Hilton Hotels & Resorts Makes a Splash with Opening of Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club, a Hilton Resort

Business Wire, July 24, 2008

Newly Converted Beachfront Florida Keys Resort Offers Tropical Accommodations Amid Natural Wonders for Vacationers, Conservationists and Business Travelers Alike

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Just footsteps from the pristine, blue waters of the Florida Bay lies one of the newest additions to Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club, A Hilton Resort. Previously operated as the Key Largo Grande, the recently-renovated 200-room beachfront resort is nestled on 12.5 acres of tropical forest along the Gulf of Mexico and the southern boundaries of the Everglades National Park. Following a recent $12 million renovation, the waterfront resort features upgraded guestrooms, an enhanced lobby and new, flexible meeting and event space.

The Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club remains owned by affiliates of The Blackstone Group and continues to be managed by LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels. Guests can now enjoy Hilton benefits such as the ability to earn Points & Miles([R]) through the Hilton HHonors[R] frequent traveler rewards program and reservations easily accessible through Hilton Reservations Worldwide.

"With its tropical charm and modern elegance, the Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club is the perfect location for us to bring our Hilton hospitality to travelers visiting the Florida Keys," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, Hilton Brand Management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "The resort's impressive renovation, full-service amenities and abundance of outdoor activities help our guests make the most of their tropical getaway, whether they are traveling for a vacation, wedding or corporate event."

Guests can relax on the resort's private white sand beach or take advantage of the property's 21-slip boat marina and thrilling water sports programs, which include parasailing, snorkeling, jet skiing and windsurfing. Vacationers can also experience world-class fishing, diving and eco-tourism activities just minutes away from the resort at attractions such as the John Pennekemp Coral Reef State Park, Dolphin Cove, or Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. For those guests looking to keep up with their health and fitness regimens, the resort features two outdoor heated pools, tennis courts and fitness center. Guests can dine on delectable cuisine at the resort's new Treetops Bar & Grille, which boasts breathtaking views of the Gulf.

Perfect for meetings and events of every kind, the Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club now features more than 17,000 square feet of flexible function space with panoramic views of the Florida Bay, including a 4,000 square foot Coral Reef Ballroom. The resort also has professional onsite wedding staff available to help guests plan their memorable celebrations. Meeting and event planners can earn Hilton HHonors Event Planner Points by booking a meeting at the resort or take advantage of Hilton's e-Advantage and e-Events programs.

The Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club is 65 miles from the Miami International Airport (MIA) and 95 miles from the Key West International Airport (EYW). For more information or to make reservations, contact Hilton Reservations Worldwide at 1-800-445-8667 or visit www.hilton.com.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

With more than 500 hotels and resorts on six continents, Hilton continues to be an innovative leader in the full-service hospitality segment and the most recognized global name in the industry. Hilton's belief that Travel Should Take You Places[R] celebrates a commitment to the guest experience and to the idea that travel can and should be transformative. Hilton's variety of services, amenities and programs are designed to give guests more choice and control over their stays so they can be at their best, 24/7 whether they travel for business or leisure. Each unique Hilton hotel and resort was designed to reflect the sense of place of its location; each team member chosen to reflect the local culture and community. Start your journey at www.hilton.com available in English, Spanish and French.

About Hilton Hotels Corporation

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,000 hotels and 500,000 rooms in 74 countries and territories, with more than 100,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton([R]), Conrad([R]) Hotels & Resorts,

Doubletree([R]), Embassy Suites Hotels([R]), Hampton Inn([R]), Hampton Inn & Suites([R]), Hilton Garden Inn([R]), Hilton Grand Vacations[TM], Homewood Suites by Hilton([R]) and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection[TM].

Hilton Hotels Corporation is an Official Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team, which will extend through the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, the 2010/2012 U.S. Paralympic Team and the 2011 U.S. Pan American Team.

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton's philosophy that, "It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality." The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable[R]. The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.