For more than 100 years, Hilton has been bringing the light and warmth of hospitality around the world, creating a portfolio of hotels that not only offer world-class services and amenities, but also deliberately adopt the local culture, lifestyle and general sense of hospitality Place is reflected in the architecture and design. This philosophy of taking on the feeling of the surroundings of a hotel is particularly evident in hotels that have significant historical value. Hilton aims to preserve the property’s architecture and decor while combining the modernity of its offerings and amenities to provide travelers with an authentic, handcrafted experience.
From a historic train station in St. Louis to a colonial fortress in the Bahamas and a one-of-a-kind bank headquartered in Amsterdam to a chocolate factory in Croatia, here are just eight of the many Hilton hotels where guests can enjoy culture and comfort.
St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio by Hilton Collection, United States
This National Historic Landmark in downtown St. Louis was built in 1894 in what was once the most ornate rail terminal in the United States and converted into a hotel in 1985. It is known for its famous Grand Hall, a 65-foot lobby lounge area-ornate vaulted ceilings that project a dazzling 3D light show every night.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Mexico City – Centro Historico, Mexico
The hotel is located in the “Casa San Agustin”, a registered historical building in Mexico, which was built in the 19th century by the Bienes Culturales de Mexico, the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Hisotria and the Nacional de Bellas Artes. The building is considered an architectural jewel and has been used as accommodation from the start. Various restorations have retained much of the exterior facade’s original style, including Ajarcas – moldings and ornaments that were combined with Tezontle exteriors during this period.
British colonial Hilton Nassau, Bahamas
Located on the site of the old Nassau Fort, which dates back to 1695, the British Colonial Hilton Nassau is the island’s oldest operating resort in a historic building. The Old Fort, demolished in 1873, was built to specifically protect the western entrance of Nassau Harbor from pirates. The original hotel was built in 1900 by the American industrialist Henry Flagler. The existing concrete building, known as the New Colonial, was built in 1923 after the original wooden building was destroyed by fire. The west wing of the hotel was built on these ruins.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Netherlands
The hotel’s 93 rooms and suites are located in six buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries with a view of the historic Herengracht canal. As the former headquarters of a bank, the hotel still houses the original thick steel vault door that stands in front of the aptly named Vault Bar. Behind the bar itself stands a wall of lockers, some of which serve as bottle shelves.
DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Fontana Park, Portugal
The DoubleTree by Hilton Fontana Park was once the site of an ironworks from 1908 and pays homage to the building’s earlier life. It combines modern design with an original character. With an open-air courtyard and a beautiful waterfall, the hotel offers a peaceful oasis for travelers after a busy day of sightseeing in the Portuguese capital.
Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Center, Croatia
The hotel was once the home of the Union Chocolate Factory, the first chocolate manufacturer in Southeastern Europe. It is one of the newest lifestyle hotels in the Croatian capital, where guests receive welcome gifts with handcrafted chocolates upon check-in. Travelers in the heart of the city are encouraged to grab a canopy bike and follow the brown tourist signs throughout the city center towards the Croatian National Theater, the historic Upper Town, museums and the stunning Zagreb Cathedral.
Hilton Sydney, Australia
The Hilton Sydney is home to the renowned Marble Bar – a 127 year old underground bar – on the ruins of the Tattersalls Hotel. The Marble Bar has authentic flat glass mirrors, marble walls, pilasters and mosaic floors. Originally built in 1893, the Victorian building was carefully dismantled, transported and reassembled at the Sydney Hilton in 1973 – where the restored mahogany bar and marble arches impress guests to this day.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, China
Once the prestigious Shanghai Club, the hotel has retained much of its original design and offers guests a unique glimpse into Shanghai’s heritage and culture. At the same time, they enjoy unparalleled service, award-winning cuisine and views of the majestic Huangpu River. The historic building was built in 1864 and used to be the main men’s club for British residents in Shanghai. The hotel is conveniently located near the famous Bund with waterfront walks and shopping.
