My Most Permanent Travel Souvenir Thanks to Kimpton

Most people leave a major city with a quirky souvenir—an ‘I ❤️ NY’ T-shirt from New York City, a White House ornament from D.C., or something music-themed from Nashville—but at Kimpton Hotels, (part of IHG Hotels and Resort’s luxury & lifestyle portfolio) you can leave with something a little more permanent: a tattoo.

You often hear about travelers going to far-flung destinations to get traditional bamboo tattoos. The idea of tattourism dates back centuries, when even sailors marked their journeys with ink. So why should travel-inspired permanent ink come only from distant shores? That’s why Kimpton chose some of the most iconic U.S. cities to launch their Kimpton x Tiny Zaps pop-up series—bringing minimalist, travel-inspired tattoos to guests free of charge, letting them mark their adventures not just on social media, but on their skin.

I’m a Kimpton enthusiast and have visited well over a dozen properties, whether for an overnight stay or just to enjoy their dining experiences. So, when I heard I could get inked at the Kimpton Theta in my favorite city, a staycation was an easy choice. I’m no stranger to tattoos—my very first one required my mother’s co-signature since I was only 17. After that, I took a long break until my 30s, when a breakup inspired me to get my next piece. Now, I have a whole list of tattoo ideas waiting in the wings for the next time inspiration strikes.

I’m quite particular about who I let tattoo me—my hometown artist has created some masterpieces for me, including a New York City skyline on my arm. But I’ve heard nothing but great things about Tiny Zaps, and anyone who knows how expensive tattoos can be will appreciate that this experience is a free add-on when you stay at the hotel.

When you check in, the receptionist lets you know the lobby has been transformed into a micro tattoo studio—and it’s free for any guest who wants to sign up. Several people in line seemed a bit confused, but at least two jumped at the opportunity! After all, if you’ve stayed at a Kimpton before, you know they’re all about quirky, unexpected moments—from fish bowls and plants in your room to free wine happy hours and themed robes. It’s free—no booking fee, no strings attached, just a first-come, first-served chance to get some stylish ink.

Tiny Zaps offers custom-designed tattoos that capture the essence of each city, like Broadway-inspired designs in New York or Bourbon Street motifs in New Orleans, alongside traditional favorites such as flowers and stars. Each tattoo session is done by local artists from the Tiny Zaps network, known for their clean lines, creative flair, and strong followings in the tattoo community. The Tiny Zaps team was incredibly patient, letting me debate for a solid ten minutes over which design to choose. As a Broadway fan—and to complement my existing New York City tattoo—I went with the iconic Comedy and Tragedy masks, symbols deeply tied to the theater world.

Getting ready to be tattooed in the middle of a hotel lobby felt unconventional, but also surprisingly liberating and exhilarating. My tattoo artist helped me choose the perfect size, and we settled on a spot on the inside of my arm—naturally, one of the more painful places from my previous experience. But she was ever so gentle and super quick with the tiny piece. Fifteen minutes in the chair, and I was done—walking out with a fresh souvenir to show off at Hamilton that evening.

Later that night, after, of course, jumping on the bed (Kimpton beds and pillows are my sleeping kryptonite) and admiring my new tattoo in the magnifying mirror, I checked out Bar Sprezzatura—a rooftop bar and restaurant inspired by the relaxed elegance of the Italian Riviera. With sweeping city views, signature spritzes, and coastal-inspired dishes like Lobster Salad Bruschetta, Veal Milanese Bocconcini, Grilled Langoustine, and a Deviled Egg appetizer I’m still dreaming about, it’s a must-visit. I hit up Happy Hour from 5–7 PM with $4 beers, $8 wines, $10 cocktails, and small plates starting at $3.

There are still opportunities to get inked around the U.S. in June if you’re feeling spontaneous and craving some well-designed ink.

• Washington, D.C. – Kimpton Hotel Monaco (June 7)

• New Orleans, LA – Kimpton Hotel Fontenot (June 12)

• New York, NY – Kimpton Theta Times Square (June 20)

• Los Angeles, CA – Kimpton Everly Hotel (June 26)

• Nashville, TN – Kimpton Aertson Hotel (June 28)