Kimpton And PUBLIC Bikes Debut Two-Wheel Travel

Bike commuting in the United Stateshas increased by 36% since 2005 according to U.S.

Census Bureau and is still growing exponentially. From city-wide bike share programs to indoor cycling classes to bike pub crawls, U.S. cities large and small are in the middle of a bike boom and two-wheel travel is more popular than it has ever been. In response to this fast-growing trend, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the premier boutique hotel operator in the U.S., today announced a partnership with San Francisco-based boutique bicycle and gear company PUBLIC to design a colorful, customized fleet of Kimpton-branded bicycles. The bikes are complimentary for guests' enjoyment at all properties nationwide, in keeping with Kimpton's commitment to health, well-being and sense of fun and adventure.

The Kimpton bike will be easy to spot on the street with its custom cherry-red frame with

orange and blue accents, cream tires, matching double walled rims, brass bell, and rear basket that can be filled with tasty picnic fare by Kimpton's award-winning chefs and available for purchase at each hotel. The three-speed European-inspired street cruisers, with their appealing blend of classic design and modern, vibrant hues, make it fun to go out for a spin whether a novice or expert cyclist.

The partnership was the vision of Kimpton's newly appointed Chief Operating Officer and

avid bicyclist,Mike DeFrino, who recognized the kindred qualities of the boutique bike brand. Within Kimpton, he is also affectionately known as the CBO (Chief Bike Officer).

"Biking is taking over in urban centers across the globe as a sensible way to get around

town and explore new places," said DeFrino. "Biking treads lightly on the planet, which we care a great deal about. It's fun and it gets the blood pumping too. PUBLIC is a perfect partner for us because we both share the impassioned belief that design matters in everyday life and that the urban biking experience is one of the best ways to explore a city. As a bike enthusiast commuter myself, I could not be more excited to bring this complimentary perk to our guests."

"We are proud to partner with a like-mindedSan Francisco-based company," saysRob

Forbes, Founder of PUBLIC. "Kimpton and PUBLIC share the same perspective of offering a fun, stylish product that is practical yet still cool. We want Kimpton guests to get out on the road and check out a city on two-wheels. There is no better way to explore and experience a city than from behind a bicycle handlebar."

To accompany the new PUBLIC partnership, Kimpton is also putting a spin on picnics,

offering custom baskets with picnic fare created by the celebrated chefs of its restaurants and offered in the following themes: light and healthy, romantic shareables, and local flair. For example, guests could dine on a meal that includes assorted olives, caprese sandwiches and truffles accompanied by sparkling cider; or a healthy wrap, whole fresh fruit, Chef's homemade nut mix and bottled waters, perfect for enjoying while on the go. Each basket will be inspired by the location and will feature locally- sourced goodies tucked into a basket or backpack that is easily transported on the Kimpton PUBLIC bike. Picnic dining options will be available at every hotel and available for purchase through the concierge.

To learn more about Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, visit www.LifeisSuite.com, www.KimptonHotels.com,www.Facebook.com/Kimpton or www.Twitter.com/Kimpton.

ABOUT PUBLIC

PUBLIC is a San

Francisco-based design-oriented bicycle and gear company. We design and sell city bikes, along with accessories to make riding more enjoyable, practical, and chic. Our European-inspired bikes ride like butter. They come in multi-speeds in all sizes. You can dress in casual or business attire, and wear pumps, tennis shoes, or flip flops - just about anything - while riding PUBLIC bikes. And we have baskets, bags and other gear to go along with them. PUBLIC operates three Bay Area retail stores and sells PUBLIC bikes direct through its e-commerce site publicbikes.com, in addition to selling through a network of bike shop dealers within North America. PUBLIC has also provided fleets of PUBLIC bikes to variety of corporate customers, including Clif Bar, Williams-Sonoma, Facebook, Meraki, and others.

About Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the original boutique hotel brand, which pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the United States in 1981. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, Kimpton now operates more than 60 hotels and 80 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up-and-coming markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, Caribbean and Greater China. Kimpton spaces and experiences center on its guests, offering inspiring design that evokes curiosity to forward-thinking flavors that feed the soul. Every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered, so that guest experiences remain meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal.

Kimpton's employees, empowered to provide heartfelt service and experiences, have built a highly regarded workplace culture that appears consistently on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. As a result, Kimpton has been awarded, "Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upper Upscale Hotel Chains" by J.D. Power three times.

In January 2015, Kimpton became part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com.

Stacey Ellis
Director, Hotel Public Relations
415.955.5492
Kimpton