kimpton remains a trailblazer in the boutique hotel industry.

The Rise of Hotel Giant Marriott International

Marriott International, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has a rich history that spans over nine decades. From its humble beginnings as a root beer stand in Washington D.C. in 1927, Marriott has grown into a global hospitality powerhouse.

Let’s take a closer look at the key milestones that have shaped the rise of this hotel giant.

Founding and focus on family travelers (1927–1980s)

Marriott International was founded by J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice in 1927. Their first venture, a small root beer stand, eventually evolved into a chain of restaurants. However, it was in the 1950s that Marriott made its entry into the hotel industry with the opening of its first motor hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Marriott’s early success can be attributed to its innovative approach to hospitality. The company recognized the growing demand for family-friendly accommodation and tailored its offerings to cater to this market segment.

By providing spacious rooms, on-site amenities such as swimming pools and restaurants, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Marriott quickly became a go-to choice for families on vacation.

Over the next few decades, Marriott continued to expand its portfolio and refine its offerings. The company introduced innovative concepts like the Courtyard by Marriott brand, which catered to business travelers, and the Residence Inn brand, which provided extended-stay accommodations.

Transformation into a global hospitality powerhouse (1990s–2010s)

In the 1990s, Marriott embarked on a series of strategic acquisitions and partnerships that propelled its growth on a global scale. One of the most significant milestones was the acquisition of the Renaissance Hotel Group in 1997, which added several luxury and upscale brands to Marriott’s portfolio.

Marriott’s expansion continued into the 2000s with the acquisition of international hotel chains such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016. This merger created the world’s largest hotel company, with over 30 brands under its umbrella, including iconic names like Sheraton, Westin, and W Hotels.

Today, Marriott International operates over 7,000 properties in more than 130 countries and territories. The company’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, innovative technology solutions, and sustainable practices has helped it maintain its position as a leader in the hospitality industry.

To learn more about Marriott International and its portfolio of brands, visit their official website at www.marriott.com.

Marriott Acquires Kimpton in $430 Million Deal

In 2015, Marriott International made a significant move in the hospitality industry by acquiring Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in a deal worth $430 million. This acquisition marked a major milestone for both Marriott and Kimpton, leading to a number of changes and opportunities for both companies.

Details of the 2015 acquisition agreement

The acquisition agreement between Marriott and Kimpton involved the purchase of all Kimpton hotels by Marriott. This included Kimpton’s portfolio of 62 boutique hotels, as well as their restaurant and bar operations.

As part of the deal, Kimpton continued to operate as an independent brand within the Marriott family, preserving its unique identity and customer experience.

The acquisition also meant that Marriott gained control over Kimpton’s extensive customer database, allowing them to expand their reach and tap into new markets. This move played a crucial role in Marriott’s overall growth strategy, as it helped them strengthen their position in the boutique hotel segment.

Business motivations behind Marriott’s purchase

Marriott’s decision to acquire Kimpton was driven by several strategic motivations. Firstly, the acquisition allowed Marriott to diversify its portfolio by adding a collection of unique and trendy boutique hotels.

This move helped Marriott appeal to a wider range of travelers, including those seeking more personalized and experiential accommodations.

Additionally, the acquisition of Kimpton allowed Marriott to tap into the growing demand for boutique hotels, which had been gaining popularity among travelers. By acquiring a well-established brand like Kimpton, Marriott was able to quickly establish a presence in this niche market and capitalize on its growth potential.

Furthermore, the acquisition helped Marriott strengthen its loyalty program, as Kimpton’s loyalty members gained access to Marriott’s extensive rewards program. This meant that loyal Kimpton customers could now enjoy the benefits and perks offered by Marriott’s loyalty program, such as free nights, upgrades, and exclusive experiences.

Meaning for loyalty programs and customer benefits

The acquisition of Kimpton by Marriott had a significant impact on loyalty programs and customer benefits. Kimpton’s loyalty program, called Kimpton Karma, was integrated into Marriott’s loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy.

This integration allowed Kimpton Karma members to earn and redeem points at Marriott properties worldwide, giving them greater flexibility and options for their travels.

Furthermore, the acquisition brought additional benefits for loyal customers of both brands. Marriott Bonvoy members gained access to Kimpton’s unique offerings, such as complimentary social hours, in-room yoga mats, and pet-friendly amenities.

On the other hand, Kimpton Karma members now had access to Marriott’s extensive network of hotels and resorts, expanding their options for earning and redeeming rewards.

How the Acquisition Has Affected Kimpton Hotels

Since the acquisition of Kimpton Hotels by Marriott, there have been several notable changes that have affected the brand. These changes have impacted various aspects of the hotels, including amenities, booking systems, and expansion plans.

Changes in hotel amenities and offerings

Under Marriott ownership, Kimpton Hotels has seen a significant upgrade in its amenities and offerings. With access to Marriott’s extensive resources and expertise, Kimpton Hotels has been able to enhance the guest experience by introducing new features and services.

For example, many Kimpton properties now offer enhanced fitness centers, spa facilities, and upgraded dining options. Additionally, Marriott’s loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, has been integrated into Kimpton Hotels, allowing guests to earn and redeem points at these properties.

Integration of booking systems and IT infrastructure

One of the key challenges in any acquisition is the integration of systems and infrastructure. In the case of Kimpton Hotels, the transition to Marriott ownership has involved the integration of booking systems and IT infrastructure.

This integration has allowed for a seamless booking experience for guests, with the ability to book Kimpton properties through Marriott’s website and mobile app. The integration has also improved operational efficiency, as Kimpton Hotels now benefits from the robust technology and resources that Marriott has to offer.

Expansion plans under Marriott ownership

Since joining the Marriott family, Kimpton Hotels has experienced a significant expansion in its portfolio. Marriott’s strong global presence and distribution network have enabled Kimpton Hotels to expand its footprint across various international markets.

This expansion has allowed the brand to reach a wider audience and cater to the growing demand for boutique luxury accommodations. With Marriott’s support, Kimpton Hotels has been able to open new properties in key destinations, enhancing its reputation as a leading player in the boutique hotel industry.

What the Future Holds for Kimpton and Marriott

With the acquisition of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants by Marriott International in 2014, many wondered what the future would hold for these two hospitality giants. As the years have passed, it has become clear that this merger has had a significant impact on both companies.

Let’s take a closer look at what the future holds for Kimpton and Marriott.

Projected growth strategies for acquired brand

Since joining the Marriott family, Kimpton has experienced impressive growth. The brand has expanded its presence in major cities across the globe, with new properties opening in popular destinations like New York City, London, and Tokyo.

Marriott’s extensive resources and global reach have undoubtedly played a role in the accelerated growth of Kimpton.

Looking ahead, the projected growth strategies for Kimpton include continuing to open new hotels in key markets and expanding into emerging destinations. With Marriott’s backing, Kimpton has the ability to tap into new customer segments and leverage the loyalty programs of its parent company, enhancing its overall growth potential.

Impact on company culture and boutique hotel trends

One of the concerns when Marriott acquired Kimpton was the potential impact on the brand’s unique company culture. Known for its distinctive boutique hotels and personalized guest experiences, Kimpton had cultivated a loyal following.

However, Marriott has been careful to preserve the essence of the Kimpton brand while also incorporating its own strengths.

The acquisition has also had an impact on the boutique hotel industry as a whole. With the backing of a global hospitality powerhouse like Marriott, Kimpton has been able to influence trends and set new standards for boutique hotels.

This has led to increased competition in the industry, pushing other boutique hotel brands to elevate their offerings and provide unforgettable experiences for guests.

Ongoing benefits and challenges ahead

The merger between Kimpton and Marriott has brought forth ongoing benefits and challenges for both companies. On the positive side, Kimpton has gained access to Marriott’s extensive distribution channels, allowing its properties to reach a wider audience.

Additionally, the merger has led to operational efficiencies and cost savings for both brands.

However, challenges remain. Integrating two distinct brands with different cultures and operating philosophies is no easy feat. Ensuring a seamless guest experience across all properties and maintaining the unique identity of Kimpton within the Marriott portfolio requires careful navigation.

Conclusion

In summary, boutique hotel pioneer Kimpton has been able to retain its distinctive identity under Marriott ownership over the last 8+ years. While behind-the-scenes changes have enabled resource sharing and global reach expansion, signature perks around design, restaurants, and customer service remain intact.

With Marriott’s blessings, Kimpton continues marching toward its goal of operating 75 boutique hotels nationwide by 2025. Whether you’re loyal to Kimpton or Marriott brands, checking into one of these trendsetting properties promises a consistently charming, upscale experience.