100th Hilton Garden Inn Now Open!; The Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld International Center.

Business Editors & Travel Writers

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2001

Hilton Garden Inn, one of the leading mid-market hotel brands in North America, is proud to announce the grand opening of its 100th hotel -- the 233-room Hilton Garden Inn(R) Orlando at SeaWorld(R) International Center, in Orlando, Fla.

Orlando South Hotel Partners, LLC, an affiliate of Hardin Capital, LLC developed and owns the newly constructed Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld International Center, under a license agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., a franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corporation. Sage Hospitality Resources, LLC manages the hotel.

"At this point in our brand's history, Hilton Garden Inn is proud of its accomplishment of establishing a reputation among developers and travelers for providing a quality guest experience at an affordable price, in 100 key hotel communities throughout North America," said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president - brand management, Hilton Garden Inn. "The opening of our third Orlando property and further development interest in the area, truly represents the Hilton Garden Inn brand's commitment to grow with communities that experience great business and population growth."

A high-rise, eight-story structure, the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando SeaWorld International Center features: a glass-walled pavilion housing the reception desk; a Pavilion Pantry(R) with a selection of refrigerated, frozen and microwaveable packaged items, and sundries; the Great American Grill(R) restaurant, offering freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner; room service dinner hours, a comfortable lounge area featuring a salt water aquarium, 43" large screen television and a dedicated child's play area with small furniture, books, games and a television with a built-in VCR; three meeting rooms with 1,800 square feet of flexible meeting space; a 24-hour, complimentary business center; and an on-site laundry facility.

"Having been with Hilton Garden Inn since the beginning, we are proud to celebrate the grand opening of the 100th hotel, and our 10th of the brand," said Rodney Williams, senior vice president, Hardin Capital, LLC. "This property embraces the unique leisure and business nature of the Orlando market while staying true to the Hilton Garden Inn brand."

Guest room accommodations and features include: a hospitality center with a microwave oven, coffee maker and mini refrigerator; a sitting area with an easy chair and ottoman; a hairdryer; and an iron and ironing board. In-room entertainment and information services include on-demand movies, video games and interactive Hilton guest services.

Business-oriented features of the guestrooms include: a spacious work desk with a pull-out shelf for a portable computer; Internet access; adjustable lighting; an ergonomic chair; electrical outlets at desk height; and two telephones equipped with two lines, data ports and voice mail.

Recreational facilities consist of a fitness room, outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool. Tennis courts, golf courses and water skiing are all nearby.

"Sage Hospitality Resources is proud of its three year affiliation with Hilton Garden Inn. In that short period of time, Sage has gained the distinction of being one of the largest franchise management companies for Hilton Garden Inn hotels," said Mike Murray, senior vice president of Sage Hospitality Resources LLC. Our belief in Hilton Garden Inn is strong, and our company is well-positioned to guide the growth of the brand."

"The Hilton Garden Inn Orlando SeaWorld International Center is perfect for business and pleasure with our location situated minutes from most of Orlando's major attractions and corporations. Located just one block from SeaWorld, our hotel is larger in size than most Hilton Garden Inn hotels to accommodate the demands of our ideal location," said Colin Findley, hotel general manager. "From the moment you enter our hotel's home-like atmosphere, our welcoming team members will ensure that your hotel experience is a carefree and pleasant one. Our desire is to make the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld International Center the perfect choice when your travels bring you to Orlando & Central Florida."

Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program can earn Points & Miles(TM) for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando SeaWorld International Center. HHonors is the only hotel program that allows any of its members to Double Dip(R) by simultaneously accumulating both hotel points and airline miles with each qualifying stay. Hilton HHonors(R) provides more rewarding choices than ever before with more than 70 major airline, car rental and other travel-related companies.

Hilton Garden Inn(R) developments represent one of the cornerstones of Hilton's franchise growth strategy. More than 200 Hilton Garden Inn properties are currently open or under development in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The Hilton Garden Inn Orlando SeaWorld International Center's address is 6850 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, Fla., 32821; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]. The hotel is situated off Interstate 4 at exit 27A and is less than a mile from the Orange County Convention Center, and 15 minutes from Universal Studios(R), Walt Disney World(R) and the Orlando International Airport. Nearby corporations include Harcourt Publishing Inc.(R) and Lockheed Martin(R).

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises approximately 1,900 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(TM), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Harrison Conference Centers(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Company(R), Homewood Suites(R) by Hilton, and Red Lion Hotels & Inns(R).

To find out more about Hilton Garden Inn hotels or make reservations, visit our Web site at www.hiltongardeninn.com or call 1-800-HILTONS from the U.S. and Canada.