Good Luck. Unfortunately judging but their current state they will never sail again. I just can't see a company being able to make a profit when a new ship cost the same and trying to get people to sail on an old dated ship when there is the Cunard Line offering the same experience with more amenities and luxuries.
I also see little chance that of them being successful as hotel and conference center. Their design just leave them too cramped and closed in.
Where you might find success is in partnering with one of the US naval museums and turning it into a hotel, restaurant and museum. Being a museum it could fall under a not for profit saving lots of money.
Both need a lot of work but I have to say the United States looks more regal and what an ocean liner should look like she also appears to have more history with the Blue Riband award.
Photos of the two in their current State
S.S. United States
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=...4612&encType=1
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...lphia_2005.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...d_StatesMP.Jpg
SS Independence
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=...2749&encType=1