Kimpton has a pretty cool “social password” concept, whereby you can receive extra perks for sharing a phrase at check-in. Kimpton generally has this promotion a couple of times per year — we last saw this in summer, and there’s now a new password for winter.
I want to talk about what the new password is, share my experience using it, and also pose a question to Kimpton regulars about the least cringeworthy way to go about saying it.
In this post:
What is the current Kimpton password?
Kimpton is one of the cooler IHG hotel groups, and there are a variety of things that set Kimpton apart from other IHG brands. One of those things is the social password. The idea is that seasonally, Kimpton provides a phrase through social media that you’re supposed to say when you check-in, and if you do that, you’ll receive something extra.
The new Kimpton password is “the life of a Kimpton guest,” and it’s valid for stays between November 24, 2025, and February 28, 2026. So just say that when you check-in at a Kimpton property during the promotion period, and you’ll receive a surprise.
My experience using the Kimpton password
For those curious about what happens when you say the Kimpton password, I stayed at the Kimpton EPIC Miami some time back, which was my first Kimpton stay in quite a while (and I haven’t stayed at once since either). It was a good value as well, as I was able to use a free night award earned with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (review).
I was curious what the benefit would be for using the password. So I shared the password with the front desk agent. At the conclusion of the check-in experience, he brought out a game show-style wheel. I might have spun too hard, it must have gone around for about 30 seconds. Go figure I landed on the tile that just had me spin again.
Then I spun again, and the prize was free parking. I had a car and was staying for two nights, and parking costs $44 per night. So using the Kimpton password saved me nearly $100 — score!!
Based on looking at the wheel, it seems that some of the other prizes include a free welcome drink, free breakfast, free snacks, and a free movie. There were also a few empty squares, where I guess you don’t win anything. And I’m not sure what the alarm clock, car tipping over, or postcard of Miami get you. Regardless, I’d say those are some awesome prizes, and I got a great reward.
It’s cute how the Kimpton EPIC Miami makes a game of this. I know there’s a lot of inconsistency when it comes to this benefit across Kimpton properties. Some hotels provide meaningful perks (an upgrade, free, parking, etc.), like I got here, while other hotels provide a 19 cent branded koozie.
It’s great that this has stuck around, given that it has presumably become increasingly popular. Years ago not everyone was on social media, so it was a good way to encourage people to follow Kimpton on Twitter, Instagram, etc. With the way the internet has evolved, times have changed a bit.
How do you non-awkwardly say the Kimpton password?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds the concept of saying a password at check-in to be kind of weird. So I think it’s fun to compare notes about how people share the password at the front desk. I find it awkward to just blurt out the password out of nowhere.
So when I used this for my stay, I said “I guess I’m supposed to say [social password] as the social password?” That did the trick, but I’d be curious to hear how other Kimpton regulars go about this!
Bottom line
Between November 24, 2025, and February 28, 2026, Kimpton’s social password is “the life of a Kimpton guest.” Just state that phrase when you check-in at a Kimpton, and you should get some sort of a surprise. The gift will vary by property, so there’s no reason not to take advantage of this if staying at a Kimpton.
The last time I used the password I got to spin a wheel at check-in, and then I ended up getting free parking, which was a value of $44 per night.
If you’ve used the Kimpton password, what was your experience like?
Funny, but I thought I was the only one trying to slide the password in, and have been saying exactly that ... "I am supposed to tell you that xxx."
I used to trust to weave it into the conversation with a "ta-da" or "air quotes" but once had a front desk person who completely missed it. The PW was "out of office" and I must have said it five times and the clerk did...
Funny, but I thought I was the only one trying to slide the password in, and have been saying exactly that ... "I am supposed to tell you that xxx."
I used to trust to weave it into the conversation with a "ta-da" or "air quotes" but once had a front desk person who completely missed it. The PW was "out of office" and I must have said it five times and the clerk did not catch on, so i became more and more theatrical and felt foolish at the end. Still nothing. Finally after receiving my key, I asked so what do I get for thr secret password and then it dawned on him. I think I ended up with a bottle of champagne.
After this season's secret password, the front desk would automatically give you no upgrades, no late check out, now welcome gift and add extra resort fees and parking fees.
#“The Life Of A Kimpton Guest”
What an irony.
THX Ben ! Checking into a Kimpton very soon.
I used their password last year at the Kimpton Huntington Beach (CA) and they had a dart board game.
We ended up with a $50 hotel f&b credit, not bad!
I say: "I have the secret password for you"......
I say "I believe the password is [Kimpton password]". I don't understand all the anxiety about it. I've gotten suite upgrades before.
Well finally it’s easy to say the phrase. Just sing it! “You don’t know the life of a kimpton guest, and you’re never gonna wanna”
Damn I just checked in yesterday. Does it ever work after check in?
What, no Taylor Swift suggested lead-in phrases? "The Kimpton social password isn't just folklore, is it?"
the lift of a showgirl and her hot football boy toy isn't enough?
I don't think I would be saying that. Makes one sound like a buffoon.