Kimpton Inner Circle Members Can Now Get Your Free Night in Austin + Review of Hotel Van Zandt

I’ve raved a billion times about my love for the Kimpton hotel brand and their Inner Circle top-tier elite status. I love how they truly go out of their way to bend over backwards for you to make you feel special. It’s the personalized experience that always wins me over.

One of my favorite perks of being Inner Circle is the ability to stay a complimentary night, complete with a $50 dining credit, at their new hotels. This perk has to be one of the most generous perks offered by any hotel loyalty program across the board, and I always make sure to take advantage of it (hey, I even planned a California road trip 2 years back simply to stay at 3 new Kimpton properties).

At this current time, Inner Circle members can use their free night benefit at two properties:

I had a last-minute trip to Austin this week and figured it would be a good chance for me to check out Kimpton’s newest edition – The Hotel Vandt. I called the Inner Circle VIP line, and to my surprise, a room was available for me.

I also asked the representative if there was a current “password” (there is: it’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside”). When you say the password at check in, you’ll get an extra surprise at the desk which can range from a bottle of wine, free parking, a dining/incidental credit, etc. In my particular case, I received an additional $15 bar credit.

The hotel is a brand new construction that has been open since mid-November. The property itself was very nice, and in a great location in the heart of downtown Austin. The rooms and lobby were beautiful and modern. I was given an upgrade to a room with a pretty amazing view of downtown.

Like all Kimpton hotels, there is a complimentary wine hour between 5-6 pm. What’s unique about this property is that they offer complimentary margaritas too. I really enjoyed my room, and the bathroom was pretty impressive. The only complaints I have is that the shower temperature never really got hot. Even at the warmest temperature allowed, it still was kind of a cold shower.

I also must add that my “custom amenity” really lacked any relevance to me. I feel like they did not much thought into reviewing my personalized preferences (unsweetened iced tea, mango, pineapple, smoothies, etc.) and just sent up a standard offering. Usually Kimpton properties blow me out of the water with the Inner Circle amenity… not this time.

Have you had a chance to check out this property yet?