Hilton Orlando Celebrates Topping Off

Business Wire, July 24, 2008

Hotel Expands Orlando's Convention Center Offerings with SMART Design

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Apollo Real Estate Advisors, Rida Development Corporation, Hilton Hotels Corporation executives, meeting planners, Orlando city officials and civic leaders celebrated today at a topping off ceremony of the long awaited 1400-room Hilton Orlando, connected to the Orange County/Orlando Convention Center. Today's event marks a significant milestone in the construction of the 19 story - three winged impressive structure, which is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2009. Just 14 months after breaking ground, the hotel commemorated the traditional event with the unveiling of a ceremonial 54' x 12' banner.

The collaborative efforts of the construction and project teams were recognized by Ted Ratcliff, Senior Vice President, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Americas Operations - Eastern US, Canada, Caribbean & Central America. "It is an important day for the city of Orlando as our vision to create a distinctive meeting and convention hotel with resort amenities is becoming a reality," noted Ratcliff. "After years of planning and working closely with world class developers and Welbro construction, we will soon open our doors to accommodate both leisure and convention guests in unprecedented style."

When the hotel opens in August, it is anticipated to provide close to 1,500 new jobs to the City of Orlando and will enlarge the city's meetings and conventions offerings with the addition of 1,400 guest rooms and 200,000 square feet of versatile meeting space and services on two floors including a 50,000 square foot Orlando Ballroom, a 30,000 square foot Orange Ballroom and 21 meeting rooms, 9 boardrooms, registration areas and a complete and accessible business center.

The Hilton Orlando will be the first hotel to be connected to the Orange County Convention Center, the second largest facility in the US with two-point-one million square feet of exhibit and meeting space. The hotel will provide a sky-pedestrian bridge on the south end of the facility for easy access for attendees.

Smart design. Smart location.

The Hilton Orlando will be Hilton's newest meetings and convention hotel with resort amenities. Nestled on twenty-six acres, the Hilton Orlando offers a design conducive to productivity and relaxation, amenities that meet the needs of both professional planners and attendees, and the perfect location.

The design of the Hilton Orlando fully embraces each guestO from the inviting sense of arrival to the accessibility of services and facilities. Nineteen floors house luxurious guestrooms and suites. Twelve high speed elevators minimize downtime, and place guests five minutes from all facilities. Dedicated function space offers an easy flow between general sessions, catered events, and breakouts while also providing a discreet separation from the resort areas. Business Center, Meeting Planner Offices, dedicated group arrival area, and registration desk are located at gateways to the hotels function space.

Guest amenities assure a comfortable, productive stayO including Hilton's Serenity Bed(TM), refrigerators, Ergonomic Mirra Desk Chair, mobile desk, wired/wireless, safes with outlets, and LCD televisions. Resort amenities and services offer relaxationO including two resort pools, a Lazy River, full service spa, fitness center, events courts, and a 9-hole Executive Putting Golf Course. In addition, the Hilton Orlando will deliver seven culinary options for dining featuring Spencer's([R]) for Steaks and Chops, with Private Dining Room, Wine Room, open-display kitchen, and private bar; David's Club bar & grill, an upscale social and entertainment environment; The Bistro with outdoor veranda and fire pit; a Lobby Lounge; The Topics pool bar and grill; as well as the Marketplace, for casual dining or groceries and in-room dining.

The hotel's location is fifteen minutes from Orlando International Airport; five minutes from Pointe Orlando - offering fine restaurants and entertainment; and central to SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, and the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Hilton Orlando is located at 6001 Canadian Court, Orlando, Florida, United States 32819.

The hotel's pre-opening Sales Office is located at 6014 Canadian Court, Orlando, FL 32819. Telephone: 407-313-4300.

Please visit for construction updates and additional information: www.orlandohilton.com

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, 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.