Hospitality name InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is rolling out seasonal experiences at its upscale properties in North America.
Plans for a multisensory event series have been revealed — the activations will take place this summer, from June 1 to Sept. 2, 2024. Complete with ornate botanical décor, playlists and crafted menus, IHG’s Summer Soiree is coming to the company's luxury and lifestyle hotels, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo.
“Our IHG luxury and lifestyle hotels are known for their inspired and experiential programming that brings people together,” said Kathleen Reidenbach, senior vice president of marketing and commercial at IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle Americas, in a statement.
“This summer, we are embracing the vibe and essence of the season to bring our vision of a summer oasis to life in our lobbies and beyond, inviting travelers to immerse in the unforgettable feelings of the season.”
Seasonal celebration
Floral pop-ups are coming to six stays, including InterContinental The Willard Washington DC, InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, Yours Truly DC from the Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown.
These lush structures are framing a lobby bar in each space, with chefs and mixologists concocting botanical cocktails, zero-proof elixirs and seasonal plates for the occasion. The large-scale installations are done in partnership with Spanish atelier Wanda Barcelona.
Guests seeking bigger gathering spots can find Summer Soiree options at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia and InterContinental San Francisco, where furnishings and flowery touches are inspired by the workshop. Interactive art, vinyl listening stations, curated catering and pop-up beverage carts add to the offering.
Greenery finds another home at Club InterContinental lounges inside InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, where the plant décor is enhancing touchpoints that include live evening music, Lo-Fi High Tea and more.
At InterContinental New York Barclay, travelers who have children can enjoy the In-Room Summer Camp-Out package. A campfire playset and s'mores amenities are provided, while a kid-sized pop-up tent is landing at InterContinental New York Times Square.
InterContinental San Diego is collaborating with retailer LoveShakeFancy to present its own pop-up. The rooftop bar, Layover, is serving up summery dishes, which can be savored while browsing an on-site fashion collection.
Canadian Summer is coming to InterContinental Toronto Center, which involves themed décor, beverages and a Hakada Beauty pop-up in the lobby.
IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite members can take advantage of Surprise + Delight, a package with additional perks such as snacks and beverages made specifically for the programming, in-room botanicals and turndown services that span skincare, sparkling water and herbal tea, among other luxuries.
Kimpton Off the Record, the brand’s concert series, is returning, starting with a kickoff event on June 12, 2024, at Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami. On Aug. 23, 2024, this will conclude the Summer Soiree campaign at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.
Seasonal dining informed by Kimpton’s 2024 Culinary & Cocktail Trend Report is hitting restaurants and bars inside the stays. A Spill the Tea menu is part of this, running at Kimpton Everly Hotel, Kimpton Palladian Hotel and Kimpton Pittman Hotel until June 30, 2024.
The Secret Social Password activation grants guests surprises such as complementary bar side botanical cocktails or room upgrades.
Summer Camp Fun provides entertainment for little ones. Pop-up tents, blankets, pillows, children’s activities and sugar-free drinks are arriving at Kimpton Hotel Theta and Kimpton The Forum Hotel.
The Sky High promotion brings rooftop events to Kimpton Canary Hotel, complete with a DJ. At the Kimpton Armory Hotel, a Garden Spritz theme is taking over the rooftop pool every Thursday evening — a disc jockey is likewise on call.
Hotel Indigo is turning to the planet with its Menus Inspired by Nature offering. Bites and sips are infused with seasonal flora, fruits and herbs, which characterize white wine cheese boards and mixed beverages.
Featuring specialty items, Tasting Tuesday and Signo Sunday are scheduled in the afternoon at Hotel Indigo Tallahassee Collegetown, Hotel Indigo Del Mar and Hotel Indigo Downtown Los Angeles.
Those wanting a sentimental activity can enjoy H.A.G.S., a postcard station where visitors can send pre-stamped bespoke cards to loved ones.
Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown is bringing on the music and entertainment via Long Summer Nights, an event series in the courtyard.
At Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center and Hotel Indigo Del Mar, pet owners can participate in dog meetups that provide pup cups, artists and photo booths. The Ohio location will also run a monthly Canines and Cocktails event.
Finally, Ultimate Summer Escape at the Vignette Collection includes an immersive pop-up decorated with tropical plants.
On the patio behind Yours Truly DC’s restaurant, Mercy Me, cocktails and dishes draw on summer and South American flavors. The continent’s spirits such as pisco and matacuy define drinks that can be enjoyed to the beat of local analog DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, with Sunday evenings presenting limited chef collaborations.
All of this could build up IHG’s recently announced goal of luxury expansion in the Americas this year (see story).