Hilton Hits Milestone with Over 500 Hotels in Florida — And the Rise of Lifestyle Hospitality Creates New Opportunities for Branded Guest Experiences
- Florida Custom Merch
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
Florida has long been a cornerstone of U.S. travel, but Hilton’s recent announcement marks a new chapter in the state's hospitality landscape: the global hotel company now operates more than 500 hotels across Florida, the highest number in any U.S. state. With over 10,000 rooms added in the past five years and 75 more hotels currently in development, Hilton’s aggressive expansion plan is fueled by a rising demand for travel experiences that blend comfort, culture, and creativity.
Among the standout trends in this growth: Hilton’s investment in lifestyle brands. From Canopy by Hilton and Motto by Hilton to the emerging Tempo by Hilton, the hospitality giant is doubling down on properties that emphasize design, local character, wellness, and authentic guest experiences. This move reflects a broader industry shift: travelers—especially millennials and Gen Z—want more than a room. They want an experience worth sharing.
But while much of the focus is on design, dining, and destination, there’s a less obvious yet powerful tool helping hotels create memorable guest connections: custom branded merchandise.
Beyond Branding: The Role of Merchandise in Lifestyle Hospitality
Today’s hotel experience doesn’t end with check-in or a comfortable bed. It continues in subtle but strategic moments throughout the guest journey—from the welcome gift at the front desk to the tote they carry to the beach, or even the water bottle they refill on their hike. When those items are thoughtfully branded and aligned with the hotel’s story, they do more than promote a logo—they reinforce an identity.
This is especially true for Hilton’s lifestyle brands, which often take inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood and local culture. A Motto by Hilton in an artsy part of Miami might gift guests reusable travel mugs with bold graphics. A Tempo by Hilton near Florida’s Gulf Coast might offer guests beach-friendly gear like microfiber towels or SPF lip balms in branded pouches. Even a classic Hilton Garden Inn or Home2 Suites property looking to set itself apart can benefit from curated items that speak to their unique vibe and location.
These aren’t just "giveaways"—they’re brand extensions that can boost guest satisfaction, drive social media sharing, and encourage brand loyalty.
A Florida-Based Resource for Florida’s Hospitality Leaders
With Hilton’s deepening roots across the state, there’s growing demand among Florida hotel managers, marketing directors, and sales teams for merchandise that feels intentional, on-brand, and easy to implement.
That’s where we come in.
As a Florida-based company specializing in custom branded merchandise for the hospitality sector, we work closely with hotels and resorts throughout the state to help them find smart, creative ways to connect with guests, corporate clients, and local communities through promotional products. Whether you need just 50 pieces for a VIP group or 5,000 units for a resort-wide campaign, we offer:
Concierge-level service to guide you through product selection and customization
Rush delivery options for grand openings, trade shows, and last-minute needs
Free samples so you can test before you commit
Flexible billing and reordering support that simplifies long-term planning
Brand consistency across different items, hotel tiers, or even multiple locations
And unlike many vendors, we don’t rely on templates or cookie-cutter product kits. We get to know your brand, your audience, and your goals so the items we recommend actually make sense—both functionally and aesthetically.
Smart Merch for a Fast-Changing Market
With Hilton’s Florida footprint spanning every type of market—from luxury resorts in Naples to extended-stay properties in suburban Orlando—the demand for tailored promotional merchandise is stronger than ever.
Here are just a few areas where we’re seeing hotels get creative:
Grand openings and rebrands: From ribbon-cutting gifts to staff apparel, properties want a cohesive, polished look and feel.
Guest engagement: Small but thoughtful gifts (like branded journals, reusable snack containers, or travel-size wellness kits) create memorable moments.
Local partnerships: Hotels collaborating with nearby attractions or restaurants often need co-branded gear for cross-promotion.
Event marketing: Whether it’s a wedding expo, medical conference, or business retreat, branded merchandise can help hotels stand out and stay top-of-mind.
Employee recognition: From onboarding kits to milestone gifts, staff merchandise reinforces culture and morale.
In each of these cases, the key is relevance. We help hotels select items that reflect their identity, complement their surroundings, and appeal to their specific guests. For a beach property, that might mean UV-protective gear and flip-flop keychains. For a property near the theme parks, it could mean playful water bottles or family-friendly backpacks. For upscale urban hotels, it may be elegant journals, wireless chargers, or sleek branded candles.
Florida’s Hospitality Future Is Bright — and Branded
Hilton’s 500+ hotels in Florida aren’t just a number—they represent a growing, thriving ecosystem of travel, community, and experience. And as more properties embrace lifestyle branding and look for ways to delight guests beyond the room, merchandise is becoming a strategic differentiator, not just an afterthought.
We’re proud to play a part in that evolution—working hand-in-hand with Hilton properties and other hospitality professionals to elevate their brand, enhance the guest experience, and turn every item into a lasting impression.
Whether you manage a new Hilton opening in Jacksonville, oversee marketing at a beachfront DoubleTree, or support guest services at a Home2 Suites near the airport, we’re here to help you bring your brand to life—one custom product at a time.
With so many options available, choosing the right branded promotional item can be overwhelming. Since 2016, we, at Florida Custom Merch, have helped numerous businesses achieve success through the use of custom branded promotional merchandise. Hiring an expert can help you select the perfect item, save time and money, and, most importantly, maximize your results.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful!
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