Twenty Hilton Hotels & Resorts Properties Honored by Historic Hotels of America

From Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel - Chicago to Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 20 storied Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties have been designated to join the prestigious Historic Hotels of America organization. The official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America recognizes and celebrates the finest hotels for faithfully maintaining their authenticity, sense of place and architectural integrity. To qualify for the program, hotels must be at least 50 years old, designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and have historic significance.

As the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, Hilton Hotels & Resorts boasts a vibrant 95-year history marked by once-in-a-lifetime celebrations and iconic moments that have taken place at many of its more than 550 properties across six continents in more than 80 countries and territories. Combining touches of classic grandeur with industry-leading amenities geared for today's modern traveler, each honored historic hotel exemplifies Hilton's commitment to setting the stage for some of the world's most celebrated moments.

"From the invention of the classic piña colada, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary, to the role the brand has played in some of the world's most famous events, including hosting Civil Rights March leaders following Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech in 1965, we are proud of Hilton Hotels & Resorts' notable past and continued evolution," said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide. "The distinctive properties joining Historic Hotels of America exemplify the brand's status as the global leader of hospitality, and we are honored to share the stories of so many of our outstanding hotels through this exciting partnership."

In celebration of the achievement, Hilton Hotels & Resorts invites guests, team members and members of our communities to take a journey back in time with vibrant stories, photos and historical facts available online at Historic.Hilton.com.

"These diverse and fascinating Hilton historic hotels celebrate rich aspects of the heritage, history and culture of the United States of America," said Lawrence Horwitz, executive director, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. "We are proud to welcome these iconic and legendary hotels as members of Historic Hotels of America. Hilton Hotels & Resorts has an impressive record for saving and restoring some of the finest historic hotels going back to its founder, Conrad Hilton."

In addition to honoring these 20 properties, the organization recognized two existing Hilton Hotels & Resorts Historic Hotels of America properties with the Historic Hotels of America 2014 Awards of Excellence:

Historic Hotelier of the Year - Michel Sheer, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

Hotel Historian of the Year - Ken Price, Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel - Chicago

Best Historic Hotel (over 400 guestrooms) - Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel - Chicago

Best Historic Restaurant in Conjunction with a Historic Hotel - Orchids at Palm Court, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

In celebration of the honor, many of the recognized hotels may welcome guests to experience the history and evolution of their properties through lobby photography exhibitions, special events, promotions and more throughout the year.