IHG to open worldwide First Kimpton outside the Americas in Amsterdam

IHG aims to bring US-based lifestyle hotel Kimpton to India
New Delhi, May 25, 2017: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has opened the doors to the first Kimpton outside of the Americas, in Europe. The Kimpton De Witt opens in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants introduced the boutique hotel concept to the United States when it opened in San Fransisco in 1981. Out to help people live full, balanced lives, Kimpton aims to inspire with touches like yoga mats in every room, complimentary coffee and tea to start the day, hosted evening Wine Hour, in-room fitness programming and complimentary bike rentals. Kimpton has become renowned for making travellers feel genuinely cared for through thoughtful perks and amenities, bold, playful design and a sincerely personal style of guest service. Kimpton’s award-winning restaurants and bars offer guests a chance to dine like a local.

Sudeep Jain, Vice President - Development, South West Asia, IHG said, “The concept of lifestyle hotels is about stimulating a diverse, innovative environment enhanced by a sense of belonging and style. It is encouraging to see the signature Kimpton experience being introduced to Europe. Lifestyle hotels have been trending for over twenty years, and now is the right time to accelerate our growth in India through the lifestyle segment.”

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants was acquired by IHG in 2015. IHG announced the further expansion of the brand across Europe with itssecond Kimpton hotel set to open in Paris in 2020. There are currently over 60 Kimpton hotels and more than 70 Kimpton restaurants, bars and lounges in 33 cities across Europe and the Americas.

The Kimpton De Witt carries Kimpton’s bold and playful design. Inspired by Dutch heritage with Kimpton's signature wit, its spirited edge is immediately evident from the striking ‘living wall’ of vibrant florals and botanicals trailing the entrance. It marries the old and the new – a late 20th century building with architecture from the Dutch Golden Age – interlocking modern luxury and historical elegance.

The hotel’s 274 rooms, which include 9 signature suites in the original Golden Age buildings, are inspired by Dutch design, from a modern take on classic Dutch art in the bedrooms to the blue Delft-inspired tiles paving the bathroom floors. Within the property stands a three-storey ‘Little House,’ which dates back to the 1600s and was once the childhood home of the Dutch playwright, P.C. Hooft. Little House can be rented for groups looking for the luxury of a private abode; it offers two king-sized rooms and a first floor living room. Kimpton De Witt’s signature suite, Penthouse De Witt, is split over two storeys and its 30-square metre roof terrace offers spectacular views of the city and the iconic canal house rooftops.

Kimpton’s much-loved perks and thoughtful touches can be experienced throughout the hotel. Guests have access to a modern fitness centre, Gaiam yoga mats in every room and a complimentary all-day tea station in the lobby. True to Kimpton form, extra special perks take on a local slant. Guests can pedal away and explore the city on complimentary VanMoof bikes, luxurious in-room toiletries are supplied by Amsterdam-based natural skin care brand, Marie-Stella-Maris, and a hosted social hour every evening gives guests the chance to socialise and enjoy the hotel.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is famous for its award-winning restaurants and bars and Kimpton De Witt is no exception. Next to the hotel, Wyers Bar & Restaurant, run by Executive Chef Sam DeMarco aka SammyD, offers American staples with Dutch influences, whilstHouse Bar provides guests and locals with a luxurious resting post where bartenders craft creative cocktails using unexpected ingredients as well as serve an extensive menu of local gins and genevers. Local passers-by can grab a hot cup of strong coffee, made with coffee beans roasted locally especially for the café and fresh sugar-dusted beignets, at Miss Louisa Coffee & Beignets. The walk-up window is open for early morning, afternoon and evening snacks.

The hotel, which is in the heart of Amsterdam’s vibrant city centre and near the city’s Centraal Station, marks a milestone for IHG as it brings the Kimpton brand to Europe for the first time. “Europe was the original inspiration behind Bill Kimpton founding the brand and now we’re bringing the brand home again. Opening in Amsterdam, gives us the perfect opportunity to indulge in the playful, creative and innovative approach to luxury that the city inspires in Kimpton’s unique and special way,” comments Angela Brav, IHG’s CEO, Europe. “Amsterdam as a city is effortless in design, highly diverse and a hotbed of creativity, making it the perfect match for our first Kimpton hotel in Europe. We’ll be bringing Kimpton to Paris next and have big plans for other cities across the continent.”

This is IHG’s 20th hotel in The Netherlands and is an exciting addition to the 675 IHG hotels across Europe.