Ink 48: A Kimpton Hotel In the light of the United Nations Development Program adopting the Sustainable Development Goals with environmental issues and its effects on the global population at the top of its agenda, it’s become imperative that organisations do business with greater awareness and with regard not only for profit but also for people and planet. As this awareness grows, especially amongst more conscious consumers who put their money where their mouths are and vote for sustainability by choosing destinations with sustainability as part of their DNA or at least corporate policy, Kimpton Group, with its 64 boutique hotels in 33 cities, have made what they call ‘Sustainable Stays’ a priority. Ink48, a Kimpton property and boutique hotel situated in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, is a refurbished 1930’s printing plant turned sleek and hip boutique hotel, with green a consciousness to boot! Several art-works and pieces pay homage to the buildings origins as a 1930’s printing plant, notably a unique piece of art in the penthouse suits made up of recycled books in a large frame and then there’s the art deco type writer which sits on the desk below it. The downstairs restaurant called Print is a clear giveaway. The art deco inspired entrance is bright and inviting and the staff professional and courteous. A bicycle and several objects hint at the hotels green heart and its commitment to green values. This David Rockwell designed hotel has lovely suites which are elegantly minimalistic and offer spectacular views of the Hudson and city skyline. The beds offer a good night’s rest with firm and comfortable mattresses and crisp sheets. Animal print robes make a quirky change from the white robes hotels offer and the spacious bathrooms offer eco- friendly bathroom ranges, recycled notebooks and flip books. The views from Ink 48 are worth writing home about and viewed from the Penthouse terrace or rooftop bar – Press Lounge Rooftop; there are 360 degree views of this electric city. Kimpton has been described as ‘a hip hotel company known for encouraging healthy lifestyles’ and this is reflected in INK 48’s special program for guests who love to run outdoors. Pet and child – friendly, this hotel’s caring consciousness extends to the environment with the health of the planet in mind. Ink 48 uses INN.COM, an energy management system offering significant savings and which reduces the hotel’s carbon footprint, and as part of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants EarthCare Program, provides eco-friendly products and services, including, in-room recycling bins, organic and fair-trade coffee and tea, ceramic mugs in lieu of paper cups. Using non- toxic cleaning supplies, extensive recycling, minimizing water consumption and serving organic coffee are just a few of the more than 100 environmentally- friendly practices Kimpton has implemented to ensure sustainable experiences. Ink48 has‘ Green Rooms’ which means that once guests leave the room and after 10 minutes of inactivity, measured by a small switch at the top of each door, the lights turn off and the room stays at 72 degrees, conserving electricity, and air/ heat conditioning. Certified by Green Key Eco-Rating Program (The leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the hospitality industry) and Trip Advisor Green Leaders Program, and awarded for its green initiatives, Kimpton offers booking codes which donate a portion of your daily room rate to programs for The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land, which creates, greens and protects open spaces in urban spaces. There’s also a benefit for the guest in that while $10 of your room rate goes to the Trust or the Conservancy, you also receive 15% discount for each night of your stay. The Conservancy, committed to forest protection and restoration on a global scale, will also plant a tree on your behalf as part of the Plant a Billion Trees Campaign. Kimpton’s generosity extends to its patrons as well in a complimentary cup of morning tea or coffee and you can enjoy some selected wines during their nightly tastings. Each room comes standard with a yoga mat and there are complimentary public bikes to explore Manhattan, providing helmets, locks, maps and bottled water for guests’ safely and comfort and perfect for fume – free spins through the city! Kimpton Karma points offer complimentary upgrades, free Wi-Fi and other goodies to loyal guests who return. A hotel worth recommending and one you’ll be happy to return to!

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