Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton and led by Chief Executive Officer Mike DeFrino, the group was the largest chain of boutique hotels in the United States in 2011.

[2] New hotels have been announced for Indianapolis, Los Angeles,[3] Paris, Barcelona, Charlottesville,[4] Frankfurt, Grenada, Bali, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong,[5] Rotterdam[6] and Sanya.[7][when?]

Every hotel adopts standard environmentally friendly products and practices, such as eco-friendly cleaning supplies and recycling.

[14] Every year, the company sponsors a red ribbon campaign generating awareness and funds for local HIV service agencies.

[16] The company sponsors Dress for Success Worldwide, an international non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and employment search programs for women.