kimpton hotels

Hotels Shoulder Checked Bag Fees To Entice Travelers

Additional charges are a lot about perception. It's not always about the money as much as it is about the idea that you are paying for something you should get for free. We've seen this with the backlash against resort fees and now some hotels are taking on another common traveler complaint, fees for checked baggage. USA Today reports that some hotel companies are offering to pick up checked-baggage fees as an incentive for guests. InterContinental hotels including the Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo and others are now offering a "Check It Free" promotion. It's a little complicated. To be reimbursed you have to fill out an online form and mail in receipts of both the hotel stay and bag-check fees. After that InterContinental will mail the reimbursement on a Visa debit card.

It's a little easier over at the Kimpton chain of boutique hotels. Their "We've Got Your Bag" promotion requires proof of an airline baggage charge when you check in at any Kimpton Hotel in the country. They pay up to $25 per room but the deal is valid only with Best Available Rate booking and not valid for discounted or negotiated rates or groups.

The USA Today article says that these types of deals are aimed at vacationers and more occasional travelers who may not have amassed the frequent flier perks that allow some to dodge these fees. The point of these deals isn't so much about the savings as it is the sense of goodwill and camaraderie engendered. A variety of hotels have offered these deals in the past. It's an inexpensive way to get a little publicity and it has some appeal for travelers. What we haven't seen yet is third-party travel sites offering to pick up the tab. That might have even more impact.

Tags: checked bag fees, hotels, intercontinental, intercontinental hotels group, kimpton hotels, travel

Summertime Travel: Kimpton's FireSky Resort

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Kimpton Resorts never disappoint and with summer approaching the FireSky Resort in Arizona has managed to create new packages to entice us all whether visiting for business or pleasure. These packages are available for less than $100 per night leaving you more money to spend in nearby Old Scottsdale. See if any of these suit your fancy:

Mother/Daughter Sweet Escape: Between June and September, $89/night affords you both a pair of complimentary cocktails, complimentary dessert anytime you dine at Taggia (the on-site restaurant), 25% off at Jurlique Spa and a coupon book for nearby Fashion Square Mall. (Rate code: PMOM)
Tee It Up Golf Package: Golf can often be an expensive activity at fine resorts but this package offers unlimited golf for two, a sleeve of balls (always good to have extras) and a flight of beer starting at just $185 between June and September.
Military We Salute You: American troops will enjoy a welcome bottle of wine, complimentary appetizer and dessert with purchase of dinner for two, and 25% discount at Jurlique Spa starting at $99/night from June through September. (Rate code: PMIL)
Summer of Pride: LGBT travelers can enjoy a sunny vacation starting at $93/night now through September 6 including deluxe overnight accommodations, $25 dining credit at Taggia every day of your stay, and a Pride-themed welcome gift upon arrival. (Rate code: PRIDE)
$92 and A Round of Brew: Enjoy four complimentary beers at Taggia and patio accommodations to kick-off your relaxing stay between June and September for just $92/night. (Rate code: BREW)
Meat, Eat, Retreat: A business package for the summer includes rooms from $89 and breakfast for just $1 more. Guests may also choose two of the following perks: complimentary one-hour reception, group welcome amenity, gift certificate for a two-night stay, 25% discount on SWANK audio visual, 7% discount on the master bill, $2 per room per night donation to Haiti Relief.

With all of these options and the fact that FireSky is Arizona's first Green Seal resort you don't need many more reasons to schedule your getaway -- but just in case there are plenty of photos below.

Gallery: Kimpton's FireSky Resort