One of the perks of most hotel credit cards is getting a free annual night certificate each year. You have to remember to use them during the year that they are issued, though, and last year I almost forgot about using an IHG free night certificate. Yikes! I only had 24 days to use it left – what to do?

I was flying out of Denver for our THM retreat to Mexico. We were also driving halfway to Denver the night before to watch a grandson play basketball. And it was my husbands’ birthday. The perfect storm had arrived! I booked a night at the Kimpton Monaco, so we didn’t have to drive home, and my husband could drop me off at the airport. this was a hotel that I had wanted to stay at for some time, and it did not disappoint.

Here are the credit cards that come with a free annual night certificate with IHG:

 

Review of Denver Kimpton Monaco

First of all, I love Kimpton Hotels! They have a very cool vibe for a boutique luxury hotel.  We also stayed at one in Washington, D.C., and loved it! Alex and I recently stayed at the Kimpton Seafire Resort in Grand Cayman.

The Denver Kimpton Monaco is very much the aesthetic I like. The rooms weren’t huge but were decorated beautifully. Even my husband commented on the cool lights, colors, and decor. And that is NOT usual!

The price of this hotel for the night we were staying would have been $212. There is also a $23 resort fee; with taxes, the room is $268. Valet parking is $49/night, or you can park yourself. It was late, so we opted for the valet parking since the room was free.

The room can be booked for 29K in points. A free annual night certificate covers a room that books for up to 30K. This hotel can also go for much more in points or cash, so I was really happy to be able to book it. Another great hotel in Denver is Kimpton Born. I’ve stayed there and also loved the cool vibe there.

 

Check-in

You get a special gift when you stay at a Kimpton and tell them the secret password. The password for last winter was “the snuggle is real.” Whenever you are staying at a Kimpton, be sure and google what the password for the season is.

I got to pick between three cards, and mine was “movie night,” which meant we got a free movie. As Platinum members, we also got $10 in goodies at the minibar or desk.

 

The Room

As I said, the room wasn’t huge, but it was so cute. Unfortunately, you can’t see all the decor, especially the huge high ceilings and detail and the coordinating wallpapers in the room. Just. So. Cute.

 

 

Lobby

The lobby was especially cute and festive as it was decorated for Christmas. There were several nice conversation areas and a homey fireplace on one end. The restaurant Panzano is attached for easy dining, and the reviews for this Italian eatery are impressive. The location in downtown Denver is great, and it is an easy 30-minute ride to Denver International Airport.

 

 

Bottom Line

Using an IHG free night certificate is easy. Whether it is for a staycation or as part of a vacation out of town, I always find great value in them. I always keep my IHG card because of the free night stays. The free room is always worth at least double the hotel’s price in cash, making it a no-brainer for me. Have you ever stayed in a Kimpton?