FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Baltz & Company for Kimpton

Chloe Mata Crane / 212-982-8300 x104 / cmcrane@baltzco.com

Marliese Engel Traver / 212-982-8300 x112 / mtraver@baltzco.com

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Stacey Ellis / 415-955-5492 / stacey.ellis@kimptongroup.com

Jamie Law / 415-955-5495 / jamie.law@kimptongroup.com

IT’S EASY MEETING GREEN AT KIMPTON

Brand-wide EarthCare Program Includes Over 50 Daily Sustainable Practices

With Additional Eco Event Standards

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 22, 2009 ¾ Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants becomes the first hotel company to make every meeting a green meeting with the brand-wide standardization of 12 eco-friendly practices. As the latest extension of the company’s pioneering EarthCare program, Kimpton’s 12 environmentally responsible initiatives are now mandatory for every event at every hotel and have increased the company’s sustainable initiatives to include over 50 daily eco-friendly practices. Ranging from communications procedures to banquet operations, standard event practices include:

• All bottled water is U.S. sourced
• All meetings include water served in pitchers with reusable glassware
• All sales collateral, meeting notepads and coasters are made of 100% recycled paper
• All napkins are made of cloth or recycled paper
• Paperless services: electronic distribution of sales proposals, catering menus and banquet event orders
• Internal paperless standards: all group information is emailed prior to staff meetings
• Every event includes a recycling bin for paper
• At least four organic tea options are available at all coffee stations
• Plastic or wood stirrers are eliminated and replaced with reusable spoons
• Styrofoam or disposable cups are eliminated and replaced with reusable cups and mugs
• Individually packaged condiments are eliminated and replaced with large containers
• Plastic silverware in boxed lunches is replaced with recycled plastic ware and to go lunches are packaged in recycled paper bags or bio-pak boxes

“Our group clients often seek out Kimpton because of our progressive brand-wide EarthCare program and commitment to non-profit partners such as The Trust for Public Land,” said Belinda Mazarello, Director of Catering & Conference Services, Northeast Region Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “The goal of these standardized event practices is to help educate our clients on how they can help Reduce – Reuse – Recycle through the hosting of events at Kimpton hotels nationwide.”

Kimpton’s sustainable initiatives date back to the company’s inception in 1981 and include several industry firsts such as in-room recycling bins and the use of non-toxic cleaners brand-wide. Through the new standardization of 12 event practices, the company’s EarthCare program has grown to include more than 50 earth-friendly initiatives at Kimpton hotels and restaurants nationwide. Additionally, a wide range of environmentally-friendly event options and services are available through Kimpton’s Signature Meetings program.

For more information about Kimpton and EarthCare, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1(800)-KIMPTON.

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ABOUT KIMPTON

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US and Canada, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America.  Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants.  Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare programs that span all hotels and restaurants. Privately held Kimpton has consistently earned the highest ranking customer satisfaction scores by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, exceeding other hotel companies including those in luxury and upscale segments. Among the company’s newest properties are Lorien Hotel & Spa and restaurants BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier and BRABO Tasting Room in Alexandria, VA, which opened in February 2009.  Currently, projects are underway in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Baltimore and Chicago. For more information, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.