My Positive Experience at Kimpton’s Cypress Hotel

I’m a huge fan of Kimpton Hotels, and am an Inner Circle (top-tier) member with their new Kimpton Karma Rewards Program. Kimpton hotels are boutique properties located in “major” cities across the US, each offering a different style, personality, and room type.

I decided to try out Kimpton’s Cypress Hotel property in Cupertino, CA for a 2 night stay – the first night was a cash rate at about $125 a night, and the second was a free night thanks to Kimpton’s rewards program and previous paid stays.

The property offers free shuttle service to and from San Jose airport, but I opted to fly into San Francisco instead, and rent a car from there. I’m really happy I did. Having a car in this area of California is helpful, and I don’t think I’d wanted to be stranded at the hotel without one.

From SFO airport, it’s about a half hour drive without traffic to the hotel itself. It’s an easy drive. The hotel itself is literally a 5 minute walk away from Apple’s famous 1 Infinite Loop campus, and you’ll pass it each time you head to the hotel from off of the freeway. Being so close to the Apple mecca probably brings in a fair amount of business for the hotel during the week, which is exciting…I was hoping to run into Tim Cook, but no luck. 🙁

The hotel offers free parking in a small garage adjacent to the hotel. I love this benefit, and am always so frustrated when I go to hotels that either charge an arm and a leg for parking, or don’t have any parking option at all. To have a garage next to the main entrance, and for that parking to be free is simply fantastic. Each time I pulled into the lot, I was able to find a close spot within minutes, so parking was not at a premium the weekend I went.

Walking in, I was greeted at the front desk and was promptly given my room key. I was checking in very late at night due a delayed flight, but the gentleman at the desk was cheerful, just as if it was 1 in the afternoon. It was a painless process and within seconds, I was off to my room on the 6th floor.

I was upgraded to a Grand Suite, thanks to my Kimpton Inner Circle status. The Grand Suite is a large living room, separate bedroom and giant bathroom.

Our newly renovated Grand Suites offer a king-sized bed, chaise lounge for relaxation, a 37″ flat-screen TV and signature Cypress amenities (including our robes). A separate parlor features a pull-out sofa, desk area, entertainment center with a 42″ flat-screen TV, DVD player and a mini bar. The oversized bathroom offers a shower and a separate spa tub nestled in its own alcove.

Walking into the room, I was greeted my a friendly note from the front desk manager (something that’s similar amongst most Kimpton properties), and 2 complimentary bottles of water. While it may seem trivial, complimentary bottles of water are something I think every hotel should offer. In addition to this free water, I was also given my usual $10 raid the mini-bar credit that I could use at any time during my stay.

The living room was spacious, including a long couch, television, and separate desk and seating area.

From there, the bedroom was steps away and included a comfy bed, another couch, and a connecting bathroom.

The bathroom was huge, including a jacuzzi tub, separate shower and sink area. I’m always amused at hotels that feature suites with normal sized bathrooms, so this was a welcome addition to be placed in a suite with a bathroom that matches the size of the room. Well done, Kimpton!

\To get a free night at any Kimpton or IHG property worldwide, get the IHG Rewards credit card!