PORTLAND – September 22, 2015 – Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland- Downtown announced today that it has joined Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Located in a century-old building, the all-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland- Downtown is the first hotel for the brand to join this prestigious program and is one of more than 260 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.

"We are excited to have Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland- Downtown receive this prestigious recognition from Historic Hotels of America," said John Rogers, global head, Embassy Suites by Hilton. "The original architecture of this iconic hotel combined with modern amenities appeals to a wide range of business and leisure travelers, and our commitment to its history and heritage is just one of the ways we continue to welcome our guests to diverse locations.”

“We are honored to be named among the Historic Hotels of America,” said Alex Dawes, general manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland – Downtown. “This hotel has a colorful, storied history and we consider it an honor to be able to carry on its tradition for over 100 years, while providing guests with modern comforts and amenities they expect from our upscale brand.”

Opened on February 8, 1912 as The Multnomah Hotel, and considered Northwest's largest and most modern hotel at the time, the building showcased 700 rooms each boasting an “outside facing window.” The Multnomah hosted nine U.S. Presidents, from Theodore Roosevelt to Richard Nixon. Queen Marie of Romania (1926), Charles Lindberg (1927) and Elvis Presley (1957) are just a few of the notable guest who slept in its beds. It was also the location of the first “women's only” smoking room in 1912 and John F. Kennedy gave an impromptu speech from a balcony while campaigning in Portland in 1960.  From 1965 to 1992 the building served as government offices. The most recent change was the hotel's purchase in 1995 and renovation to open its doors in 1997 as the Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland-Downtown.  Today, the boutique-style hotel combines the building's original architecture with contemporary two-room suites and amenities. The hotel stands in the heart of downtown, surrounded by three historic districts – Old Town, Chinatown and Pioneer – home to buildings and monuments dating from the mid 1860's. The building is still surrounded by the original underground moat which carried water below the foundation without causing structural weakness.

“We are delighted to induct Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland – Downtown to Historic Hotels of America.” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.

For more information or to book a stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland – Downtown, visit embassyportland.com.

-###-

About Embassy Suites by Hilton

Embassy Suites by Hilton, one of Hilton Worldwide's twelve market-leading brands, is dedicated to delivering what matters most to travelers. The full service, upscale brand offers two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast and a nightly two-hour reception with complimentary drinks and snacks. Both leisure and business travelers looking for a relaxed, yet sophisticated experience will feel right at home with brand-standard amenities like inviting atriums and complimentary 24-hour business and fitness centers. Embassy Suites by Hilton has over 220 hotels with more than 40 in the pipeline. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in and choose their room. For more information, visit www.embassysuites.com, and connect with Embassy Suites by Hilton at news.embassysuites.com, www.facebook.com/embassysuiteshotels and www.twitter.com/EmbassySuites.

About Historic Hotels of America®

Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Historic Hotels of America was founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservationwith 32 charter members. Today, Historic Hotels of America has more than 260 historic hotels. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 46 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated properties. More than 30 of the world's finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance. For more information, please visit HistoricHotels.org.