Homewood Suites by Hilton Opens in Sarasota, Florida; Represents Brand's First Hotel in City; Located Near Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Homewood Suites by Hilton(R), the national brand of upscale all-suite, residential-style hotels, today announced the opening of the 100-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel in Sarasota, Florida. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota is owned by Merca Real Estate, LLC and managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation.

The newly constructed hotel represents another addition to the growing roster of the more than 140 Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels nationwide.

"Sarasota has long been in need of an upscale extended stay hotel like Homewood Suites, which caters to guests staying five or more consecutive nights," said Keith McCabe, the hotel's general manager.

"Our hotel is designed for guests who need to feel more at home while they are traveling for an extended amount of time, whether for business or for leisure," added McCabe. "We are the ideal place for those travelers who are away from home or office for several days but still need to have all of the benefits, such as a full kitchen, executive business center and complimentary high-speed Internet access."

The two-story Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota features residential-style studio and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and spacious sleeping and living areas that are large enough for work, study, entertaining or relaxing.

Other attractive guest amenities include a daily complimentary Suite Start(TM) hot breakfast in the hotel's hospitality center -- called the "Lodge," a Welcome Home(R) reception(a) featuring a complimentary light meal and beverages Monday-Thursday evenings, exercise facilities and a 24-hour on-site Suite Shop(R) convenience store. Complimentary grocery shopping service(b) and complimentary high-speed Internet access is available in all guest suites, in addition to wireless Internet access in the Lodge and meeting room.

Additional hotel amenities include a putting green, swimming pool, whirlpool, shuttle service and more than 3,000 square feet of meeting space.

The fully equipped kitchen in each suite of the hotel features a microwave oven, full-size refrigerator, twin-burner stove, dishwasher and all the necessary pots, pans and utensils. Guest suites also feature a remote-controlled television, an iron/ironing board, and two telephones with dual lines.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota's address is: 3470 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Florida. The hotel is located near Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, and is near such attractions as Cincinnati Reds spring training facilities, Ringling Museum, St. Armand's Circle and area beaches. Businesses nearby include Teltronics, ADT Security and Argosy University.

Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has more than 140 hotels open with another 85 in the pipeline. Beyond its spacious two-room suites and home-like amenities, Homewood Suites guests can find at each hotel an on-site Suite Shop(R) convenience store, exercise facility, and guest laundry at most locations. Guests can also enjoy a daily complimentary Suite Start(TM) hot breakfast and a Welcome Home(R) reception featuring a complimentary light meal and beverages Monday-Thursday evenings. Additional guest services at Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels include a complimentary grocery shopping service(b) and a complete business center at most locations. Most Homewood Suites locations also feature a swimming pool and outdoor sports court.

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(R). Homewood Suites participates in the Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program, which allows its members to Double Dip(R) by simultaneously accumulating both hotel points and airline miles with each qualifying stay.

Homewood Suites by Hilton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, which is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,200 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(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Club(R) and Homewood Suites by Hilton(R).

(a) Subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

(b) Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.

HHonors(R), Double Dip(R) and Double Dipping(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.