Use This Kimpton Secret Password To Get Upgrades, Free Drinks & More Use This Kimpton Secret Password To Get Upgrades, Free Drinks & More

Use This Kimpton Secret Password To Get Upgrades, Free Drinks & More

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Kimpton Hotels is bringing back one of its most beloved traditions: the secret password. Mentioning the right phrase at check-in could score you perks like free parking, complimentary drinks, room upgrades, or even a surprise gift. The latest Kimpton secret password — “Social Sent Me” — is valid from May 19 to August 31, 2025.

Current Kimpton Hotel Secret Password

Kimpton Hotels has provided seasonal or monthly secret passwords to guests for years. The tradition started before IHG acquired the brand in 2014. Some of the secret passwords have been phrases such as “stay cool,” “flip flops,” “baby, it's cold outside,” “chilled to perfection,” and even “marshmallow” — so it's always interesting.

It's been a little while since the last secret password, which ended on January 31, 2025. Now, there's a new password running from May 19 to August 31, 2025. When checking into a Kimpton hotel between those dates, use the secret password “Social Sent Me” to (hopefully) receive a special perk or privilege.

 

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The password is valid at all participating locations, and Kimpton Hotels has stated that every hotel honors the secret password differently. That means the perk you'll receive is a surprise.

However, some travelers have reported not getting any bonus when using a secret password. It's unclear whether the receptionist just wasn't in the know or if that particular hotel didn't participate.

Related: Top IHG Hotels Redemptions for Luxury Stays

Kimpton Secret Password Perks

Guests have reported plenty of bonuses when using the Kimpton Hotels' secret password. Here are some examples:

  • Free parking (regular or valet)
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Free upgrade
  • Complimentary bottle of wine
  • A whisky-tasting tour
  • Cupcakes
  • A movie night in your room
  • Free drinks at the bar
  • Surprise gift-wrapped presents
  • Drink kits (like Bailey's hot chocolate)
  • Mini-bar credit

The bonuses aren't always at the hotel, as some hotels have partnered with other companies (such as another restaurant or a whisky distillery). Many of the hotels try to make their bonus gift quite special. One reported bringing sand from the beach to create a beautiful display, and another provided boozy hot chocolate:

 

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IHG One Rewards elite members get a “Raid the Bar” credit as a benefit when staying at Kimpton Hotel. By using the secret password, your Raid the Bar credit could be doubled.

Our Take

Kimpton’s seasonal secret passwords add a fun, whimsical twist to your stay — and the summer 2025 version, “Social Sent Me,” is no exception. While perks vary by property (and staff awareness too), the potential upside makes it worth asking. Whether you're a Kimpton regular or planning your first stay, it’s a simple way to unlock a little extra hospitality.

If you want more perks when staying at Kimpton Hotel (and other IHG brands), check out the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. You'll score complimentary Platinum Elite status, which grants bonus points, room upgrades, priority late checkout, and more. Read our full IHG One Rewards Premier Card review for all the details.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Annual Fee$99
Welcome Bonus Earn 5 Free Nights after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is packed with benefits for IHG fans, and we rate it one of the best co-brand hotel cards you can have in your wallet. Cardholders earn up to 26X points per $1 at IHG properties (including points multipliers from your elite status), 5X points on travel, dining, and at gas stations, and 3X points on all other purchases. An attractive feature is the automatic upgrade to Platinum Elite status, enhancing your hotel stay experience. The card also offers a valuable Anniversary Free Night each year, and a fourth Reward Night free when redeeming points for a stay of four or more nights. Additional perks include a 20% discount on point purchases, no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel and purchase protections, and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit every four years.
  • Our Best Offer of 2025! Earn 5 Free Nights
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • Earn 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
  • 5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
  • 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases

The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
  • Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member
  • Earn 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
  • Earn 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)

Have you used the Kimpton Hotel secret password before? What did you get?

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees)

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Comments

  • What a cool concept!

  • Tried the pass word at Kimpton in Sacramento (The Sawyer). Front desk said they don’t do that.

  • I like to use my Chase free night certificates at Kimpton Hotels, seem to get nicer and newer rooms than other brands, even InterContinentals. Haven’t yet had a stay where I could use the password though…

  • While I do not stay at Klimptons as much as I would like. I do like that added feature as an opportunity for every guest to score something a little extra!

  • I didn’t know anything about these passwords. I’ve stayed at Kimpton in the past. Thanks for the information. Now I know for next time.

  • Thanks. I’m staying at my first Kimpton ever on Wednesday.

  • The use of a Kimpton secret password has worked out very well for me in two Kimpton stays this year. The desk clerks seem almost delighted when you know it, and they always offer something extra as a result. It makes staying in a Kimpton property a little more special.

  • Was under the impression this had gone away, so glad it hasn’t – thanks for sharing.

  • NIce to see a hotel chain that goes out of its way to make stays special for their customers.

  • Thanks for the info. Didn’t know about this and never stayed at a Kimpton property even though an IHG elite. Will have to try it out; I like surprises (as long as they are good surprises)…

  • I’ve always loved the Kimpton secret password and I’ve gotten to use it a few times. I also love that Kimptons are truly pet friendly. A lot of hotels say they are pet friendly when they are really only Dog friendly. Cat people are left out a lot of the time. The last time I stayed at a Kimpton (without my cat) I asked, the guy at the desk said that as long as it can get through the door, it is welcome.

  • Thats great that the Kimpton secret password is back, have not seen one for a while.

  • Stanley Yee says:

    Thanks for the current password. Have a Kimpton stay next week and looking forward to see what bonus I get.

  • It’s an interesting promotion, but it’s a nice bonus for an existing stay, rather than convincing me to make a new reservation.

  • So far I’ve had £75 bar credit, amazing hipflasks, lots of in-room goodies, soft toys and different, free parking and in-room cocktails. Not saying what hotel does what as that might ruin the surprise! I checked out a hotel on 28th and they launched the password a few hours later, but was already checking in to a new hotel that night – they did not disappoint.

  • This is a great tip – wish I would have known about it sooner as my wife and I enjoy staying at Kimpton hotels. They’ve always thrown in extra little perks for us for special occasions when I have asked as well – champagne, wine, free upgrade…I have found their staff very inviting and helpful plus it never hurts to ask! Looking forward to trying out the secret code next time. Thanks!

  • This is amazing, great deal. Kimpton is always providing more value.

  • Darn! I was just at a Kimpton Friday night! I wish I had known this then. I have another stay coming up, perhaps I can switch it to a Kimpton. This sounds like a fun thing to try just to see what they give. Thanks!

  • Good work Kimptons and award wallet. I will stay at Kimpton next month definitely I’ll try a secret password. Thanks for sharing.

  • This just sounds gimmicky to me. Although I guess it does keep them in the conversation so any advertising is considered good advertising.

    • Agree, kinda gimmicky. Does create some buzz, but I do feel there’s better ways to do it than roll with “no more sweatpants” lol…

  • MIchael R Karpiel says:

    Stayed at the Kimpton Hotel Born in Denver May 21-24 so just missed out on this. Kept checking for a new Social Password up to the day of arrival.

    Ah well we have a Kimpton Muse NYC stay coming up in a few months and another Kimpton stay in mid Sept (so hoping for new password for that one).

  • So refreshing to find a hotel chain that still has a sense of fun about travel and vacation….love Kimpton hotels! Wish more hotel chains could/would duplicate this level of whimsy and excitement about something that is supposed to fun in the first place – travel!

  • Yup….I’ve used the secret password and it does indeed work

  • Is this US Kimptoms only?

  • Free breakfast would be of great value if you book a family room. 🙂

  • Bhikhu Shah says:

    I love this, it engages the customer and make you want to go there.

  • Had no idea this was a thing, how fun! Definitely good branding and wish other hotels would do more ‘fun’ things like this

  • Secret password makes everything sound so exclusive!

  • Maryjane says:

    I love Kimptons and the secret password. I have an Amex offer for a Kimpton so I’ll now be able to use the password for a bit of extra value during that stay.

  • Excellent idea! I h ope to visit you soon

  • This is a fun thing to participate in and the benefits are pretty cool. I’m glad it’s back.

  • The password works…. I’ve used it several times

  • I have been using the secret passwords ever since Kimpton became a part of IHG. (Reading blogs taught me about this benefit. I hadn’t even heard of Kimpton Hotels until they became part of IHG). Ive gotten some of the gifts described here. Once, a couple of days after the password had expired (with no new one replacing it) I said the password and the manager gave the gift to me anyway. It certainly make the visit a bit more fun.

  • Any more examples of the off-site surprises?

    • I’d say such off-site surprises are unusual. But, the on-site gifts have been incredibly varied over the years, with certainly some stinkers, but also some truly quality stuff.

  • Haha I didn’t know about it but love this idea! Hope other hotels will do something similar in the future to “lift your spirits” 😉