HOTELMARKETING.COM

Hilton’s “perverted” brand

July 11, 2005 |

The question these days is not about Hilton's hotels, but the effect one Paris Hilton has had on the brand itself. Has she helped? Has she hurt? What's the deal with her, anyway?

The question these days is not about Hilton’s hotels, but the effect one Paris Hilton has had on the brand itself. Has she helped? Has she hurt? What’s the deal with her, anyway?

First, and certainly least importantly, if you know anything about the Hiltons, you would also know that they’re not exactly bible-toting, card-carrying Catholic fundamentalists when it comes to sex, prurience and that kind of fun.

One quick check of your history books will tell you that Conrad Hilton’s sons, Barron and Nicky, were both rich playboys whose fascination with celebrity sex included marriages to Zsa Zsa Gabor and Elizabeth Taylor, respectively. Both actresses were far less notable for their acting talents than they were for their ability to fill out a tight-fitting dress. The only difference between Paris and her predecessors is that instead of reading about what they did in newspaper gossip columns, we get to download and watch it on our personal computers.

The question remains, however, what impact has all this carnal gaeity had on the Hilton brand itself? After all, it’s been over half a century and the Hilton name is still among the top brands recalled for hotels throughout the world.

Get the full story at Rob Frankel - Branding Expert’s Blog

Visit our sponsors: