Luxury Hoteliers Magazine 1st Quarter 2019 | Page 79

Tiffany was recently a panelist on the session “How to Create an Inspirational Destination” at the International Luxury Hotel Association’s INSPIRE’18 Summit in Las Vegas, where she was able to share some of the strategies behind Kimpton’s unique approach to their brand experience. Each property is developed in a thoughtful manner, with its location in mind and genuine regard for authentic guest experience. Hotel for hotel, the concept is real, the execution meaningful, and the team works from the heart. WHAT ARE YOUR GUESTS LOOKING FOR IN THE KIMPTON EXPERIENCE? DO THEIR EXPECTATIONS REACH BEYOND THEIR HOTEL ROOM? The Kimpton experience always starts from a blank slate – there’s no “Kimpton in a box.” Guests who stay with us are all looking for something different and to discover something unique. They also have a sense of adventure and love getting out of their comfort zones. We’ve found they appreciate immersive design, great restaurant and bar experiences, and thoughtful, unexpected touches. Our hotels have programs that connect the guest with the neighborhoods, cities, and communities that they’re visiting. It could be taking a bike ride through Washington, DC’s historic spots with our general manager or taking cocktail classes with our bar team for a corporate retreat. To Bill Kimpton, boutique meant a place where you could stay that was more like someone’s stylish home than an impersonal hotel. The Kimpton experience is different for every guest but we create these emotional brand standards to foster the heartfelt human connections that we’re known for. For example, design continues to be a cornerstone in the luxury hospitality market but for Kimpton, it needs to be approachable and thoughtful, not just beautiful to look at. It’s also important to mention that a significant part of the Kimpton experience is defined and brought to life by our empowered employees. We know you can’t checklist your way into a truly memorable and unique stay, so we hire employees for heart and intuitive skill. Every employee is empowered to create moments of delight from the front desk to check-out. ILHA 79