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

“Kimpton is not only a leading ‘green’ hotel chain–its properties are intimate, imaginative, and atmospheric. Nothing cookie-cutter here.” Martha Honey, Co-director, Center for Responsible Travel, September 2009 issue of Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler NAMES KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

2009 “World saver”

Pioneering EarthCare Program Recognized as Global Preservation Leader

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., September 17, 2009 – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the leading and largest collection of nearly 50 boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants throughout the country, has been honored as a 2009 “World Saver” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Announced in the September 2009 issue as part of the third annual “World Saver Awards,” Kimpton garnered the co-winner award of the Preservation category for its pioneering EarthCare commitment, which includes more than 70 brand-wide environmental practices in place at every Kimpton hotel and restaurant from coast-to-coast.

“This international accolade marks a milestone in Kimpton’s history and our 28 year dedication to sustainability,” said Niki Leondakis, chief operating officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “Since our founding and into today, our passionate Eco Champions lead the charge for environmental change. Through aggressive EarthCare initiatives that continue to impact the preservation of our planet, our dedicated employees have helped to set the standard for responsible travel throughout the hospitality industry.”

Recipients of Condé Nast Travelers’ “World Savers Awards” include airlines, cruise lines, city hotels, resorts, hotel chains and tour operators and are determined by a panel of 21 judges that include academics, CEOs and Philanthropists. In 2009, 36 finalists were chosen from almost 100 applicants and judgest named winners and runners-up in each of five categories; Education Programs; Wildlife Conservation; Poverty Alleviation; Preservation and Health Initiatives.

Kimpton’s sustainable initiatives date back to the company’s inception in 1981 and include many industry firsts such as in-room recycling bins and the use of non-toxic cleaners brand-wide. Most recently, Kimpton announced three new companywide eco restaurant initiatives that include new sustainable seafood selections in accordance with Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch List, 30 percent eco-friendly wine selections on all wine lists and a national partnership with Natura® to provide in-house purified water at all Kimpton restaurants.

Recently, Kimpton achieved Green Seal Certification for its three Chicago hotels and Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco in Portland, and plans to unveil the company’s first LEED certified hotel on Oct. 15, Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia.

To learn more about EarthCare or Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, visit www.KimptonHotels.com, www.Twitter.com/Kimpton, or search Kimpton at Facebook.com.

###

ABOUT KIMPTON

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, 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 program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Privately held Kimpton has consistently earned high 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 the Hotel Monaco Baltimore and restaurant B&O American Brasserie by Chef E. Michael Reidt in Baltimore, MD, which opened in July 2009. Currently, projects are underway in New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. For more information, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.