Homewood Suites by Hilton Joins with Hula Hoop to Reduce Rates and Waists This Spring

Business Wire, March 1, 2005

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Spring into Homewood(R) Promotion Offers Rates From $79 - 109(a) and Hula Hoop(R) Toys For Family Fun and Fitness

Homewood Suites by Hilton(R) guests will be shaking their hips and tightening their waists this spring with a childhood favorite toy, the Hula Hoop(R). As part of the Spring into Homewood promotion, the all-suite hotel brand introduces a supply of Hula Hoop(R) toys for check-out from the front-desk at over 140 hotels(b). The Hula Hoop(R) is ideal for family fun, fitness and healthy travel on the road.

While reducing their waistline, guests will also enjoy great rates starting at $79(a) per night for a suite that sleeps four and has a fully equipped kitchen. Plus, guests can jump-start their metabolism each morning with a complimentary Suite Start(TM) hot breakfast. The Spring into Homewood promotion is available Thursday-Sunday nights from March 3 through April 30, 2005.

In addition, families who make their Spring into Homewood reservations online at homewoodsuites.com will receive an E-coupon(c) good for ten percent off a Fold-A-Hoop(TM) Hula Hoop(R) or any Wham-O(R) product, which can be redeemed at www.qualitytrading.com.

"The Hula Hoop is making a comeback for adults as well as kids in many gym classes across the country. We feel there's no better way to help families have fun getting into shape this spring than to offer them Hula Hoops at our hotels," said Calvin Stovall, vice president of brand marketing for Homewood Suites by Hilton. "The brand's spacious suites, with a separate living area, provide plenty of room for children and adults to use the Hula Hoop."

Sample rates at participating Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels during this promotion include $79 at Homewood Suites by Hilton Atlanta/Alpharetta and Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas/Addison; $89 at Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando-Walt Disney World(R) Resort; $99 at Homewood Suites by Hilton Philadelphia-Great Valley and $109 at Homewood Suites by Hilton Minneapolis-Mall of America and Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago-Downtown.

Ideal for families traveling with children, Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels are residential-style, upscale all-suite properties that offer spacious one-bedroom, two-bedroom and/or studio suites with fully equipped kitchens. Other features include a daily complimentary Suite Start(TM) hot breakfast, complimentary grocery-shopping service(d) and kids under 18 stay free when sharing a suite with their parents. Also, most locations offer a 24-hour Suite Shop(R) convenience store, exercise room, guest laundry facility and a swimming pool.

To make reservations at any Homewood Suites by Hilton(R) hotel and learn more about the Spring into Homewood(R) package, travelers can visit the Homewood Suites Web site at homewoodsuites.com or call 1-800-CALL-HOME(R) and mention the Spring into Homewood promotion. Homewood Suites by Hilton is part of the Hilton HHonors(R) hotel guest reward program. Members of Hilton HHonors can also Double Dip(R) to earn Points & Miles(R) for every qualifying stay at any Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel.

About Wham-O, Inc.

Headquartered in Emeryville, California, WHAM-O, Inc., is an international, branded consumer products company with a diversified portfolio of innovative toys, sporting goods and recreational products. Privately owned by New York-based private equity firm Charterhouse Group International, Inc., WHAM-O was founded in 1948. WHAM-O's leading toy brands include classic toys such as: the Original Slip 'N Slide(R), Frisbee(R), Hula Hoop(R), Superball(R) as well as leading licensed food-related toys which include: the Baskin-Robbins(R) Double Scoop Ice Cream Shop, LIFE SAVERS GUMMIES(R) Flavor Factory, Marshmallow Peeps(R) Marshmallow Maker, JELL-O(R) Frozen Pudding Treat Maker and Snack Time Gummi and Creepy Gummi Makers. WHAM-O's leading outdoor, water, surf and snow recreational brands include: the Original Frisbee Sport Disc(R) for use in Freestyle, Ultimate and Disc Golf, Hacky Sack(R), MOREY(R) Boogie(R) Boards, and BZ(R) PRO BOARDS Bodyboards, CHURCHILL(R) Swimfins, SNOWBOOGIE(R) and SLEDZ(TM) snow sleds and Riva Sports(R) snowboards. WHAM-O designs and manufactures a core of more than 70 products that appeal to all ages, which are carried by virtually every toy, sporting goods and mass retailer in the world. For more information, visit www.wham-o.com or call toll free 1-888-WHAM-O-50 (1-888-942-6650).

About Homewood Suites by Hilton

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 suites and home-like amenities, Homewood Suites guests can find an on-site Suite Shop(R) convenience store, exercise room, and guest laundry facility at most locations. Guests can also enjoy a daily complimentary Suite Start(TM) hot breakfast and a Welcome Home(R) reception(e) with a complimentary light meal and beverages served Monday-Thursday evenings in the Lodge -- a common area off the hotel's main lobby. Additional guest services at Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels include a complimentary grocery-shopping service(d) and a business center at most locations. Most Homewood Suites locations also feature a swimming pool and outdoor sports court. Complimentary high-speed Internet access is available in-suite(f) at all U.S. locations with complimentary wireless access available in the Lodge.