The Philadelphia area’s first Hilton Hotel opened in June, 1971 at the Valley View complex (aka Marquis and 251 DeKalb Apartments) on Route 202.
In addition to four “total luxury” suites, the hotel had 214 standard single guest rooms with rates of $19 to $24 a day (double rooms cost $24-$31).
There were four restaurants. A formal dining room, tastefully accented in red, black and white accented by a wall of mirrors set in hand-crafted frames. A cheerful green and white “Coffee in the Round” shop able to accommodate 125 guests 24 hours a day. An intimate cocktail lounge, seating up to 120, with a three-piece combo scheduled to perform for guests. Plus the “Magic Twanger,” adult discotheque night club with a sophisticated sound system.
A multi-million dollar, split level convention center with over 12,000 feet was ready for banquets and meetings large and small.
There was also a pool and an outside skating rink which was open to the public.
The hotel hoped to secure the nucleus of its staff of over 200 from the general area. This included the “dozen bellmen, all of oriental descent and uniformed according” who were to greet guests. [Yes, that was really published in the February 4, 1971 article.]
Valley View residents were treated to a special open house prior to the hotel opening to thank them for having to endure the inconvenience of this final phase of construction at the apartment complex.
King of Prussia Courier – February 4, 1971
King of Prussia Courier – February 4, 1971
King of Prussia Courier – February 4, 1971
Current Google Map image of updated Hilton Hotel