Conrad Nicholson Hilton Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Net Worth, Hotels, Wife, Children, Parents, Siblings, Death

Conrad Nicholson Hilton, famously known as Conrad Hilton, was an American hotel magnate and politician, renowned for founding Hilton Hotels, one of the world’s largest hotel chains.

He served as a Republican representative in New Mexico’s first state legislature from 1912 to 1916 but became disillusioned with political corruption.

Profile

• Full Name: Conrad Nicholson Hilton
• Stage Name: Conrad Hilton
• Born: 25, December 1887
• Date of death: 3, January 1979 (aged: 91 years)
• Birthplace: San Antonio, New Mexico, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Politician
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Augustus Halvorsen “Gus” Hilton and Mary Genevieve Laufersweiler
• Siblings: Felice Hilton, Eva Hilton, Carl Hilton, Julian Hilton, Rosemary Hilton, August Hilton, Baron Hilton, and Helen Hilton
• Spouse: Mary Adelaide Barron (m. 1925–1934), Zsa Zsa Gabor (m. 1942–1947), and Mary Frances Kelly (m. 1976–1979)
• Children: Conrad Nicholson Hilton Jr., William Barron Hilton, Eric Michael Hilton and Francesca Hilton
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 billion

Early Life And Education

Conrad Nicholson Hilton was born on December 25, 1887, in San Antonio, New Mexico, United States. He was the son of Augustus Halvorsen “Gus” Hilton and Mary Genevieve Laufersweiler. Hilton had eight siblings: Felice, Eva, Carl, Julian, Rosemary, August, Baron, and Helen Hilton.

He pursued his education at the New Mexico Military Institute, St. Michael’s College (now the College of Santa Fe), and the New Mexico School of Mines (now New Mexico Tech). Of Norwegian and German ancestry, Hilton remained a devout Roman Catholic throughout his life.

Career

Conrad Nicholson Hilton began his professional journey in politics, serving as a Republican representative in New Mexico’s first State Legislature from 1912 to 1916. However, disillusioned by political corruption, he turned his focus to business.

After serving in the U.S. Army during World War I, Hilton initially aspired to enter the banking sector but instead found opportunity in the hospitality industry. In 1919, he purchased the Mobley Hotel in Cisco, Texas, capitalizing on the oil boom.

This marked the beginning of his hotel empire, as he expanded throughout Texas and later built his first hotel outside the state in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1939.

Despite facing severe financial setbacks during the Great Depression, Hilton demonstrated resilience and strategic vision. He acquired landmark properties such as the Stevens Hotel in Chicago and the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the industry.

In 1946, he founded Hilton Hotels Corporation, followed by Hilton International Company in 1948, establishing the first global hotel chain. By the 1950s, Hilton Hotels had become synonymous with luxury and efficiency, revolutionizing business and leisure travel.

His acquisition of Statler Hotels in 1954, which was the largest real estate transaction at the time, further cemented his influence in the hospitality sector.

Beyond his business success, Hilton was deeply committed to philanthropy and global cooperation. In 1944, he established the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to support humanitarian causes, focusing on education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

He also shared his insights and experiences in his autobiography, Be My Guest, inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.

Until his death in 1979, Hilton remained dedicated to expanding his brand, owning 188 hotels across 38 U.S. cities and 54 international locations. His contributions to the hospitality industry and philanthropy continue to shape the global travel landscape today.

Social Media

Conrad Nicholson Hilton does not have a social media handle.

Personal Life

Conrad Nicholson Hilton was married three times and had four children. He first married Mary Adelaide Barron in 1925, and they had three sons: Conrad Nicholson Hilton Jr., William Barron Hilton, and Eric Michael Hilton. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1934.

In 1942, Hilton wed Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, with whom he had a daughter, Francesca Hilton. However, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1946. His third and final marriage was to Mary Frances Kelly in 1976, and they remained together until his passing in 1979.

Net Worth

Conrad Nicholson Hilton had a net worth of approximately $1 billion at the time of his death in 1979. When adjusted for inflation to 2024, this equates to roughly $6 billion.

The majority of his fortune was bequeathed to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, with smaller portions designated for his family.