Two New Airport Hilton Garden Inn Hotels Debut in Daytona Beach and Jacksonville

Business Wire, Feb 5, 2001

Business Editors

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2001

Hilton Hotels Corp. has announced the Florida openings of the 115-room Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport and the 111-room Hilton Garden Inn(R) Jacksonville Airport.

These two new focused-service hotels represent a growing roster of more than 90 Hilton Garden Inn(R) hotels across North America.

Both hotels are owned and managed by Elite Hospitality Inc., and operated under a license agreement with Hilton Inns Inc., the franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corp.

"Hotel accommodations representing the upper end of the mid-priced hotel category are in high demand among cost-conscious business travelers as well as leisure travelers seeking a weekend getaway or vacation," said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president - brand management, Hilton Garden Inn for Hilton Hotels Corp. "Hilton Garden Inn hotels are uniquely designed to meet the needs of this burgeoning segment."

With the opening of these two new properties, Elite Hospitality will feature four Florida properties in its portfolio that represent the Hilton family of brands. The company already also owns and manages the Hilton Garden Inn St. Augustine Beach (opened May 1999) and the Hampton Inn St. Augustine Beach (opened July 1997).

"The feel of a Hilton Garden Inn hotel appeals greatly to business and leisure travelers seeking a home-like atmosphere combined with a variety of quality services at an affordable price," said Scott Adkins, vice president of marketing for Elite Hospitality. "Both the Jacksonville and Daytona Beach metropolitan areas continue to grow, and our two new Hilton Garden Inn airport properties will certainly set the standard for focused service hotels in each of these cities."

Mid-rise, five-story structures, the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Airport and Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport each feature: A signature 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 during dinner hours; banquet service; a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; two meeting rooms; a 24-hour, complimentary business center; and a laundry facility.

Guest room accommodations and features at each hotel 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, satellite cable television, video games and interactive Hilton guest services.

Business-oriented features of the guest rooms include: A spacious work desk with a pull-out shelf for a portable computer; high-speed Internet access; 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 Points & Miles(TM) for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Airport and the Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport. 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.

Recreational facilities at each hotel consist of a fitness room, outdoor swimming pool and a whirlpool.

"Whether you're here to visit our city's world-famous international speedway, taking in a tournament at the nearby L.P.G.A. golf course, or traveling for business in Central Florida, the Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport provides the city's best accommodations for this hotel market segment," said Bryan Collins, hotel general manager for the Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport. "Our hotel team members are part of a winning team that is excited to race into the Daytona Beach hotel market and provide our guests with excellent facilities and amenities and an overall satisfying hotel experience that is distinctively Hilton."

"Greater Jacksonville and the Beaches will continue to grow as a dynamic destination for both business and pleasure, especially since the recent announcement of Jacksonville as host city for Super Bowl(R) XXIX in 2005," said Kristy Morris, hotel general manager. "Representing one of ten Jacksonville area hotels in the Hilton family of brands, the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Airport complements this portfolio by providing a convenient airport hotel location with focused services and a warm residential feel which will appeal to every type of guest visiting the area."

Hilton Garden Inn developments represent one of the cornerstones of Hilton's franchise growth strategy. More than 200 Hilton Garden Inn properties currently are open or under contract in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Airport's address is: 13503 Ranch Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218; phone: 904-421-2700; fax: 904-421-2701. The hotel is situated off I-95 (NB Exit 127B; SB Exit No. 127) at the intersection of Ranch Road and Airport Road.