A basic tenet of any hotelier is to be welcoming. Hilton Worldwide — the company behind brands such as Waldorf Astoria, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Conrad and Hilton Hotels & Resorts — has built a strong reputation for being inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ guests and employees.
“An important factor contributing to Hilton’s success as an LGBTQ-friendly destination is the company’s diligence in consistently creating atmospheres of inclusion for our guests and team members, while supporting organizations important to the community and creating environments for travelers to feel safe and free around the globe,” said Andrea Richardson, head of multicultural and diversity engagement at Hilton Worldwide.
Hilton’s commitment is evident in many activities and programs. The company participates in pride festivals and parades worldwide, including major events in New York City and Washington, D.C. This year Hilton also sponsored Time to Thrive, a conference organized by the Human Rights Campaign that focuses on the safety, inclusion and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.
To make its welcome tangible for travelers, Hilton offers a Go Out travel package on its website. The offer includes perks such as premium Wi‑Fi, a complimentary one-year digital subscription to OUT magazine, two free welcome beverages and late check-out when available.
Hilton’s inclusivity extends to its workplace, where policies and resources support staff from diverse backgrounds. The company provides programs like adoption assistance, an Executive Diversity Council and an LGBTQ & Friends Team Member Resource Group. Hilton also partners with leading LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association.
These efforts have earned Hilton consistent recognition. The company has frequently ranked highly on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, and in 2017 Hilton became the first hospitality company to join the Global Equality Fund, a U.S. State Department initiative dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people globally.