100 Years of Hilton!

This past weekend, Merrick and I enjoyed a nice staycation at the Hilton Downtown Atlanta. We’ve both been so busy with work and travel, we figured it’d be nice to unplug and just enjoy each other’s company! 💛

I checked in before Merrick got off work. We got one of the best rooms on the 28th floor with a stunning view looking over east of Atlanta. We also had access to the execute suite dining. I’ve been to the Hilton Downtown Atlanta before, for conferences and school field trips (wow times flies!). But having some time to myself with no set itinerary, gave me time to explore the huge 1249-room property.

Amidst all the massive conference rooms, 4 restaurants and multiple skybridges connecting to other buildings in the area, the Hilton Downtown also has the only outdoor running track, tennis and basketball court in the city! 😉

Once Merrick arrived, we were a little torn as to where we should go for date night; it was between Trader Vic’s and Nikolai’s Roof. Trader Vic’s is an Atlanta staple! It’s the only tiki bar in the city serving authentic Polynesian food. I’ve been here multiple times as I’m a sucker for a mean mai tai and some light bites – pupus!

After some intense back-and-forth, we went for Nikolai’s Roof! Nikolai’s is a Russian French fusion restaurant with insane 360 views of the city that can’t be beat! It’s been around since the hotel opened in 1976.

We started off with the baby arugula salad, diver scallop, beef tenderloin and herb crusted lamb chops! Every bite was so savory! We were both delightfully surprised as Merrick and I are convinced that hotel restaurants tend to be bland with their menus, to be on the safe side. But Nikolai’s Roof was definitely anything but ordinary!

Just as we were heading in the for the night, we were pleasantly surprised with a velvet cake in our room! It was such a sweet little touch to commemorate 100 years of Hilton! Did you know that Hilton invented the velvet cake?! 🤯

In celebration of Hilton’s 100 years, I gathered some awesome, historical firsts that came from the brand and its global hospitality:

1919: Conrad Hilton had the intention of purchasing a bank while in Cisco, Texas, but ends up buying the Mobley Hotel instead, entering the hotel industry.
1925: Hilton’s first built hotel opens in Dallas, Texas
1927: The Waco Hilton opens – and is the first hotel in the world with running cold water and air conditioning!
1947: The Roosevelt Hilton becomes the first hotel to install televisions in guest rooms
1954: Bartenders at the Hilton Caribe in Puerto Rico invent the piña colada🍹
1955: Hilton Istanbul is the first built hotel post-WWII in Europe
1959: The Habana Hilton is claimed as Fidel Castro’s command center. A year later, Castro nationalizes the property and renames it Hotel Habana Libre.
1965: Hilton begins franchising hotels in the US
1973: Develops the first computerized central reservations system! 👾
1974: With the opening of Hong Kong Hilton, the mini-bar becomes globalized
2014: First hotel to enable smartphones as room keys
2016: Hilton is present in 100 countries with the opening of Hilton N’Djamena in Chad, Africa
2018: Conrad Maldive Rangali Island opens the worlds first underwater hotel suite

The Hilton has over 5,500 properties in 109 countries and territories. With a variety of brands, 16 to be exact, you’re guaranteed to find something that appeals to you. Check out the other brands here.

If you’re in Atlanta, the Hilton Downtown will be celebrating with guests by providing a champagne service and some fun photobooth opportunities Friday, May 31! The hotel will also put a local touch on the global celebration by completing “100 Acts of Service,” partnering with local charities for community service and outreach for 100 days throughout the year.