IHG’s fast-growing Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand is fusing local design inspiration with cosmopolitan style at its latest properties in Europe and Asia.

The US-born luxury boutique hotel brand is on the expansion trail again. We find out what makes the newest additions to its portfolio unique.

Locally inspired design

Kimpton is certainly making its mark this month with three high-profile openings: Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, which made its debut on 1 October; the 2 October-debuted Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo; and Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, which has just relaunched under its new name. Each of these properties aims to provide a differentiated experience through its restaurants, bars and location-specific approaches.

All three properties are distinguished by design flourishes that reference their immediate surroundings.

Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo draws on its location in a hub of creativity to feature bold and playful design enhanced by collaborations with local artists and community talent, including the neighbouring Bunka Fashion College. This 151-key property welcomes visitors in with a striking facade conceptualised by New York-headquartered architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, inspired by Lower Manhattan’s art and fashion scene, complete with an impressionism wall by Japanese artist Kusumi.

Meanwhile, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok sits within the creative district of Langsuan. Through its 362-key-hotel-and-131-serviced-residence concept, the property is designed to emulate the vibrancy of the city, which is complemented by greenery inspired by Lumpini Park. The interiors here have been designed to reflect the term ‘Maa-Lai’, stemming from the Thai philosophy of approaching life as a work of art; designed by P49 Deesign, they combine handcrafted artisanal textiles with elements that reflect Bangkok’s streetscape.

Over in Manchester, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel takes up an impressive terracotta Grade II*-listed building dating back to 1890 that was formerly the headquarters of The Refuge Assurance Company. Its famous clock tower makes this striking Victorian building one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. The 270-key property, previously known as The Principal Manchester, showcases original features like double- and triple-height ceilings and stained glass, while guest rooms pay homage to the city’s legendary music scene, and the 17 meeting rooms display Edwardian details alongside the latest technology.

The Kimpton lifestyle

All three properties seek to fully embrace the Kimpton lifestyle, from yoga lessons and complimentary wine socials in Asia to Manchester’s in-room yoga mats, free bicycle hire and hosted social hour. To draw people from the city in, the hotels also deliver one-of-a-kind culinary experiences, combining local identity with New York culture.

At Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, guests can dine in The Jones Cafe | Bar and District Brasserie-Bar-Lounge before sampling a cocktail on the Outdoor Terrace, while Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok enables them to try one of four immersive venues, such as the all-day dining spot Stock.Room. In addition, the light-filled Winter Garden lounge and destination restaurant and bar The Refuge by Volta at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel remain immensely popular.

Kimpton’s Tokyo and Bangkok arrivals form part of the group’s continued growth in Asia, following on from the 2019-opened Kimpton Da An in Taipei and preceding a 2021 opening in Bali, 2022 opening in Suzhou, 2023 openings in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nanjing and Kuala Lumpur, and 2025 opening in Sanya. And in Europe, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel follows hot on the heels of Kimpton Vividora Hotel, which opened in Barcelona over the summer.