Conrad Hilton is a name that is synonymous with hotels and luxury. The Hilton brand has become a household name, but many people wonder if the founder of this hospitality empire, Conrad Hilton, is related to the famous socialite and reality TV star, Paris Hilton.
To answer this question simply, yes, Conrad Hilton is related to Paris Hilton. In fact, he was her great-grandfather. But who exactly was Conrad Hilton and how did he build one of the most recognizable hotel chains in the world?
Who was Conrad Hilton?
Conrad Nicholson Hilton was born on December 25th, 1887 in San Antonio, New Mexico Territory. He was the second of eight children born to Mary Genevieve and Augustus Halvorsen “Gus” Hilton. His father was a Norwegian immigrant who worked as a general store manager.
Hilton grew up in New Mexico and Texas where he attended school until the age of 15 when he dropped out to help support his family by working at his father’s store. After several years of working there, he decided to venture out on his own and bought a small bank in Cisco, Texas.
However, it wasn’t until 1919 when he bought his first hotel in Cisco that his career in the hospitality industry began. From there, he expanded his business by buying more hotels across Texas and eventually expanding nationwide.
The Expansion of the Hilton Empire
Hilton’s ambition didn’t stop at just owning hotels in America. He had a vision for global expansion and began acquiring properties around the world. The first international hotel opened in Puerto Rico in 1949 followed by locations across Europe and Asia.
His business acumen also led him to diversify his portfolio with ventures such as an airline company (Hawaiian Airlines) and even an oil refinery.
The Legacy Continues
Conrad passed away on January 3rd, 1979, leaving behind a legacy that his children and grandchildren would continue to build upon. One of his granddaughters, Paris Hilton, gained fame as a reality TV star and socialite in the early 2000s.
Paris has often spoken about her admiration for her great-grandfather’s work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, she has even launched her own hotel chain with properties in Dubai and the Philippines.
Conclusion
So there you have it – Conrad Hilton is related to Paris Hilton. He was a man who started with humble beginnings but through hard work and determination built a hospitality empire that still thrives to this day. His legacy continues through his family and the countless hotels that bear his name across the globe.