Local Couple Celebrates Golden Wedding Anniversary at the Same Golden Hotel

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilton Pittsburgh is not the only one celebrating a golden anniversary this year; so are Michael and June Shtur, who got married 50 years ago.  Earlier this month, the Shturs' three children threw their parents a 50th wedding anniversary at the place that started it all – the Hilton Pittsburgh.

On August 6, 1960, June and Michael spent their wedding night and honeymoon at the chic, new downtown hotel whose doors had only been open for a few months. The Hilton Pittsburgh arranged for the Shturs to stay in that very same room for their 50th anniversary.

"I wanted to spend our honeymoon at a special place with my new bride and that special place was the new Hilton Pittsburgh," said Michael Shtur Jr. "It was the absolute best place for us to start our life together as a married couple."

The Shtur's children - Cindy, Michael and Lisa - mirrored the anniversary party with their parents' original wedding day by holding the party in the Hilton Pittsburgh, inviting many of the original wedding guests and used their colors of blue, pink and yellow.  They also played their parents' favorite music from the 50's.

"We were thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion in the same place where it all began 50 years ago," said son, Michael Shtur III.

The Shturs, who are Pittsburgh natives, saved precious mementos to remember their original stay in the hotel after all these years.  They saved a Hilton postcard, a love note that Michael wrote to June on the stationary that was in their suite and even the original room receipt.

"The Hilton Pittsburgh is such a great landmark and every time I see it, it reminds me of the special place where my parents decided to start their journey, half a century ago," said daughter, Cindy Shtur.

Unfortunately, it has been a rough journey for the couple when both underwent the same exact quad-triple by-pass heart surgery a few years ago.  June is also a breast cancer survivor.

"Our parents have such a wonderful love story," said daughter, Lisa Bellone.  "We wanted this anniversary party to be as special and memorable as their original wedding day."

Out of town guests stayed overnight at the Hilton Pittsburgh, which recently completed a $30 million restoration of all 712-guest rooms.

Hilton Pittsburgh's grand ballroom, the largest among the city's hotels, and its collection of elegant social meeting spaces have hosted some of Pittsburgh's most elaborate events, including the Pink Frolic Ball and the Mel Blount Youth Home charity event this year.

About Hilton Pittsburgh

Under the venerable Hilton flag for 50+ years, Hilton Pittsburgh is the city's largest and most recognizable hotel.  Adjacent to Point State Park, the property is conveniently located near Heinz Field, PNC Park, the Cultural District, and the Convention Center.  

Hilton Pittsburgh recently renovated all 712-guest rooms to provide greater comfort, style and convenience for business and pleasure travelers.  Each of those beautifully appointed accommodations features flat panel HDTV, Hilton's Serenity Collection Bed and Bath amenities, and world renowned Lavazza® in-room coffee – all along with breathtaking views of the city's skyscape or Three Rivers.

Hilton Pittsburgh currently features 40,000 square feet of flexible function space, including Pittsburgh's largest hotel ballroom and a state-of-the-art Conference Center. The property employs almost 500 local residents and welcomes hundreds of conventions and special events each year.

Phase Two of the hotel's renovation plan will see the completion of a dramatic wave-like exterior addition that pays tribute to the city's Three Rivers and a Grand Staircase that will connect the Lobby and Ballroom levels.

Additional information about Hilton Pittsburgh may be found on the company's Web site: www.hiltonpittsburgh.com; Facebook at www.facebook.com/hiltonpittsburgh; and Twitter at www.twitter.com/HiltonPITT.

About Hilton Hotels

Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com .

About Crescent Hotels & Resorts

Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., outside of Washington, D.C., Crescent Hotels & Resorts owns, manages and co-invests in hotel real estate, and is an independent, third-party operator of hotels and resorts.  The company currently owns or operates approximately 62 hotels and resorts aggregating more than 13,200 rooms in 27 states.  The company's portfolio encompasses properties in the, luxury, resort, upper upscale full-service, boutique, convention and premium select-service segments under the premier hotel brands of Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Hyatt, InterContinental, Radisson, Preferred, and Wyndham, as well as independent hotels, and resorts.  Additional information about Crescent Hotel & Resorts may be found on the company's Web site: www.chrco.com

SOURCE Hilton Pittsburgh