Hilton officially marked 50 years in Australasia with a milestone celebration on Wednesday night at Hilton Sydney, the brand’s oldest standing hotel in the region and one of its most enduring icons.

Opened in 1975, Hilton Sydney was the birthplace of Hilton’s journey in Australasia, setting new standards in international hospitality for Australian travellers. Forward to 2025 and the hotel remains at the forefront of luxury and innovation, recently completing a $40 million transformation that includes a dramatic renovation of the hotel’s lobby, lobby lounge, executive lounge and guest hallways, as well as the addition of 12 new guest rooms, bringing the total to 598 elegantly appointed rooms and suites.

Hilton Sydney’s renovation is a testament to Hilton’s commitment to being The World’s Iconic Host, blending charisma, culture, and confidence through inspired design, dynamic dining, and engaging entertainment offerings.

50 Years of Firsts and Forward Thinking

For over 105 years, Hilton has set the global standard for hospitality, pioneering industry firsts and establishing itself as an iconic host in destinations worldwide. Hilton has introduced innovations like in-room televisions, air conditioning, and classics such as the Pinã Colada and the iconic Palmer House brownie, which continues to inspire our hospitality today.That history of pioneering is no different in Australasia. Since opening its doors in the heart of Sydney’s CBD on George Street, Hilton Sydney has evolved into a flagship destination for business travellers, global tourists and Sydneysiders alike. Over the years, the hotel has played host to world leaders, celebrities and major events, earning a reputation for excellence that continues to grow.

Key moments in Hilton’s Australian journey include:

• Introducing international hospitality standards to the Australian market in the 1970s.
• Becoming a cultural hub in the 1980s, with live Cabaret shows and high-profile entertainment.
• Expanding across the country with the launch of brands like DoubleTree by Hilton, Curio Collection, Tapestry Collection and Hilton Garden Inn, now totalling 29 hotels nationwide.
• Leading the industry in digital innovation with features like Digital Key, Confirmed Connecting Rooms and a continued focus on sustainable practices.

Looking Ahead

As Hilton charts its course for the next 50 years, Australia remains central to its regional growth strategy. With plans to expand into new locations across Asia Pacific and continued investment in its Australian portfolio, the brand is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences well into the future.

At the heart of this commitment is The Stay – Hilton’s promise to make every Stay matter. More than just a place to sleep, The Stay represents our belief that the Stay is the most important part of any trip. Whether guests are travelling for business, celebration, or discovery, we’re focused on delivering moments that are memorable, meaningful, and unmistakably Hilton.

In Australasia, Hilton currently has 47 hotels trading, with a pipeline of 12 projects under planning or construction. As Hilton expands its footprint, the global hospitality brand is accelerating growth through franchising, offering owners greater flexibility while tapping into Hilton’s world-class expertise. Upcoming openings include Waldorf Astoria Sydney, DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland, Hilton Garden Inn Suva, Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane, and Hilton Garden Inn Sydney Kingswood.

Hilton’s presence spans the world, with landmark properties that have helped define iconic destinations. From The Beverly Hilton to Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, Hilton Tokyo, and Hilton Sydney, Hilton hotels are synonymous with the best in global hospitality. Over the years, we’ve had a lasting impact on local economies and communities.

Hilton’s global expansion continues as the brand approaches the opening of its 100th country in 2025. Hilton’s footprint now extends across continents, bringing Hilton’s legacy to new destinations like Papua New Guinea, Uzbekistan and Namibia where presence once seemed unimaginable.

New Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brand Touchpoints

As part of its ongoing commitment to bring Hilton’s iconic way of hosting to life, Hilton is excited to launch new Hilton Hotels & Resorts touchpoints that will enhance the guest experience and deepen connections with each destination, including:

Classics Reimagined: For over a century, Hilton has shaped the world of hospitality through culinary excellence and innovation, creating world-famous firsts like the original Palmer House brownie in 1893. These dishes aren’t just classics – they’re expressions of how we host. By reimagining timeless favourites with modern craftsmanship and local flavour, we create memorable moments that connect guests to place, people, and tradition. At Hilton, hosting begins at the table, where every bite tells a story.

Soundbites: Soundbites is an exclusive collection of collectible luggage stickers, each capturing the unique spirit of each destination. Whether it’s a local saying, regional slang, or a quirky cultural insight, each Soundbite offers a tangible connection to the place. More than just a memento, it’s a token of the way we host our guests at Hilton – immersing them in the culture, celebrating the essence of the destination, and creating lasting memories that go beyond their stay.

Handpicked By Your Host: With Handpicked by Your Host, we offer guests an insider’s perspective on every destination. Curated by our General Managers, these personal recommendations showcase the authentic experiences, hidden gems, and meaningful places that only a true local can reveal. At Hilton, you’re hosted by someone who knows the city intimately and wants to share its best-kept secrets with you.

Welcome-To-The-City Starts At Breakfast: The best way to immerse yourself in a city’s culture is through its flavours, and at Hilton, that journey begins at breakfast. From the moment you sit down, our signature dishes – crafted with local ingredients and regional culinary traditions – create a true sense of place, hosting you into the heart of the city and offering a taste of what’s to come.

Lead image: Pictured from left: Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton; Sandra Sully, News Presenter; Katrina Jones, Senior Vice President, Communications, APAC & EMEA, Hilton; Paul Hutton, Area Vice President & Head of Australasia, Hilton and Leonard Gooz, Global Brand Leader, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.