Hilton Survey Unveils Piña Colada’s Powerful Association with Relaxation for 88% of Americans

Thursday, July 11, 2024

A recent survey from Hilton Hotels & Resorts reveals that 88% of Americans who have tried a Piña Colada may have unlocked the secret to an endless vacation sensation. The flagship brand of Hilton’s 24 brands conducted the survey and found that 87% of respondents envision themselves relaxing by the water with a tropical drink in hand when asked to describe their ideal vacation. This highlights the Piña Colada’s powerful association with relaxation and hospitality, with 60% of Americans agreeing that the tropical drink instantly transports them to a vacation state of mind.

The Piña Colada’s origins date back to 1954 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero spent three months perfecting the recipe, ultimately creating the now-famous blend of pineapple and coconut. He named the drink “Piña Colada,” and it quickly became a symbol of tropical bliss. Today, guests at Caribe Hilton continue to enjoy Marrero’s original creation, with the hotel serving over 53,000 Piña Coladas each year.

“As a brand known for its exceptional hospitality and iconic firsts like the Piña Colada, we’re always looking to innovate to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers,” said Leonard Gooz, brand leader, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are the ideal place for guests to fully immerse themselves in their stay, whether vacationing in a bustling city or unwinding at one of our destination resorts, channeling the endless vacation mindset, wherever they are in the world.”

The Piña Colada Mindset: More Than Just a Drink

A recent consumer survey reveals that the Piña Colada is not just a beverage; it’s a lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the intriguing findings from the survey:

Rise and Sip Anytime

Forget waiting for happy hour. A significant 65% of respondents indicated that they would enjoy a tropical drink at any time of day.

Vacation in a Glass

For parents, a tropical drink like the Piña Colada is synonymous with relaxation and vacation. An impressive 93% of parent respondents felt they could picture a complete vacation once they had a tropical drink in hand.

Tastes of Travel

A noteworthy 82% of those surveyed reported that certain drinks remind them of specific vacations, underscoring the powerful connection between flavors and memories.

The Piña Colada Preference

When it comes to escaping reality, 82% of respondents preferred the tropical allure of a Piña Colada over the 18% who enjoy “getting caught in the rain,” a nod to Rupert Holmes’ famous song.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Embrace the Piña Colada Mindset

Hilton Hotels & Resorts offer numerous opportunities for guests to embrace the Piña Colada lifestyle, with over 600 hotels and resorts across six continents. Here are some standout locations:

• Hilton Rose Hall, Jamaica: Guests can enjoy Piña Coladas made with local rum at the swim-up bar at Sugar Mill Falls, the on-property waterpark.
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Europe: This summer, select locations, including the London Hilton on Park Lane, will feature a dedicated Piña Colada menu. This includes innovative variations such as a zero-waste and alcohol-free version.
• Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa: Experience a traditional Piña Colada at Aura Pool Bar & Cocktail Lab, the first cocktail lab in the Maldives. Enjoy expertly mixed drinks while watching the sunset over the ocean.
• Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort: Guests can indulge in Piña Coladas, whether spirited or alcohol-free, while lounging poolside or in the dedicated Family Zone.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts provide ample opportunities to enjoy the Piña Colada mindset anytime, anywhere, making every moment feel like a tropical getaway.

“At Hilton, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of cocktail innovations and trends, crafting extraordinary experiences for guests,” said Adam Crocini, senior vice president and global head, Food and Beverage Brands, Hilton. “Our storied history with the Piña Colada is one of many examples of Hilton ‘firsts’ as it relates to food and beverage and reinforces our position as an industry leader. We continue to lead the charge in cocktail innovation with the iconic drink, modernizing the original recipe with local ingredients, regional flavors and contemporary twists all around the world.”