InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the signing of the first Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants hotel outside of the Americas. Debuting in Europe, the hotel will be located in the heart of the vibrant city of Amsterdam.
The hotel, which is currently operating as Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre, will undergo a complete transformation following a full renovation of the lobby, restaurants, facilities, and guest rooms. It will open as a 270-room luxury Kimpton hotel in 2017. It will feature boutique rooms, a destination bar and restaurant for guests and locals to enjoy, a state-of-the-art gym, and innovative meeting spaces equipped with the latest technology.
Richard Solomons, chief executive, IHG said, “IHG’s ability to take Kimpton to new markets and geographies was a key part of the transaction and we’re delighted to announce this important milestone for the brand. It is testament to the global appeal of the Kimpton brand and to the strength of IHG’s global scale and relationships with owners across the world.”
The hotel is owned by YC Amsterdam BV, a venture set up by certain affiliates of York Capital Management and its operating partner.
Phil Golding, on behalf of YC Amsterdam BV, said, “We’re excited to be developing the first international Kimpton hotel and to be part of the brand’s expansion globally. Each property is unique and leaves a lasting impression on its guests; and this Kimpton in Amsterdam will be no exception. With its vibrant art scene and home to some of the best restaurants in the world, Amsterdam is the perfect destination to open a Kimpton hotel and restaurant. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming guests from across the globe to what I’m confident will be the best loved boutique hotel in this fantastic city.”
Mike DeFrino, chief executive, Kimpton said, “Bill Kimpton’s European travels and boutique hotel experiences inspired him to start this company in San Francisco back in 1981, which makes the announcement of our first hotel in Europe all that more meaningful. We found a kindred spirit in Amsterdam and are excited to introduce our heartfelt approach to hospitality to a new audience.”
There are currently 59 managed Kimpton hotels in the U.S. and a further 16 hotels in the pipeline. A food and beverage operator, Kimpton also runs 74 destination restaurants and bars. It is a fully asset-light brand, operating hotels under management contracts.
