Technology, Travel And More #Hilton100 Anniversary @HiltonNewsroom

29 Apr

When I travel with family or alone I like hotels that make my stay worth returning. Comfort, easy check in and check out, perks, room service, all inclusive, affordable and great customer service. My family and I recently stayed at a hotel and was very pleased we didn’t have to wait till 3pm to check in. We were able to get in our room at 11am. How great was that?

Hilton never disappoints me. I’ve been staying at their hotels for decades. Love the suites and rooms are beautiful. From digital keys, high speed internet access, HD channels to non-smoking rooms are just some of the things included in your stay.

I was recently invited to attend Hilton’s 100 Anniversary event and listen to a select panel discuss technology and travel.

Actually Hilton is turning 100 in May and invented a ton of “firsts” in the travel industry from room service to Pina Coladas.

In 1954, Hilton went international as Caribe Hilton opened in Puerto Rico, where legendary bartender Ramon “Monchito” Marrero would later invent the Piña Colada.

Hilton was the first hotel company to install TVs in guests rooms, beginning with the Roosevelt Hotel in New York in 1947.

In 1959, Hilton opened its first hotel located at an airport, the San Francisco Airport Hilton.

Here’s a recap from the panel:

Sustainability: Through Hilton’s soap recycling partnership with Clean the World, the brand has contributed to the distribution of more than 9.6M+ bars of recycled soap in 127 countries, resulting in more than 2.4M+ pounds of soap and amenity bottles being diverted from landfills.
Development: There are 2,400+ hotels in Hilton’s development pipeline, with more than half located outside the U.S. Hilton’s newest brand, Motto, currently has various properties in development in London, Lima, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Savannah, San Diego, Boston, and Mexico City that we hope to grow throughout 2019.
Technology: Connected Room allows Hilton’s guests to personalize and control their stay experience from the palm of their hand. Using the Hilton Honors app, they can stream their own content, control the HVAC and lighting, and message with Team Members on property. By the end of 2019, Connected Room will be in 200 Hilton properties, with more on the way.
Caribe Hilton Re-Opening: The Caribe Hilton will re-open soon on May 15. More than $100 million dollars went into renovating the property just in time to celebrate the iconic resort’s 70th birthday.