As many of our readers noted after our story on the grand opening of the new Hampton by Hilton hotel on St. Thomas — at which officials welcomed the island’s “first” Hilton — Rock City boasted a resort by the brand as far back as the 1960s.
The Source reached out to Hilton, to ask about the history, and its record of the hotel here.
“We understand there was a hotel branded as a Hilton in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 1960s. What we can share today is that Hilton is now celebrating the first ever Hampton by Hilton hotel in the U.S. Virgin Islands — and only Hilton property in the destination at this time,” a spokesperson responded Friday via email.
Readers offered fond memories of the former resort, including the famed turtle races.
“It was quite a beautiful property and the site of major events,” recalled Dr. Gwen-Marie Moolenaar. “I recall as a child going with my parents to the Thursday night turtle races, which both tourists and locals loved.”