DoubleTree by Hilton has announced that five of its distinguished hotels have joined the prestigious Historic Hotels of AmericaTM organization. From the ground on which Harry S. Truman once waved the “Dewey Defeats Truman” headline to the property now recognized as the “Official Hotel of the Alamo,” these five storied historic hotels embody the spirit and legacy of DoubleTree by Hilton in their own communities.
The official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation®, Historic Hotels of America recognizes the finest hotels for maintaining their authenticity, sense of place and architectural integrity. To qualify for the program, hotels must have historic significance, be at least 50 years old, be designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or be listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
“From opening the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1969 to celebrating the 300 millionth cookie given away at check-in last March, DoubleTree by Hilton has a long-standing legacy of delivering the ‘little things’ that create a better travel experience,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “Maintaining the history and heritage of these iconic hotels is just another way we strive to celebrate the cities in which our hotels are located and continue our commitment both to our guests and the local communities we serve. We’re honored to have these outstanding properties added to the esteemed Historic Hotels of America collection.”
“These legendary DoubleTree by Hilton hotels celebrate rich aspects of the heritage, history, transportation, and grand architectural accomplishments of the United States, and we are proud to welcome them as members of Historic Hotels of America,” said Lawrence Horwitz, executive director, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.
Each DoubleTree by Hilton property inducted into Historic Hotels of America illustrates a standard of excellence for which the brand is known. The properties recognized by Historic Hotels of America include:
- Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center – a DoubleTree by Hilton: Originally erected in 1882 as the headquarters hotel for the Norfolk Western Railroad, the Hotel Roanoke was built as part of a comprehensive community development plan and grand vision of railroad entrepreneur and magnate Frederick Kimball. The hotel, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, flourished even during the Great Depression, and has since grown from 36 rooms to 331 rooms.
- St. Louis Union Station – a DoubleTree by Hilton: The hotel initially functioned as a passenger train terminal dating back to 1894. The famous photograph of Harry S. Truman holding the Chicago Tribune with the headline, “Dewey Defeats Truman,” was taken at the station as Truman traveled to Washington, D.C. after the 1948 presidential election. The St. Louis Union Station was once the largest train station in the United States with the most daily passengers of any train station in the world.
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Detroit Downtown – Fort Shelby: This hotel opened its doors in 1917 as The Fort Shelby Hotel, named for its iconic setting on the site of the famous Fort Shelby, colonial-era fort that stood nearby until 1829 and played a role in the War of 1812.
- The Emily Morgan San Antonio – a DoubleTree by Hilton: Known as the “Official Hotel of the Alamo,” the hotel opened in 1924 and is named after the servant girl who was rumored to have wooed the Mexican General Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto.
- The Tudor Arms Cleveland – a DoubleTree by Hilton: The Tudor Arms was originally built in 1933 and opened as the swanky, exclusive Cleveland Club featuring ballrooms, a swimming pool, a bowling alley and beautiful views of downtown Cleveland. Near the end of the Great Depression it evolved into a hotel known as the Tudor Arms and soon became a noted entertainment venue.
