FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Dan Klores Communications
Marissa Mastellone / 212.981.5210 /
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants:
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Ink48 – A KIMPTON HOTEL – MAKES ITS MARK

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to Debut Upscale Hotel in New York's Hell's Kitchen While 'Ink Still Dries' on Restaurants and Rooftop Lounge

Sneak Preview Guests Will Benefit from 'Rough Draft Rates,' Breathtaking Views of Hudson River and Manhattan Skyline and All Beloved Signature Kimpton Programs

NEW YORK, September 9, 2009 — On September 15, 2009, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will open a "rough draft" of the hotly anticipated hotel, Ink48, located at 653 11th Avenue and 48th Street while work continues on two destination restaurants, a three-story rooftop addition and presidential suite. In addition to 24-hour room service, complimentary continental breakfast and an extended wine hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., guests will also receive a promotional "Rough Draft Rate" that will be a 48 percent savings off standard rack rates, which start at $429 per night.

"We have a gorgeous product that we know travelers are going to love," said Deborah McCluskey, general manager, Ink48, adding that a full state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa and a variety of room types will be available upon opening. "We think of this as the sneak preview phase of the hotel while construction continues. It's a great time to book a stay."

Ink48, formerly the VU Hotel, and named to reflect the building's printing press history, is now taking reservations for stays arriving Oct. 1, 2009. The 222-room, 17-story hotel, which offers unobstructed panoramic views of Times Square and the Hudson River, makes an indelible imprint as the first upscale midtown hotel to grace the far west of Times Square. Operated by San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Ink48 is the third New York City property in the Kimpton collection.

In a neighborhood with a very colorful and resilient reputation, Ink48 will continue to redefine Hell's Kitchen with its own signature style and leave guests with a lasting impression of their stay. The 1930's building, with its colossal windows, soaring ceilings and a soon to be completed striking three-story rooftop addition by architect Carlos Zapata, underwent a major transformation into an urban retreat, while maintaining the integrity of the original exterior. Ink48 expresses the best of the extraordinary city, merging contemporary luxury with architecturally rich style and timeless hospitality. Most importantly, Ink48 invites guests to make their mark in the world, whether subtle or extravagant.

"Kimpton is a pioneering company so it's befitting that we're the first in the industry to move into the area," said McCluskey. "Ink48 offers travelers the ability to be in two places at once — close enough to the epicenter of the city, yet far enough to provide a true respite for its guest. In essence, we're bringing heavenly hospitality to Hell's Kitchen."

Upon opening in September, the pet-friendly hotel will offer guests all of Kimpton's renowned and beloved signatures including: hosted evening wine hours, honor bars with organic snack and beverage options, eco-friendly EarthCare initiatives and Women InTouch, provisions that assure seamless and easy travel for women.

Right in line with Kimpton's desire to impart a story with every hotel, Rockwell Group succeeded in its vision for Ink48, bringing forth the goal to "make your mark" in every aspect of the accommodations, social spaces and dining venues. To capture the pulse, personality and distinctive energy of the city, award-winning designer David Rockwell and Rockwell Group chose three quintessential New York spaces for inspiration. The lobby is a luxurious interpretation of a pocket park — the small, sometimes hidden and unexpected space that animates New York's streets. Enter the Ink48 hotel and come upon a 16-foot-high bronzed portal of glass, stone and leather — a vibrant and visual welcome to guests as they arrive. Just off to the right of the entrance will be a lovely lobby restaurant and bar with cabanas.

Rockwell Group also was inspired by the classic New York loft for the guest room design, showcasing the dramatic height and views that the hotel offers, with ceilings ranging from 11 to 15 feet high. Each contemporary room is stylishly appointed in white, ruby reds and chocolate browns, with soft stone tiled bathrooms, oversized showers and large scale abstract artwork. Flat panel LCD TVs and iPod docking stations are just a few of the amenities Ink48 provides. Guests will have the option to indulge in treatments from the hotel's full-service spa in the privacy of their own room. Health-minded travelers will benefit from round-the-clock complimentary use of Ink48's onsite state-of-the-art fitness center.

City rooftop terraces — the third element in Rockwell and Zapata's urban concept for the hotel — are the impetus for the yet to be finished 16th floor rooftop lounge and restaurant. This 2,000 square foot glass-enclosed bar is designed with doors that can open in warmer weather. There will be outdoor seating, and a jetted spa tub. The 17th floor will feature six guest rooms including a presidential suite connected by stairs to a sun deck with unparalleled city views.

Just blocks away from the Javits Convention Center and Pier 94 Convention Center, Ink48 anchors the neighborhood as a desirable locale. Loosely defined as the district west of 8th Avenue between 34th and 59th Streets, Hell's Kitchen has a history as colorful as its often disputed name. The most common version traces it to two policemen watching a small riot on W. 39th Street near 10th Avenue in the late 1880's — a tough neighborhood where poverty and close quarters bred ill will between neighbors. According to legend, the rookie cop said to his boss, "This place is Hell itself," to which the veteran cop replied, "Hell's a mild climate, this is Hell's kitchen."

The name stuck and with the proliferation of residential real estate, clubs and high density of diverse restaurants the area continues to emerge as a destination within the city.

ABOUT Ink48

Set in a former printing house, Ink48 is located on 48th Street and 11th Avenue, and is the first upscale hotel in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. Ink48 offers panoramic views of the Hudson River and amenities and services to inspire and encourage each guest to "Make Your Mark." It is an inviting and playful urban retreat in the midst of the world's most exciting city. The 222-room, 17-story hotel was designed by award-winning architects David Rockwell and Carlos Zapata, who were inspired by three quintessential New York spaces — the pocket park, the loft and rooftop terrace — all capturing an authentic city vibe in style, ambiance and attitude. Ink48 is operated by San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the country's leading and largest boutique hotel operator. Ink48 is located at 653 11th Avenue at 48th Street, New York, N.Y. For more information call 212.757.0088 or visit www.ink48.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.