Update: A reader was told that the new password doesn’t apply until 11/1/24. We’ve seen data points from other folks of some properties accepting it, so until the 1st, it looks like a YMMV situation.
~~~
A few times a year, Kimpton has a nifty (if somewhat awkard) secret password that gets you a special treat if you mention the password (or phrase) when checking in. The new Kimpton secret password for Winter 2024 is “It’s Giving.”
The password is working for stays starting 11/1/24. The specific “treat” differs from property to property and even the same hotel might offer different surprises depending on when you visit. They can be anything from free f&b credits/drinks (the most common), free parking, room upgrades, free breakfast or, worst of all, little tchotchkes.
Stephen stayed at a Kimpton a while back and the password got him a $30 food and beverage credit. It looks like he put it to good use.
If you check into a Kimpton, be sure to say “It’s Giving,” when checking in to get your reward. Let us know in the comments what you end up getting!
Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Today I checked into Kimpton Gray in Chicago. They said this password & perk is effective for stays as of 11/1/24.
Thanks, updated the post with that info. Some properties (or maybe some desk agents?) are allowing it, so it’s worth a try if you check-in to any other properties before 11/1.
I definitely have used ones which expired weeks earlier before and been granted. Some properties which don’t get secret password used a lot probably don’t track the dates that closely as the impact is so de minimis. Also, many desk agents just don’t care enough to be strict on rules. On cases where you pick a random perk (written on paper) out of a pot, I’ve been told by the agent feel free to keep pulling until I get one I want.
They definitely have a Gen Z employee on staff in Fall 2024
I always wonder what other passwords they considered…
“Meet me under the mistletoe”
“Do you have a present for me?”
Any others?
The password expired. Anyone have the new one?
I also want the new password…
5000 points with the spin of the wheel Kimpton New Orleans
We’re being asked to check in the day before via the mobile app..
Do we think their might be issues checking in that way, and then using the Secret Phrase once we arrive at the property to get the surprise gifts?
I don’t think so. Just to the front desk and tell them the password
Kimpton Sylvan Buckhead Atlanta got a $20 food/beverage credit! Yay!!!Nice hotel! Great rate for Ambassador free night!
Used it this weekend in PHX. He brought me out a gift bag of bubble bath and lotion. Wasn’t stoked, so he ended up offering me a few other options, one of which was very useful free parking!
Used the secret pw at Kimpton Monaco DC and got some socks and a xmas tree ornament.
Does this work in Europe in non-English speaking countries? I will report back with a DP in a week!
Speaking of IHG related things, it looks like the IHG Traveler card has an elevated bonus for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, now 120k. A lot still say 80k but through IHG website I see the 120k link.
Just checked into the Kimpton Nine Zero in Boston. My partner and I had rehearsed — I said, “Do you have the tickets for the hotel?”
She: “I don’t know, but the snuggle is real.”
Receptionist, after a moment: “What was that?”
Other receptionist (drolly): “That’s the new password.” Hard to work this one into conversation.
She laid out 4 mystery envelopes to pick from; I could see what was printed in each one: bottle of wine or prosecco, 10,000 IHG points, $20 food and beverage credit, or 2 snacks. Took the points — not as romantic as the bottle but potentially worth a lot more!
Seth
I also have a Kimpton stay in Dec. How would you bring it up? lol. I’ve never done it before.
Most people just say “hey, I have the secret password.” This is kind of an odd one to try and actually work into conversation and not be creepy.
When I checked in, the desk clerk said, “How is your day going?” to which I responded, “Well, the snuggle is real!” and before I knew it, I had a food/beverage credit added to my room.
I do have a Kimpton stay starting 11/25, so we’ll see! Harder to work the new phrase into conversation than the summer’s “Stay cool.”
The current password is Pick a Stick.
That’s actually expired. There could be some properties still using it, but it’s officially done.
PERFECT timing as I have an upcoming stay on 12/26, as well as a 2-night stay in Dec. TY!