Hampton by Hilton is a prominent name in the hospitality industry with a rich history. It reflects its evolution from a modest economy brand to a leader in the midscale hotel segment. The journey of this brand began in the early 1980s and has been marked by strategic growth, innovation, and a commitment to guest satisfaction.
The logo of Hampton by Hilton has undergone a few changes since the brand’s inception in 1984. The changes reflect the brand’s journey from a budget hotel chain to a recognised name in the mid-market hotel sector. The article delves into the logo changes over the years.
The Genesis of the Hampton by Hilton Logo (1984) (Prototype)
The first logo for Hampton Inn was introduced when the brand was launched in 1984. This initial design featured the name “Hampton Inn” in a straightforward classic serif typeface and showcased block letters. Also, the first letters of the brand name (H and I) were capitalised. And above the word “Hampton,” a decorative cartouche added an elegant touch and a refined appearance to the logo. The name was enclosed within a black rectangle with sharp corners.
(1984 – 2015)
From its original introduction until 2015, the Hampton Inn logo underwent subtle refinements but maintained its core elements. In the 1984 official logo designed by John Burns for S&O Consultants, the brand name in white against a deep blue background evolved into a cursive style inspired by calligraphy. This enhanced its elegance with varying stroke widths.
The overall shape of the logo became more defined and resembled a flattened hexagon with truncated ends and having white and red borders. On top of the brand name were placed two rhombuses accompanied by two semicircles forming the cartouche with an eastern sophistication.
(1995)
In 1995, the logo for “Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton” was unveiled, which was not part of the main chain of hotels. It featured the brand name in three rows with “Hampton” and “Inn & Suites” in calligraphic style occupying the top two rows. The brand name was placed inside a flattened hexagon with a darker and calmer shade of blue with a red border.
(2007 – 2024)
In 2007, significant changes were made as the brand transitioned from “Hampton Inn” to “Hampton by Hilton.” So, the word “Inn” was dropped from the logo to make it “Hampton by Hilton.” A more modern sans-serif font replaced the cursive type, which improved readability and aligned with contemporary branding trends. The word “Hampton” in the top row appeared in italics and in lowercase save the first one.
The lower ends of the glyphs in “H” and “n” were rounded and elongated. On the other hand, the second part of the brand name, “by Hilton,” in the second row was rendered in a print font. Here, “by” was written in lowercase, while “Hilton” was in uppercase. The shades of blue and red were slightly altered to offer a fresher look while retaining brand recognition. Importantly, the decorative cartouche at the top of the logo was removed.
(2024 – Present)
In 2024, the refined logo was designed by Rob Clarke, which featured the brand name “Hampton by Hilton” in two rows. It was enclosed within the blue hexagon with a red border. In the second row, “by Hilton” was shifted to the right to make the logo look more clean, modern, and sophisticated.
The Elements of the Hampton by Hilton Logo
Font
Two distinct font styles were selected for the text logo: the thin Canaro font was used for the bottom word, while the semi-bold italic Frutiger font formed the basis of the calligraphic inscription at the top. Additionally, the first line is written in a font that is similar to Sabre du Rhinoceros, Playball, Milkstore 01, and Krinkes Decor.
Colour
The logo incorporates two primary colours: red and blue. The specific shades of these colours vary depending on the year of the logo’s introduction. For example, the earlier version featured blue and red. In subsequent designs, these colours were slightly lightened. White serves as a neutral colour in the overall palette.
The History of Hampton by Hilton
The story of Hampton by Hilton begins in 1984 when it was launched as Hampton Inn by the Holiday Corporation. The brand was created to cater to travellers who sought affordable yet comfortable accommodations. The first Hampton Inn opened in Memphis, Tennessee. It featured small rooms of approximately 225 square feet, which were considered among the first micro hotels.
At that time, amenities were basic, including complimentary coffee and pastries for breakfast. Despite its simplicity, the hotel quickly gained popularity due to its unique positioning in the economy segment, which lacked a clear leader at the time.
Following its initial success, Hampton Inn expanded rapidly across the Southeastern United States. Within two years of its launch, ten additional locations were opened. The brand’s growth was further given a push when the Holiday Corporation reorganised into Promus Hotel Corporation after selling Holiday Inn to Bass. Hampton became the flagship brand alongside Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites.
In 1989, Hampton Inn introduced a groundbreaking 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. According to that, if guests were not satisfied with their stay, they would not have to pay. This commitment to customer service set Hampton apart from its competitors and cemented its reputation for quality.
In 2004, Hilton Hotels Corporation acquired Hampton Inn and began repositioning it within the midscale market. This transition was marked by the launch of Hampton Inn & Suites, which offered larger rooms and additional amenities that were tailored to both business and leisure travellers. The brand’s marketing campaign, “Make It Hampton,” introduced significant product enhancements across all properties. It reflected Hilton’s commitment to modernising the guest experience.
In 2011, Hampton by Hilton achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first hotel brand ever to be ranked #1 in the annual Franchise 500 list of the Entrepreneur magazine. This recognition underscored Hampton’s status as an industry leader and its appeal to franchisees.
As of today, Hampton by Hilton boasts over 3,000 properties worldwide, with plans for continued expansion into new markets. The brand remains focused on providing consistent quality and value. It continually adapts to meet the evolving needs of travellers and maintains its core values of comfort and service excellence.
Interesting Facts About Hampton by Hilton
- Hampton by Hilton operates over 3,000 hotels in more than 40 countries and territories. This extensive reach makes it one of the largest hotel brands globally that caters to a diverse range of travellers.
- Hampton was the first hotel brand to offer a free hot breakfast, which includes its signature Hampton Waffle. This initiative has set a standard in the industry, which involves enhancing the guest experience with a complimentary meal that features various toppings and seasonal flavours.
- The brand introduced the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee to ensure guests who are not satisfied with their stay can leave without charge. This commitment to customer service has helped establish strong guest loyalty.
- Hampton by Hilton is known for its focus on providing a comfortable stay with features like premium mattresses, multiple pillow options, and spacious rooms that are designed for relaxation and productivity.
- The brand is also introducing an innovative North American prototype aimed at enhancing hospitality design and efficiency, with the first hotel expected to open in early 2025.
- Hampton by Hilton has been recognised as the #1 lodging franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 15 consecutive years. It is consistently ranked among the top franchises in the hospitality sector.
- The brand is committed to sustainability and has implemented various eco-friendly practices across its properties. These include energy-efficient designs and waste reduction programs to minimise its environmental impact.
- To support guests’ health and wellness routines, Hampton by Hilton properties feature fully equipped fitness centres. These often include Peloton bikes and high-quality strength training equipment.
- Guests can enjoy benefits through the Hilton Honours loyalty program, which allows members to earn points for stays, access exclusive discounts, and utilise features like Digital Check-In and Digital Key.
- Hampton by Hilton continues to grow, with plans for nearly 800 hotels currently in development worldwide. This expansion includes new properties in emerging markets to further expand its global footprint.
- The brand has made a cultural mark as well. It is known for creating memorable experiences that resonate with guests and contributes to its reputation as a friendly and reliable choice for travellers.
Finally
The evolution of the Hampton by Hilton logo illustrates the brand’s adaptability and growth within the competitive hotel industry. Each logo iteration has played a crucial role in shaping its identity as a global hospitality powerhouse. As Hampton by Hilton looks to innovate and expand, its logo is likely to evolve as well. It is expected to meet the expectations of modern travellers while staying true to its core values of comfort and quality service.