Kimpton Raid the Bar
Since reaching One Rewards Diamond status, I’ve enjoyed staying in Kimpton Hotels more than any other IHG brand. I’ve heard from many longtime Kimpton fans that the brand “isn’t what it used to be” since joining IHG. But having no extensive pre-IHG Kimpton experience, I’ve been satisfied enough with its current iteration. Beyond the distinctive properties, I’ve found Kimpton offers thoughtful touches throughout my stays, including IHG elite benefits. One such perk is Raid the Bar. Today, I’m covering the ins and outs of this benefit, including the official policy and how I’ve practically experienced it.
What Is Raid the Bar?
Kimpton provides IHG One Rewards Platinum and Diamond members the option of choosing the Raid the Bar benefit as their welcome amenity at check-in. Platinum elites receive a one-time $10 credit, while Diamonds receive $20. This benefit is redeemable at a Kimpton restaurant bar or the in-room honor bar – but not both – in a given stay. IHG reminds members that this benefit is per stay and is subject to change. Therefore, I treat this perk similar to the Hilton elite food & beverage credit and always confirm the specific terms with the front desk at the beginning of each stay.
Kimpton provides a small card at check-in summarizing the benefit, with an area for selecting restaurant bar or mini-bar redemption. Do not discard! Officially, members should return this card at checkout in order for the credit to be applied.
Interestingly, the benefit is redeemable beyond drinks. Members can redeem for food in the restaurant, but I recommend sitting in the bar area to ensure the credit will be smoothly applied at checkout. Terms cite that the benefit cannot cover gratuity.
My Experience with Raid the Bar
I’ve quickly assessed I can get most out of the Raid the Bar benefit by redeeming at hotel restaurant bars, mostly on dining. I enjoy dining at Kimpton restaurants, and I’d rather avoid the honor bar markups, anyway. I’ve also noticed it has actually covered gratuity in my past experiences. I don’t expect it, but it’s a pleasant surprise when it happens. Also consider maximizing this benefit by visiting the restaurant bar while the happy hour menu is available.
Diamond members have a bigger consideration with this perk. By defining the benefit as a welcome amenity, Kimpton technically limits Diamond elites to picking between Raid the Bar or daily breakfast. Consequently, the latter is the optimal choice for most Diamonds, particularly on longer stays. But it appears Kimpton agents have a bit of discretion here. In the past, I’ve confirmed daily breakfast as my welcome amenity and subsequently inquired at the front desk about their Raid the Bar benefit specifics. During my most recent Kimpton visit, the front desk rep volunteered a Raid the Bar card as an additional perk for the stay. Again, this isn’t the norm and shouldn’t be an expectation, but it’s a nice bonus on occasion.
Conclusion
Similar to the Hilton F&B credit’s flexibility, some Diamond members may want to opt for Raid the Bar over free breakfast if their schedule precludes an early morning meal. And Platinum members taking advantage of their small-but-solid $10 version of the perk is a no-brainer since they’re not giving up anything for doing so. And plenty of travel enthusiasts are eligible for this benefit, considering that any personal or business Chase IHG Premier primary cardholder receives automatic Platinum status. Raid the Bar will be on my radar indefinitely, whether as a Diamond member through end 2025 (at least) or a Platinum beyond.
How do you enjoy using Kimpton’s Raid the Bar benefit?
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Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
