Kimpton has a number of great specials going on this summer, and if you're booking any last minute travel (before September 7th), you can totally take advantage!

Their Summer Playground Package, which starts at just $199 per night (enter PLGD in the rate code box or mention "Summer Playground" when calling 1-800-KIMPTON), includes comfy amenities like a $25 food and beverage credit and an in-room movie with popcorn. That doesn't sound too playground-y, but how about this stuff:

• Play a game for upgrades. I'm talking rock paper scissors or a hula hoop challenge. You could get a free upgrade.
• Sangria Happy Hour. Need I say more? There are also "Play Dirty" and "Play Nice" -themed cocktails available.
• Virtual Wii Sports. Get your golf, tennis, or baseball game on.
• Tag! They have playground-themed luggage tags available in the lobby.

If the Summer Playground Package sounds like a bunch of insanity to you, perhaps you'd be more interested in the "Cocktail or Breakfast for Just $1 More" deal ... which is exactly what it sounds like.

The above deals are available at all of Kimpton's nearly 50 hotels throughout the US and Canada, but there's even more special stuff happening at NYC's 70 Park Avenue, where you can "Shape Up Your Stay" (starts at $229 -- which is pretty darn cheap for New York!), a package which includes:

• 20% off the Best Available Rate
• Healthy Power Bar and bottled water
• Complimentary in-room yoga basket for use while at the hotel
• Jump rope
• Personalized running route mapped by the concierge

If you like to see some art when you head into to New York, both 70 Park Avenue and The Muse (also in NYC) are offering a "Summer Art in the City" package. This package starts at just $199 per night and includes a complimentary breakfast, a bottle of wine upon arrival, and unlimited daily MTA metrocard -- which will take you directly to the ferry to Governor's Island, where there's a huge public art quadrennial called Plot 09: This World & Nearer Ones, which features works by artists from nine different countries, including Patti Smith and Mark Wallinger. You also get a map of Governor's Island. (Rate code: PSMA.)

Basically, Kimpton is rocking this summer. They've just earned the Top 2009 Customer Satisfaction Ranking from Market Metrix Hospitality Index -- topping their own previous winning scores with a 94.7 percent -- beating out Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, and other leading luxury hotel chains.

And the low prices they're offering at their chic boutique hotels in these tough economic times are no coincidence. "Over Kimpton's 28 years in business, I don't believe we've ever seen travelers in greater need of the extraordinary kindness and care they find at our hotels," said Niki Leondakis, chief operating officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

So, if you're traveling anywhere in the US and Canada before September 7, be sure and check out the nearest Kimpton. And if your next trip is happening after that date? Stay tuned; we'll tell you what's up.

Filed under: North America, Hotels and Accommodations, Travel Deals