Ink 48 - a Kimpton Hotel

I recently spent four days at Kimpton Ink while in NYC on business. I am a platinum IHG member because I love Kimpton and will stay at their properties any chance I get. I was excited to experience this hotel in Hell's Kitchen. Unfortunately, I faced some extremely undesirable circumstances -- some they could have controlled and others they could not have. I arrived at the property to face over 30 dogs in the lobby. Yes, I discovered, the Westminister Dog Show was in town. I love dogs. However, I could not get a seat for the wine hour because dogs were on the furniture, a drooling rotweiler was next to the only open seat and several boisterous dogs were barely under control. Not their fault as a dog friendly property, but suggesting that dogs be kept in the room for the one hour a day there was a hosted wine reception could have mitigated the chaos, including several "accidents" on the lobby floor I encountered. Next, I got an "upgraded" room looking directly out over major construction. Only after the 7AM start of hydraulic drilling the next day was there any discussion with me about the construction. The person behind the desk, rather than engaging, pointed to a printed sign on the desk offering earplugs. I was not offered a room away from the construction nor was there an ounce of acknowledgment or empathy. On my third day, at 4AM a barking dog persisted until 6AM. I fell asleep just long enough to be awoken again by 7AM hydraulics. I went to the front desk to complain and was met by a shrug and told, "The dogs will be gone tomorrow." Cleanliness wise, the hair I found on my shower floor the first day was there until I finally removed it myself on the third day. From a practical standpoint, although not about Kimpton per se, there was one day I was there in very inclement weather involving slush and sleet and hazardous walking conditions. If you have not had a chance to bring your own water and snacks, you will pay mightily for the mostly-junk mini-bar because there is no gift shop or nearby bodega for such things. In my (at least) tens of trips to Kimpton over the years, and particularly as a platinum customer, I have never felt that my business mattered so little. I hope this was because of the chaos of the dog show, but I also wish I had been warned of that and the construction. I could have made a different, and better choice.

My girlfriend and I booked the Kimpton Ink 48 in the West Side / Clinton / Hell's Kitchen area for our anniversary, and it is easily one of the most rewarding hotel experiences I've ever had. The service was exceptional, with care both with the booking staff (thanks to Ms. DJ / Mr. AR) and the front desk. The room was luxuriously appointed, the bed extremely comfortable, and the views wonderful. We had a River view which is very clear and crisp, the rooms with the city view can be assumed to be very nice as well, as the view from the modern and clean rooftop lounge was breathtaking. The hotel's location is nice in that it is a little removed from the bustle of Times Square while still having all the comforts and advantages of a Manhattan location, with views, services, and easy walks to food / drinks / fun. I will absolutely stay there again, and am grateful to the staff for helping make my anniversary a wonderful experience. A truly exceptional experience.