First Doubletree in Eastern China Now Open

Near Kunshan and Shanghai

. February 20, 2009

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, February 20, 2009 - Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan, the first Doubletree by Hilton branded hotel in East China. The newly built, 397-room hotel is located in the new Huaqiao Central Business District, which is strategically located between Shanghai and Suzhou -- regarded as two of China's top five economies. Situated along the main expressway that connects Shanghai and Suzhou, the Doubletree by Hilton is well positioned to Shanghai's two major airports and is within close proximity to Shanghai Automobile City and China's Formula 1 racing circuit.

Martin Rinck, president Hilton Hotels Corporation Asia Pacific, commented, "We are delighted to introduce our second Doubletree by Hilton hotel in China and in Asia. This is a milestone in our expansion plans for the Hilton Family of brands, and the Doubletree brand, following the successful launch of our Doubletree hotel in Beijing during the Olympics. We are confident the relaxed warm service and contemporary style of the Doubletree hotels will be a hit among travelers in China and beyond".

Owned by Kunshan Guangting Property Co. Ltd. and managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation, the newest member of the Doubletree collection is just 15 km from Kunshan and 30 km from the city centre of Shanghai in an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers. The 24-story hotel features more than 2,500-square-meters of meeting and banquet space with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, an open-air, lushly landscaped rooftop garden, a heated indoor swimming pool, a Doubletree Fitness by Precor(R) facility, and multiple dining and gathering options including a signature Sui Yuan Chinese restaurant featuring 15 private dining rooms.

"The Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan is perfectly suited to meet the needs of this rapidly growing business centre and represents an incredible new chapter for our growing Doubletree hotel collection in China and across Asia. We continue to attract considerable interest from hotel owners throughout Asia, as they discover Doubletree by Hilton is a dynamic and lucrative branding opportunity in the upscale, full-service hotel market," said Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels.

The Doubletree by Hilton Experience

As one of the upscale hotel brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, Doubletree by Hilton introduces business travelers and tourists in China to the brand's longstanding tradition of distinctively designed properties that reflect the destination and surrounding area. Other Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand's legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors(R) loyalty programme and a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate.

Doubletree by Hilton believes in a set of business values that make their hotels a desirable place for employees to work and a satisfying place for travelers to stay. "Our ultimate goal at Doubletree is to create positive, long-lasting memories for our guests so that they will develop a strong emotional bond and loyalty with our brand for their future travel," commented Horton.

According to John Burger, hotel general manager, "Hotels across Asia are respected around the world for their outstanding attention to detail and approach to service. The Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan differentiates itself even further through a unique combination of contemporary style and a refreshingly caring and relaxed approach to hospitality and service. Training programs developed by the Doubletree by Hilton brand encourage employees to deliver an exceptional guest experience where guests feel welcomed, respected and appreciated."

Contemporary Accommodations

All guest rooms, designed by Steve Leung, one of the top international designers from Hong Kong, were developed using direct insight from focus groups involving business and leisure travelers.

Spacious guestrooms are equipped with smart workspaces and seating areas; high-speed Internet access, a LCD, flat panel TV; a personal safe; and complimentary in-room coffee and tea service. The hotel also features the brand's signature Sweet DreamsTM by Doubletree sleep experience complete with high-thread-count linens and an abundance of pillows for a great night's sleep.

Executive Floor rooms and suites will feature additional amenities, as well as access to an Executive Club lounge which serves breakfast every morning and hosts a specialized reception each afternoon and evening.

Superior Convenient Conference Facilities

The new hotel offers comprehensive conference facilities with a more than 2,500-square-meter conference centre equipped with numerous conference rooms. Seven functional halls surround an 850-square-meter column-free Grand Ballroom which has easy access for large event set up to support the local automotive manufacturing and race communities. All conference rooms provide broadband internet access with advanced audio visual equipment and well-trained support staff.

Superior Recreation and Delicious Dining Facilities

For meals at the Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan, the signature Sui Yuan Chinese Restaurant is definitely the best choice. Against the traditional Kunqu Opera, the restaurant captures the true essence of Chinese food culture in the most authentic and stylish Chao Zhou and Huaiyang Cuisine, which is particular about its color, smell, taste and shape. Guests can relax with fellow travelers or business associates in the sophisticated Lobby Lounge, or in the private floor Executive Club lounge.

For recreation, Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan guests have access to the brand's signature Doubletree Fitness by Precor facilities, fitted with state-of-the-art Precor(R). After a strenuous workout or a leisurely swim in the indoor swimming pool, guests can wind down with a foot massage.

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