The Elysian to Become Waldorf Astoria Chicago

. November 21, 2011

November 18, 2011 - The Elysian Hotel Chicago, which recently earned the coveted distinction of being the #1 hotel in the United States according to readers of Conde Nast Traveler, has been acquired by a joint venture between Hilton Worldwide, the parent company of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts; an Equity Group Investments affiliate; and Elysian principals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The hotel's new ownership plans to rebrand the hotel Waldorf Astoria Chicago on February 1st, 2012. The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand, which draws its inspiration from the legendary Waldorf=Astoria New York, is known for delivering highly personalized service and is one of the world's fastest growing luxury hospitality brands. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts plans to use the strength of its worldwide presence to capitalize on the tremendous operational and financial success the Elysian has enjoyed since opening in late 2009.

“We're taking the best of the Elysian and bringing it into the world-class network of Waldorf Astoria,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide. “The Elysian's well deserved reputation for anticipatory service and attention to detail, as well as its stunning design and outstanding amenities, reflect the discerning needs of today's luxury guest, and are hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria brand.”

Located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps off of Magnificent Mile, the Elysian comprises a hotel, 51 luxury private residences, restaurants, a spa and event and meeting rooms. The building, which was designed by renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, features a richly detailed exterior and European courtyard reminiscent of the grand hotels of the 1920's, while the interiors embrace a sophisticated, urban sensibility. The hotel features 188 spacious guestrooms and suites boasting elegantly modern furnishings, fireplaces and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. The Elysian is also home to two distinct culinary experiences - Balsan, a contemporary bistro showcasing refined, yet rustic fare, and RIA a two-Michelin-star restaurant offering modern, seasonally driven French cuisine. Bernard's, the hotel's bar, is reminiscent of a plush private club. The Elysian Spa & Health Club, which spans more than 14,000 square feet, offers a wide-ranging menu of personalized services as well as a nail spa, barber suite, relaxation areas and a fitness facility, as well as a mosaic-tiled lap pool, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. The compilation is an amenity-rich environment for the most discerning of guests.

Equity Group Investments made its investment through the Zell Credit Opportunities Fund, which was established to focus on the recapitalization of over-leveraged assets and companies, and to invest opportunistically in loans and credit securities in both the real estate and corporate arenas.

Robert Webster led the team at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels that represented Elysian's original ownership in the transaction.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide's luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand's namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel and resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide's ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,750 hotels and timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com or connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.hiltonworldwide.com/media.

About Equity Group Investments
Equity Group Investments (EGI) is the private investment firm founded by Sam Zell more than 40 years ago. The firm has an active portfolio spanning industries and continents with interests in real estate, energy, logistics, transportation, media and health care. For more information visit egizell.com.

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