Travelers Explore History at Hilton Hotels and Beyond

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hilton Hotels & Resorts encourages travelers to explore some of the greatest tastes, sights and sounds in United States’ history through a variety of historical packages and promotions. History buffs can walk the halls of the first hotel to use Edison’s invention of the light bulb, or learn about the creation of the famous Philly cheese steak. There’s something for virtually every guest looking to explore America’s vibrant roots in some of the most historically-significant cities across the country, including Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Boston.

“With numerous hotels in historically-rich cities across the country Hilton has hosted some of America’s most memorable moments and personalities over the past 90 years,” said Dave Horton, Global Head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “With our historical offerings and travel packages Hilton celebrates the country’s journey through time, allowing guests to experience a little of the past, while creating new memories for the future.”

Travelers to Hilton Hotels & Resorts around the country can check out a city’s historical hot spots, legendary landmarks, famous culinary creations and cultural events. The following are a few examples of historical packages and promotions at Hiltons around the country:

The Hilton INN at Penn (Philadelphia, PA)

A city of neighborhoods, the Hilton Inn at Penn is located in Philadelphia’s University City – a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood, touted for having America's first state school and first University, The University of Pennsylvania. The hotel is within walking distance of the Institute for Contemporary Art and the Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, easily accessible to the Historic District and only a few miles from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The following historical travel packages are available at the Hilton Inn at Penn:

• See Philly Package
  This package includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast at the hotel’s University Club and a 24-hour pass to the BIG BUS, by Philadelphia Trolley Works. With twenty stops along the way, the BIG BUS tour offers the most spectacular views of the city and provides guided tours of practically all of Philadelphia’s major landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and a history lesson on the creation of the Philadelphia cheese steak. Rates start at US$244 per night. (Available through December 31, 2009)

The Palmer House Hilton (Chicago, IL)

Celebrating 139 years of service this September, the Palmer House Hilton is not only the first hotel to use light bulbs, but it is also the longest continuously operating hotel in North America. It has been a choice hotel for every U.S. president since Ulysses S. Grant, world leaders, celebrities and Chicago's movers and shakers. The famed hotel is also within walking distance of Chicago’s best attractions, including Grant Park, Lake Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago, the theater district and the Magnificent Mile. Guests can enjoy the following packages to further explore the Windy City’s history:

• Palmer House Hilton Lincoln Bicentennial Package
  As the Exclusive Partner with the Chicago History Museum for the Lincoln Bicentennial, this package is available only through the Palmer House Hilton and includes two adult tickets to the Lincoln Exhibition at the Chicago History Museum, 10 percent off at the Museum Gift Shop and a complimentary copy of Chicago History Magazine. The Lincoln Exhibition features manuscripts of the Gettysburg Address, an in-depth look at Lincoln's views on slavery, the Union and his posthumous role as an American icon, as well as other Lincoln Treasures. (Available through February 1, 2010)

• Go Chicago! Package
  The Go Chicago Card features general admission to more than 25 of the city's finest attractions and tours, such as the Art Institute, The Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium and the Grey Line Trolley Tours. With any two night stay, this package includes overnight accommodations and a two-day Go Chicago Card for two adults. (Available through October 22, 2009)

Hilton Palacio del Rio (San Antonio, TX)

Situated just two blocks from the world famous Alamo, the Hilton Palacio del Rio delights guests with its river-front location, private balconies in each room, and proximity to Hemis Fair Park, the Arnesan River Theatre and La Villita, San Antonio’s original settlement. To help travelers explore San Antonio the Hilton Palacio del Rio is offering the following package:

• Historic San Antonio
  Take a step back in time to days of Davy Crockett with a visit to the Alamo, The Cradle of Texas Liberty, established in 1718 as the first of five missions built along the San Antonio River. This package includes two tour passes for the Alamo and other attractions throughout the city. Take in the frescos at the Mission Concepcion, the nation’s oldest stone church, and the famous Rose Window at the Mission San Jose. Enjoy a stroll through the Japanese Sunken Gardens before enjoying a taste of the Wild West at Buckhorn Saloon & Museum featuring 33,000 square feet of Texas history. Guests can choose to end their day with a scrumptious pan dulce (Mexican pastry) at El Mercado or by cruising down the San Antonio River where a world of sidewalk cafes, lush tropical foliage and charming boutiques awaits. Rates start at US$199 per night with a two-night minimum and one day advanced booking. (Available May 1 through December 30, 2009)

Hilton Boston Back Bay (Boston, MA)

Easily accessible to some of Boston’s popular sites, guests are only minutes from Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall, fashionable Newbury Street, Copley Place and Boston Common. To get a taste of Boston’s history and experience the city’s treasured locations, the Hilton Boston Back Bay is offering the following historical travel packages:

• Duck Tour Package
  While aboard the Boston Duck Tours, guests will cruise by virtually all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. This fully narrated, historic tour of Boston takes place in an authentic World War II amphibious vehicle that travels on land and water, culminating with a drive right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. This package includes one overnight stay and two adult Duck Tour tickets, with rates starting at US$199 per night. (March 23, 2009 – November 29, 2009)

• Go Boston Package
  The Go Boston Package is an all-inclusive ticket to many of Boston's top attractions and includes overnight accommodations, two one-day Go Boston Cards with unlimited entrance to more than 50 top attractions and tours, complimentary gifts at select attractions, a complimentary 148 page full color guidebook, and savings of up to 20 percent on shopping and dining. Rates start at US$229 per night. (Available through November 14, 2009)

Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue (New Orleans, LA)

Set in the heart of the New Orleans Central Business District, three blocks off Canal Street and blocks from the world famous French Quarter and Bourbon Street, the Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue recently underwent an $11 million renovation that retained the architecture and design detail from the artisans of the 1920's. The landmark building was originally built in 1926 as a Masonic Temple and was the second high-rise to be built in the Central Business District.

• Historic New Orleans Package
  Discover the rich French/American culture of the famed French Quarter and Garden Districts with a guided tour of this area’s unique architecture, mysterious cemeteries, and charming mansions. Guests who book the Historic New Orleans package can start learning about the city with their complimentary copy of Louisiana Cultural Vista magazine. This lively package also includes a visit to the Historic New Orleans Collection museum and passes to take in the scenery on a city streetcar. And at the end of a long day of beignets and site seeing, guests can relax in a luxurious guest room at the Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Place housed in a restored 1926 Masonic Lodge. Rates start at US$209/night for two guests (US$169/night for a single), with a minimum two night stay required. (Available beginning May 17.)

For more information on Hilton’s historical exploring packages and promotions or to book a reservation, contact Hilton Reservations Worldwide at 1-800-445-8667 or visit www.hilton.com.

All offers are subject to availability at participating hotels. Rates are subject to change and exclude taxes, gratuities and incidental charges. Certain restrictions may apply.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

With more than 500 hotels & resorts in 76 countries around the world Hilton continues to build on its history as a pioneer in the industry, developing products, services and amenities that offer today’s travelers more choice and control over their stays. From Hilton Fitness by Precor™ to its world-class Hilton Worldwide Resorts portfolio; from the Serenity Collection® of in-room amenities to Hilton Meetings, a premier global product for small meetings, Hilton’s offerings are designed to enable guests to be at their personal best whether they travel for business or pleasure. Hilton’s belief that Travel Should Take You Places® celebrates a commitment to the idea that travel can and should be transformative. Start your journey at www.hilton.com available in English, Spanish and French.

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