Hilton Debuts in Scranton, Pennsylvania with the Opening of the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

Business Editors

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2003

Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of the newly built, upscale, full-service Hilton Scranton & Conference Center hotel located in the heart of downtown Scranton. This hotel features 175 guestrooms; 26,000 square feet of meeting and prefunction space; and an Executive Meeting Center that has been certified by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).

The hotel is owned and operated by Scranton Hotel LP based in West Chester, PA under a license agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., the franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corporation.

"Hilton is continuously looking for development opportunities in diverse locations, in order to provide our loyal customers with a variety of destinations to choose from when traveling," said Robert Dirks, senior vice president - brand management & marketing for the Hilton brand. "The new Hilton Scranton & Conference Center is an exceptional property in the sense that leisure and business travelers alike can relax just minutes away from local downtown businesses and attractions."

The seven-story building features 175 elegantly appointed guestrooms; 26,000 square feet of meeting space and prefunction space that includes 19 meeting rooms; a 7,000 square foot ballroom and 74-seat amphitheater. All meeting facilities offer superior technology featuring video and teleconferencing and a wide array of audio-visual equipment.

The Executive Meeting Center, certified by IACC, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center is a 26,000 square foot facility that comfortably hosts up to 1,000 people. Each of the 19 meeting rooms in the executive conference center is specially equipped with ergonomic chairs, customized lighting, non-glare tables, special acoustics and soundproofing and individual climate controls for the ideal environment for a productive meeting.

A complete array of amenities in all guestroom accommodations include an in-room coffee maker, iron and ironing board; hairdryer; AM/FM alarm clock radio and remote control cable television that provides enhanced in-room entertainment and information services, including video-on-demand movies and interactive Hilton guest services.

Business travelers will appreciate the in-room convenience of an oversized work desk, two-line telephones with voicemail and data ports; complimentary high speed Internet access, large work desk with ergonomic chair; easy chair with ottoman. The hotel also features a full service business center with computer, copying, printing and fax services.

For dining, guests can enjoy Trolley's Bistro featuring fine American cuisine in a casual elegant setting that offers an ample lunch and dinner menu, an extensive wine list and delectable dessert selections. For a more relaxed setting, the hotel features P.J.'s 1910 Pub, a classic pub surrounding that offers the spirits and sentimentality of Old Ireland which provides a variety of snack fare from pizza to sandwich wraps.

Recreational facilities on the property include a fully equipped fitness room; an indoor heated swimming pool and a whirlpool. Golf, tennis and skiing are just a short drive away from the hotel. Nearby attractions include the Steamtown National Historic Site, Electric City Trolley Station and Museum, the Mall at Steamtown and the University of Scranton Lackawanna College.

"The new Hilton Scranton & Conference Center looks forward to welcoming guests to our new hotel," said Bill O'Boyle, hotel general manager. "Comfortable accommodations and state of the art meeting facilities coupled with our hotel's fine amenities and services, provides the ideal, year-round setting for a productive corporate retreat or a relaxing weekend getaway."

Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program can earn Points & Miles(R) for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. 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. Hilton HHonors(R) partners with more than 70 major airline, car rental and other travel-related companies.

The Hilton Scranton & Conference Center is located seven miles from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre International Airport. The hotel is situated at the crossroads of Interstates 81, 80, 380, 476 and 84 at 100 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone].

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises approximately 2,100 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(R), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Company(R) and Homewood Suites by Hilton(R).

To find out more about the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center or to make reservations, visit www.hiltonscranton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS.