Homewood Suites by Hilton(R) Improves Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty Ratings with ``Distinctly Homewood'' Brand Enhancements; First Year of Five-Year Program Successfully Completed and Phase II is Underway across Portfolio.MEMPHIS Memphis, city, ancient Egypt Memphis (mĕm`fĭs), ancient city of Egypt, capital of the Old Kingdom (c.3100–c.2258 B.C.), at the apex of the Nile delta and 12 mi (18 km) from Cairo. , Tenn. -- Homewood Suites by Hilton(R), a leading brand of upscale, all-suite residential-style hotels introduced in 1989, reported significant improvements in customer satisfaction and loyalty in 2005 as a result of Distinctly Homewood(TM), the four-year product enhancement program launched last year. Distinctly Homewood(TM) involves a total of 25 changes designed to make the hotels more residential and home-like for guests, while keeping the brand relevant, consistent and distinct. Homewood Suites by Hilton's proprietary Satisfaction and Loyalty Tracking (SALT) survey conducted in January 2005 and again in December 2005, showed favorable responses to completed upgrades in exercise facilities, guest bathrooms and bedding. "Product enhancement is a popular topic in the industry right now with several brands talking about plans but we are excited to show actual results," said Rebecca Wyatt, senior vice president, brand management, Homewood Suites by Hilton. "Our goal is keeping the brand as fresh and relevant today as it was when it first started. We are introducing innovative changes that reinforce the upscale second home ambiance am·bi·ance also am·bi·ence n. The special atmosphere or mood created by a particular environment: "The noir ambience is dominated by low-key lighting . . . for our guests while helping our owners remain competitive and profitable." Highlights from the SALT survey include an 11% increase in customer satisfaction with fitness facilities at Homewood Suites by Hilton properties and increased satisfaction with guest bathroom cleanliness. Fitness facility improvements in 2005 included "A-frame" and dumbbell Dumbbell An investment strategy, used mainly for bonds, where holdings are heavily concentrated in both very short and long term maturities. Notes: This is also known as a barbell, charting on a timeline gives the appearance of a barbell or dumbbell. equipment installation in all hotel gyms. SALT scores for guest bathroom upgrades increased almost 5% in response to such enhancements as rounded shower rods, larger white terry towels, and upgraded personal care amenities designed to create fresher, cleaner-looking bathrooms. The new bedding package, featuring the Serta Suite Dreams(R) mattresses and box springs, cozier cotton blend duvet covers, Down Dreams pillows with 250-thread-count pillowcases, a chenille che·nille n. 1. A soft tufted cord of silk, cotton, or worsted used in embroidery or for fringing. 2. Fabric made of this cord, commonly used for bedspreads or rugs. throw blanket and a signature Homewood Suites wood duck wood duck North American duck (Aix sponsa, family Anatidae); a popular game bird. Wood ducks, 17–21 in. (43–52 cm) long, nest in a tree cavity up to 50 ft (15 m) off the ground; they have long-clawed toes for perching. Both sexes have a head crest in winter. pillow, also received strong guest approval. Approximately 35% of the brand portfolio added the new bedding package last year, pushing up SALT scores for bed comfort nearly 7% and bed condition scores increased by almost 6%. Homewood Suites by Hilton conducts SALT surveys throughout the year and data is compiled at the end of the year. The surveys are sent to guests via regular mail or email. Guests respond to a series of questions about the hotel experience on a 10-point scale. These findings are based on responses from a total of 68,000 guests surveyed last year. Phase II implementation of "Distinctly Homewood" is underway and should be completed by the end of the year. The changes are expected to continue affecting top line performance, further enhancing the brand's image, and also protecting and growing operating margins. Included in this phase is the completion of bedding upgrades across remaining hotels, the addition of Dual Massage showerheads by WaterPik and new van wraps for Homewood vehicles, showcasing the brand's wood duck icon conveying comfort. Homewood Suites by Hilton also will enhance food and beverage F&B is a common abbreviation in the United States and Commonwealth countries, including Hong Kong. F&B is typically the widely accepted abbreviation for "Food and Beverage," which is the sector/industry that specializes in the conceptualization, the making of, and delivery of foods. offerings in 2006, creating a more consistent presentation of the complimentary Suite Start(R) breakfast and Welcome Home(R) receptions across the brand. Final completion of "Distinctly Homewood" is scheduled to coincide with the Homewood Suites brand's 20th anniversary in 2009. Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has more than 170 hotels open with another 95 in the pipeline. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, Homewood Suites guests can find at each hotel an on-site Suite Shop convenience store, exercise facility and guest laundry at most locations. Guests can also enjoy a daily complimentary Suite Start hot breakfast and a Welcome Home reception featuring a complimentary light meal and beverages Monday-Thursday evenings(a). Additional guest services at Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels
To make reservations at a Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel, travelers can visit the Homewood Suites Web site at homewoodsuites.com or call 1-800-CALL-HOME. Homewood Suites participates in the Hilton HHonors Hilton HHonors[sic] is the loyalty program of the Hilton Hotels Corporation. HHonors benefits at participating Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Homewood Suites guest reward program, which allows its members to Double Dip Double dip Used for listed equity securities. Dividend roll in which the "dividend capturer" already owns the stock cum dividend. Also used when tax depreciation is accessed in two countries concurrently. by simultaneously accumulating both hotel points and airline miles with each qualifying stay. Homewood Suites by Hilton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE: HLT) is one of the leading global hospitality companies. As of April 2007 there are 2,645 hotels and 485,000 rooms employing 105,000 people in more than 80 countries. , which is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,300 hotels, resorts, and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the industry's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels Embassy Suites Hotels is a chain of hotels, which specializes in suite-style rooms that is owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation. Embassy Suites is an upscale chain of all-suite hotels. All guest rooms of this chain feature a separate living area as well as a sleeping area. (R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Garden Inn is the name of a chain of hotels operated by Hilton Hotels Corporation. Hilton Garden Inns are considered to be upscale, mid-priced hotels that are designed for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel brand is similar to that of the Courtyard by Marriott brand. (R), Hilton Grand Vacations(TM), Homewood Suites by Hilton(TM) and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(TM). (a) Subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age The legal drinking age is a limit assigned by governments to restrict the access of children and youth to alcoholic beverages. In most countries the legal age to purchase alcohol is at least 18, but there are notable exceptions. . (b) Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply. HHonors(R), Double Dip(R) and Double Dipping Double Dipping For brokerage firms, when a broker puts commissioned products into a fee-based account. The broker makes money from both the client and the commission. Notes: There is more than one meaning for the term depending on the context. (R) are trademarks owned by Hilton HHonors Worldwide, L.L.C. Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles(R), and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. (C)2006 Hilton HHonors Worldwide. (C)2006 Hilton Hospitality, Inc. |
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