50th Hilton Garden Inn Opens, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 1999--

Hilton Hotels Corp. Monday announced the opening of its 50th Hilton Garden Inn, in Scottsdale, Ariz., representing a milestone addition to its growing roster of Hilton Garden Inn(R) hotels.

The newly constructed, 200-room Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale is owned by CSM Lodging and operated under a license agreement with Hilton Inns Inc., the franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels.

"Hilton Garden Inn hotels are uniquely designed to fit into the upper niche of the midpriced market," said Dieter Huckestein, president-hotel operations. "A focused-service product, the hotels appeal to cost-conscious business travelers and leisure travelers seeking an affordable getaway at a hotel whose name they equate with high-quality accommodations."

Designed with a Southwestern flair, the high-rise, seven-story Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale features: a signature glass-walled Pavilion housing the reception desk; a Pavilion Pantry(SM) with a selection of microwavable packaged, refrigerated and frozen items, and sundries; a restaurant offering freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner; room service during dinner hours; a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; four meeting rooms representing 2,300 square feet of meeting space; a 24-hour, complimentary business center; and a laundry facility.

The hotel offers 44 suites among its 200 guest rooms. 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, including on-demand movies, satellite cable television, video games and interactive Hilton guest services, are provided by On Command Corp.

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

Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) guest-reward program can earn HHonors points in addition to airline miles for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale. HHonors is the only hotel program that allows any of its members to reap Double Dip(R) earnings by simultaneously accumulating both airline miles and hotel points with each qualifying stay.

Recreational facilities consist of a fitness room, a resort-style outdoor swimming pool, a pool bar offering beverages and light snacks, and a whirlpool.

The Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale has hired a unique mix of team members from a variety of different geographical regions of the world. In an effort to assist refugees displaced by political strife within their respective countries, the Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale has worked closely with representatives from the International Rescue Committee in Phoenix to hire 30 refugees to fill a variety of positions at the hotel.

"We are very pleased to provide support to the refugees from Bosnia, Cuba, Kosovo and Nigeria in the form of job opportunities," said Sally Shaffer, general manager. "Given that we are in the business of making people feel welcome and comfortable when they are away from home, the hospitality industry provides a fitting sanctuary for these refugees."

Hilton Garden Inn developments represent the cornerstone of Hilton's franchise growth strategy. More than 200 Hilton Garden Inn properties are expected to be open or under construction in the United States, Canada and Mexico by year-end 2000.

The Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale's address is: 7324 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, Ariz. 85251; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]. The hotel is situated off Highway 101 at Exit 47, at the intersection of Indian School and Buckboard, 10 miles from downtown Phoenix, seven miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

The hotel is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, walking distance from shopping, restaurants and nightclubs. The Center for the Performing Arts, the Scottsdale Civic Center and ASU Sun Devils Stadium are located five miles from the hotel.

Hilton Hotels is recognized internationally as a pre-eminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises hotels, resorts and vacation-ownership properties.

Reservations can be made at nearly 500 Hilton and Conrad International hotels worldwide, online at www.hilton.com, through a professional travel agent or by contacting Hilton Reservations Worldwide at 800/HILTONS.