MCLEAN, VA—Hilton’s family of brands have been busy opening hotels in the U.S. and abroad. Here’s a look at some of the latest openings.
Hilton Des Moines Downtown Opens
Hilton Des Moines Downtown has opened as the only hotel directly connected to the Iowa Events Center, which comprises a convention center and the Wells Fargo arena. The newly constructed hotel is the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in the city.
Reflecting Des Moines’ growing status as one of the nation’s leading technology hubs, the hotel was designed to celebrate both the agricultural and technological influences of the city. Hilton Des Moines Downtown features windows that are arranged in a binary pattern to resemble barcodes, custom-designed, circuit board-inspired carpets and light fixtures that mimic the appearance of wiring. The tech-centric hotel offers digital check-in, USB ports throughout its lobby and a tech lounge with complimentary computers and internet. As a nod to the city’s agricultural roots, the precast panels on the side of the hotel were inspired by wheat, and the windows and outside facade by corn and soybean rows. The overall aesthetic pulls colors from its agricultural surroundings.
Hilton Des Moines Downtown has 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 10,000 sq.-ft. ballroom. All meeting space is located on the same floor. The hotel will also be home to Park Street Kitchen, a modern restaurant featuring dishes created with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and Des Moines’ only outdoor, patio fireplace, according to the company. The restaurant will be led by Chef Nick Marino, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America who joins the team from his previous position at Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
“Hilton Des Moines Downtown will attract even more people and events to central Iowa,” said Greg Edwards, president & CEO, Catch Des Moines. “The fact that the hotel is connected and right next door to the Iowa Events Center is a game-changer for us in luring new conventions, sporting events and trade shows to the metro. One of the most powerful elements of success in a community is positive momentum—prior to opening the doors of the hotel, the Catch Des Moines team has already booked over 23 new conventions, conferences and sporting events. These events will have an economic impact of nearly $73 million.”
Canopy by Hilton Opens its Doors in Nation’s Capital
Canopy by Hilton has opened its second North American property in Washington, DC. The brand opened the hotel alongside PM Hotel Group, a national hotel management company; The Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG), a privately held, full-service real estate acquisition, development and management company; and Federal Realty
The 177-room property is inspired by its surrounding neighborhood, featuring a thoughtful design throughout its variations of accommodations, including 12 suites and 34 queen-queen rooms complete with nine-ft., floor-to-ceiling windows. The interior design of Canopy by Hilton Washington DC, Bethesda North was led by Mark Zeff, the firm that also collaborated with Hilton’s team to create Canopy’s interior design ethos at the inception of the brand.
The hotel is situated within the mixed-use community of Pike & Rose, located less than seven miles outside of the nation’s capital. F&B options include The Canopy Central Café and Bar and Pike’s Perspective Terrace. It also offers 7,700 sq. ft. of event space and 1,100 sq. ft. of pre-function space.
Hilton Garden Inn Debuts in Santa Marta, Colombia
Hilton Garden Inn has opened its first property in Santa Marta Colombia, its third in the country. The 132-room hotel offers a design incorporating the blue tones of the Caribbean Sea. Amenities and services include complimentary WiFi, 24-hour business center, a rooftop swimming pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests have a variety of on-site dining options, including The Garden Grille & Bar, which offers freshly prepared Colombian and international dishes, and The Shop, which is open 24 hours for on-the-go guests. The hotel also has an outdoor pool bar and indoor lounge bar, as well as more than 2,250 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space.
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta is situated near Santa Marta’s Marina Bay with access to Prado Plaza Shopping Center and Tesoro del Mar Shopping Center. The property is located at walking distance from Plaza de los Novios, where guests can enjoy casinos, shopping and restaurants, and close to Simon Bolivar International Airport.
Curio Collection by Hilton Enters Iceland
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, has opened, the first property in the country for Hilton’s upper-upscale collection. The location of the new hotel was once a 1900s department store; the new building has been decorated with eclectic architecture that nods to historic times.
The interiors of the hotel pay tribute to the historical grandeur of Consul Thomsen, the owner of the historic department store. Thomsen welcomed the first foreign dignitaries in the 19th century, establishing a legacy of international hospitality in Iceland.
Amenities include Gott Reykjavik, the hotel restaurant and bar; a spa featuring a unique Icelandic bath, inspired by Iceland’s famous natural hot springs and pools; and a fitness center.