In its nearly 100-year history, Hilton has served guests and communities across the world and acted as the setting for some of the most iconic cultural moments of the past century. One such moment, John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Bed-In for Peace, took place in Room 702 of the Hilton Amsterdam beginning March 25, 1969 – exactly 50 years ago this week.
Global media covered the Bed-In as Lennon and Ono turned their honeymoon into a weeklong promotion of peace. In celebration of the anniversary and the role Hilton has played in fostering understanding around the world, the company has created a new limited video series called Room 702. The series leads viewers on a journey inspired by the spirit of Room 702, as personified through some of the Hilton Team Members who bring that spirit to life today. The first stories of the series include Serby Castro and Ismaeil Dawod.
Serby Castro is a suite attendant at an Embassy Suites by Hilton in Orlando, where she champions a life-saving program that recycles leftover hotel soap and distributes it in regions without ready access to the basics of hygiene. In an emotional journey back to her home in the Dominican Republic, Serby sees first-hand the impact of her work.
Ismaeil Dawod, a refugee who sought new opportunities in Germany, found a job at Hilton Frankfurt where he is now engaged in an apprenticeship program. Ismaeil’s moving story shows his determination to start his life over. Along the way, he uses his new language skills to assist other refugees.
The stories of Serby and Ismaeil reflect the vision of Conrad Hilton, who created the first global hotel company with a vision to “fill the Earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.”
“Conrad Hilton founded our company on the noble premise that travel could foster peace and cultural understanding in communities around the world,” said Hilton President & CEO Christopher J. Nassetta. “While Hilton has evolved over the last century, transforming the industry along the way, one thing has been constant – the positive impact we have on guests, Team Members and our communities. The world is a better place because of Hilton, and if we remain committed to our vision, the world will continue to be a better place because of our presence.”
Katie Beirne Fallon, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, said the stories of Room 702 also reflect Hilton’s commitment to Travel with Purpose, its industry-leading corporate responsibility program. Through Travel with Purpose, Hilton is committed to cut its company’s environmental footprint in half and double its investment in social impact by 2030.
“Now more than ever, corporations like Hilton are the change-makers,” Fallon said. “‘Room 702 celebrates that empowerment through the inspiring stories of Hilton Team Members who are making the changes they want to see in the world.”