Hilton just made six travel lovers very happy.
The New Ways to Stay campaign lifted off in a bright and bold way under the sparkling lights of Times Square on Nov 5 when attendees came out for a chance to be whisked away on a mystery getaway and discover where their next stay could take them.
Comedian Heather McMahan was in the heart of the Big Apple to help launch the moment and celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drop everything and run off on a dream vacation.
‘”Hilton called me and said we’re doing this cool activation where you get literally whisked away. People are just showing up and we are sending you on a trip!” McMahan enthusiastically described to The Knockturnal. “Nearly 80 percent of people say that they need a break before the holidays even get here. 80 percent of people desperate for a vacation and would take the opportunity to drop of a dime to go somewhere. So I just feel like it’s such a cool opportunity for folks to like take a moment for themselves.”
Joyful anticipation kicked off the morning that saw Hilton loyal fans come out to experience two hotel-inspired installations that opened the gateway for visitors to get a glimpse at the unexpected stays they can discover across Hilton’s growing portfolio.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 05: A view of Hilton’s New Ways to Stay one-day experience in Times Square, challenging New York City residents and visitors to drop everything to be whisked awayon November 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Hilton)
“Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t overthink,” said Dan Reynolds, senior vice president, Global Marketing, Hilton. “This activation is about giving travelers the ultimate excuse to drop everything, embrace the unexpected and take some well-deserved time for themselves. It brings our latest campaign, New Ways to Stay, to life in a way that’s surprising, personal and unmistakably Hilton.”
From boutique hideaways and design-led hotels to resorts and outdoor escapes, the pop-up perfectly showcasedexperiences inspired by Hilton’s New Ways to Stay campaign and properties around the world, including Maison Heler Metz, Curio Collection by Hilton and La Valise Tulum, an SLH hotel.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 05: Heather McMahan visits the installation inspired by the Maison Heler Metz, at the Hilton New Ways to Stay Whisk Away one-day experience on November 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Hilton)
The six winners with their passports in-hands took off on the grand adventure from Times Square, which was also the point of the newsworthy Nasdaq MarketSite happening of Hilton ringing the opening bell to highlight its next chapter of innovation and growth.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 05: Whisk Away winners celebrate with their new Away luggage at the Hilton New Ways to Stay Whisk Away one-day experience in Times Square on November 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Hilton)
Hilton just transferred its common stock listing, HLT, from the New York Stock Exchange to Nasdaq, marking the latest milestone in the company’s evolution as an innovative, fast-growing hospitality leader.
