I recently took a trip to Baltimore and stayed at the Monaco, a Kimpton hotel. I am apart of Kimpton's InTouch loyalty program and man did it deliver! Keep on reading to see what kind of benefits you can get when you join loyalty programs!
I like to travel frequently. Whether it be just an over night trip or an extended trip, I like to stay in a hotel I can trust and be comfortable in. Up until recently I always just scoured the internet looking for the best deals. This is good to a point, but sometimes those deals you come across aren't as sweet as they look.
I recently had some extra vacation time to burn off so I decided to take a long weekend away for an anniversary. It was decided Baltimore was a nice city to visit within the driving distance I was willing to sit in a car for. I started checking out hotels in the area and decided this time I wanted to be close to everything and not have to use my car once it was parked. I came across the Monaco Baltimore by Kimpton Hotels and instantly fell in love with everything about it. I also noticed the price was pricey and they did not offer free WiFi. These things discouraged me a little bit and then I noticed they had a loyalty program. I decided to check it out and see what they had to offer. I have never been apart of a hotel rewards/loyalty program before so I wasn't sure what to expect.
I navigated to the perks page of the loyalty program and instantly noticed that they offered their members free WiFi. This was enough to make me want to sign up. I didn't look much further and got myself all set up as a member. I was still on the fence about getting it booked so I sat on it for a week or so. I then received an email from them program offering me a nice discount on my first stay with any of their hotels. This was the deal breaker. The room was booked and I was just a few weeks away with getting away at this wonderful hotel.
One of the perks I noticed was early check in. This was convenient because the plan was to leave early so we would get to the city early enough to enjoy that day, and not use it just as a traveling day. I contacted the hotel and let them know we would be arriving around noon which was 3 hours before their normal check in time. I had also mentioned it was an anniversary weekend I wanted it just go as smoothly as possible. The lady I was in contact with was very helpful and couldn't promise we could get in early but would do her best to make it happen. I understood being I have had my experience in the hotel business and anything can happen last minute to delay these things.
I recently had some extra vacation time to burn off so I decided to take a long weekend away for an anniversary. It was decided Baltimore was a nice city to visit within the driving distance I was willing to sit in a car for. I started checking out hotels in the area and decided this time I wanted to be close to everything and not have to use my car once it was parked. I came across the Monaco Baltimore by Kimpton Hotels and instantly fell in love with everything about it. I also noticed the price was pricey and they did not offer free WiFi. These things discouraged me a little bit and then I noticed they had a loyalty program. I decided to check it out and see what they had to offer. I have never been apart of a hotel rewards/loyalty program before so I wasn't sure what to expect.
I navigated to the perks page of the loyalty program and instantly noticed that they offered their members free WiFi. This was enough to make me want to sign up. I didn't look much further and got myself all set up as a member. I was still on the fence about getting it booked so I sat on it for a week or so. I then received an email from them program offering me a nice discount on my first stay with any of their hotels. This was the deal breaker. The room was booked and I was just a few weeks away with getting away at this wonderful hotel.
One of the perks I noticed was early check in. This was convenient because the plan was to leave early so we would get to the city early enough to enjoy that day, and not use it just as a traveling day. I contacted the hotel and let them know we would be arriving around noon which was 3 hours before their normal check in time. I had also mentioned it was an anniversary weekend I wanted it just go as smoothly as possible. The lady I was in contact with was very helpful and couldn't promise we could get in early but would do her best to make it happen. I understood being I have had my experience in the hotel business and anything can happen last minute to delay these things.
We arrived just as anticipated at noon. We decided to get some lunch first to stall the early check in. We arrived at the hotel at about 1:30 and were instantly greeted by valet. They were very friendly and got us going quickly. Upon reaching the front desk we were greeted with a warm smile and a very upbeat and helpful woman. She was happy to inform us that the room was ready and we could check in. Along with our key cards she also handed us a "Raid the Bar" card which allowed us to spend $10 free on items in our mini bar or in the main hotel bar. This was another perk for being a member. We were also informed there would be a wine reception from 5pm to 6pm every evening for all the guests staying in the hotel. (This is very nice because most hotels I have seen that offer this kind of service only provide this Monday through Thursday).
We reached the room and it was very spacious with one of the most elaborate bathrooms I have ever encountered in a hotel room. It offered a glass stall shower and a large soaking tub. In the closet they offered 2 animal print robes that were really cute and a yoga mat that was apart of the loyalty program. While we were unwinding from the car ride there was a knock at the door and it was a gentleman from the hotel with a bottle of champagne compliments of the hotel for our anniversary. It was a very nice thing for them to do. Very thoughtful and a way to make us feel special.
After enjoying the champagne we went out to take in the beautiful Baltimore day. It was nice to stretch our legs and get some sun. Everything was in walking distance and that always comes in handy when visiting a new city. It was a warm 70 degree day so that was a highlight of the trip. We did a little walking down by the harbor and then decided to head back to the wine reception. I wasn't sure what to expect being I had never been to one. I was almost afraid it was going to be more of a uppidy thing where we wouldn't feel comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was very laid back and there were even games set out all around. The room was very cozy set up with lots of over sized couches and chairs where you could get comfy and enjoy a glass of wine. They also provided some tortilla chips and hummus dip and a crab dip. We participated in this both nights of our stay, both equally as great.
We spent 2 days in Baltimore and between the great weather and the Monaco, this trip was not only relaxing but also offered some amazing benefits to being a loyalty member. Everything was set for us as we had asked in our profile (Which morning newspaper we wanted, what kind of pillows and early check in). The free internet was very easy to access with the loyalty program and that pleased me. No credit card required, just the email address I had used to sign up for the program. I was very pleased with all of the perks we encountered. There were a few perks we did not get to use and that was just because we chose not to. They offer a $20 voucher off any in room massage services as well as bikes and picnic services if you were interested.
On top of all of the perks we encountered we have also started to earn points towards free stays. They offer hotels all over the united states in most major cities. The system isn't a bad one. You need 7 stays or 20 eligible nights in a row to gain a free stay. They also offer a program a step up from the main program which is free to join. You must earn 15 stays or 45 eligible nights in a row to earn Inner Circle status. With this status you can earn even more perks.
My overall stay in Baltimore was amazing and the hotel Monaco was excellent. I am glad I participated in their loyalty program and feel I will use their hotels again next time I am taking a vacation. I expect each experience will be just as amazing as this one and I will rack up my free stays in no time!
This is just one example of a loyalty program out there. Like I mentioned in my last blog there are thousands of programs out there for any like or need. Just take a look next time and you to could be on your way to earning free stuff or gaining awesome perks just for being a member!
On top of all of the perks we encountered we have also started to earn points towards free stays. They offer hotels all over the united states in most major cities. The system isn't a bad one. You need 7 stays or 20 eligible nights in a row to gain a free stay. They also offer a program a step up from the main program which is free to join. You must earn 15 stays or 45 eligible nights in a row to earn Inner Circle status. With this status you can earn even more perks.
My overall stay in Baltimore was amazing and the hotel Monaco was excellent. I am glad I participated in their loyalty program and feel I will use their hotels again next time I am taking a vacation. I expect each experience will be just as amazing as this one and I will rack up my free stays in no time!
This is just one example of a loyalty program out there. Like I mentioned in my last blog there are thousands of programs out there for any like or need. Just take a look next time and you to could be on your way to earning free stuff or gaining awesome perks just for being a member!
Make sure you check out the Kimpton Loyalty Program!
Also check out the Hotel Monaco!
Thanks for taking the time to read!
Xo Trish
Follow me on Facebook or Twitter! Contact me!
Also check out the Hotel Monaco!
Thanks for taking the time to read!
Xo Trish
Follow me on Facebook or Twitter! Contact me!