DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Today, the newly constructed Hilton Des Moines Downtown opens its doors as the only hotel directly connected to the Iowa Events Center, which comprises a world-class convention center and the Wells Fargo arena. The opening of this landmark hotel will further attract large-scale meetings and events to Des Moines and in turn, increase economic activity throughout the community.

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Hilton Des Moines Downtown (Photo: Business Wire)

“As the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in the city, we look forward to introducing the brand’s world-renowned hospitality to Des Moines and fully integrating into the fabric of the community,” said Dave Marr, senior vice president and global head, full service brands, Hilton. “Des Moines has many development projects in the works and we know this hotel will play a critical role in supporting the influx of travelers expected to 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 playfully mimic the appearance of wiring. The tech-centric hotel offers digital check-in, USB ports throughout its vibrant 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 façade by corn and soybean rows. The overall aesthetic pulls colors from its agricultural surroundings.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the opening of Hilton Des Moines Downtown with my colleagues, city leaders and the many people who have helped make this day possible,” said Matt Felling, general manager, Hilton Des Moines Downtown. “We appreciate the vision of community leaders and the dedication of the Weitz construction team who made it possible for us to open this landmark hotel ahead of schedule. The 150 Team Members at Hilton Des Moines Downtown are eager to welcome the thousands of new visitors to our city with our signature service and dedication to providing unparalleled travel experiences.”

Hilton Des Moines Downtown has 14,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 10,000 square-foot ballroom that opens onto an idyllic outdoor terrace. All meeting space is located on the same floor, allowing for easy flow among the spaces for multi-function meetings and events. The property is the only hotel in downtown Des Moines that features natural light in every meeting room. Each space pulls through the tech-centric theme of the hotel, featuring technology including touch-screen navigation signage, smart window lighting and Click Share technology in boardrooms.

As part of the Des Moines Skywalk system, the hotel provides a direct connection to the Iowa Events Center, offering the most convenient accommodation option for convention attendees. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the hotel is also situated near the airport and surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive dining options, major businesses and downtown attractions like the Iowa State Capitol, Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the city’s renowned Farmer’s Market.

"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 ($72,942,217).”

Hilton Des Moines Downtown will warmly invite guests to the community with its locally-inspired touches, including a rotating art exhibit, provided by the local Moberg Gallery. The artwork, created by local and regional artists, will be proudly displayed and available for purchase in the hotel’s lobby.

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. 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 acclaimed Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

Hilton Des Moines Downtown is also part of Hilton Honors^®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 14 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in and choose their room. The hotel is also part of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose corporate responsibility strategy, which fosters sustainable travel and tourism globally.

Hilton Des Moines Downtown is located at 435 Park Street, Des Moines, Iowa. For more information or reservations, call +1 515-241-1456 or visit Hilton.com.

Connect with Hilton Des Moines Downtown on Facebook at @HiltonDesMoinesDowntown and online at Hiltondesmoinesdowntown.com.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, with a portfolio of 14 world-class brands comprising more than 5,200 properties with more than 856,000 rooms, in 105 countries and territories. Hilton is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world’s most hospitable company by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time. The company's portfolio includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose exactly how many Points to combine with money, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, and free standard Wi-Fi. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

For nearly a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been proudly welcoming the world's travelers. With more than 575 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts provides the foundation for memorable travel experiences and values every guest who walks through its doors. As the flagship brand of Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard for hospitality, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is a part of the award-winning Hilton Honors program. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi, and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key (select locations), available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Begin your journey at www.hilton.com, and learn more about the brand by visiting news.hilton.com or following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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