Hilton Space hotel: From Orbit to the Moon
Ambitious dream of space tourism began with the idea of building a Hilton space hotel in low Earth orbit, with plans later expanding to include a luxurious underground resort on the Moon. These projects, though imaginative, were backed by research and captured the world’s imagination during the height of the space race.
Orbital Hilton: A Hotel Among the Stars
The first concept, the Orbital Hilton, was designed as a 14-level hotel floating in low Earth orbit. It would accommodate up to 24 guests, primarily for short space trips, such as stopovers en route to the Moon or other planets. Visitors would arrive via a six-person ferry craft, highlighting the futuristic travel experience.
This orbital hotel aimed to offer a comfortable and familiar environment, setting the foundation for future hospitality in space.
The Lunar Hilton: Underground Luxury on the Moon
The next bold step was the Lunar Hilton — a fully operational hotel located 30 feet beneath the Moon’s surface. Designed with three levels, it combined function with leisure:
The top level featured social areas, including a lounge and a piano bar beneath a glass dome for stargazing and views of Earth.
The second level contained two 400-foot corridors lined with 100 guest rooms, offering a space-age take on classic Hilton comfort.
The bottom level housed essential engineering equipment to keep the hotel functioning smoothly.
The underground design was key to regulating internal temperatures, as the Moon’s surface swings between 127°C and -173°C.
Space-Age Amenities and Promotional Buzz
Adding to the sci-fi appeal, Hilton described futuristic amenities such as a “nuclear-reactor kitchen” and drinks made by simply adding a flavour tablet to a pre-chilled alcohol mix.
Hilton conducted a feasibility study with students at Cornell University and consulted Don Douglas, chairman of aircraft manufacturer McDonnell Douglas. Promotional items, including reservation cards and room keys for the Lunar Hilton, were distributed in Hilton hotels worldwide, sparking interest and excitement.
In fact, the concept was so influential it appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, where a Hilton-branded office appears on Space Station 5.
A Lasting Legacy and a Renewed Vision
As the world prepared for the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, Hilton reignited interest in its lunar hotel plans. Barron Hilton, the company’s then-president, told the American Astronomical Society that he believed hotels in space could open within his lifetime.
While those early ambitions never materialised, they laid the groundwork for the future of space tourism. Today, Hilton is once again involved in shaping this future. The company is working with space industry partners to redefine comfort for travellers beyond Earth.
“Now Hilton will have an opportunity to use this unique environment to improve the guest experience wherever people travel,” said Chris Nassetta, Hilton’s current CEO. “This landmark collaboration underscores our deep commitment to spreading the light and warmth of hospitality – whether on the ground or in outer space.”