The city of Camden is getting its first new hotel in 50 years, and the city’s residents are part of its history.

“It’s just a blessing and a privilege to be here and make history,” says Hilton Garden-Inn housekeeper Maria Zambrana.

Almost half of the staff of the new hotel, including Zambrana, are residents of Camden. Zambrana herself was recently laid off.

“I used to work in another hotel in Mount Laurel, but they closed because of the pandemic. So, they closed it and it hasn’t opened yet,” says Zambrana.

“To be able to offer jobs to residents, to be able to support them, to be able to bring more business in – it’s very important for us,” says Hilton Garden-Inn general manager Bill Kao.

“The hotel is located along the Camden Waterfront near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It is just minutes away from major corporations that have made Camden their home.

“American Water, NFI, Cooper Health, Subaru, Campbell Soup, Philadelphia 76ers. There’s a big need to help support local corporations with all their travel needs,” Kao says.

Kao says that he is hopeful that more businesses will follow suit and invest in the area, bringing more opportunities to the city’s residents.

“It’s good for the people of Camden because they have opportunities to work and be better,” Zambrana says.