Hilton HHonors Offers Members International Auction: HHonors Members Throughout the World Can Now Bid Points for the Ultimate Martell Experience

Business Wire, Oct 13, 2008

Points Will Be Donated to the Winner's Charity of Choice through the HHonors Giving Back Program

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Hilton HHonors, the guest loyalty program for more than 3,000 Hilton Family Hotels worldwide has collaborated with Martell, the oldest of the great Cognac Houses, to open bidding for an international Hilton HHonors auction. The auction will give HHonors members across the world a chance to bid points for the Ultimate Martell Experience package featuring accommodations at Martell's Chateau de Chanteloup, gourmet meals prepared by Martell's private Chef, exclusive tours, tasting experiences, and more.

All points from the winning member's bid will be donated to the Hilton HHonors Giving Back charitable organization of the winner's choice. Interested members can visit HHonors.com/martellauction to place a bid or acquire additional information.

For two adults of legal drinking age, the Ultimate Martel Experience includes:

* Exclusive accommodations for two-nights outside Cognac in France at the Chateau de Chanteloup, which is not available to the public.

* Gourmet, multi-course meals including full breakfasts, 4-course lunches and 4-course gala dinners that will be prepared by Martell's private Chef.

* Visit to the Martell House historical grounds in the center of the city of Cognac.

* Limousine pick-up and drive through the Charentes countryside to Chanteloup.

* Visit to the Gallienne Vineyards wine making facility and distillery.

* Visit to the Cellars of Chanteloup, home to Martell's eaux-de-vie aging process.

* Guided tour of the town of Cognac.

* Choice of one optional activity such as a game of golf, a river cruise or a visit to a local museum in the surrounding areas (subject to seasonality).

* Private cognac and eaux-de-vie tasting experiences(a).

* Limited edition, engraved Martell Cognac bottle that is not available for purchase anywhere in the world.

In addition to offering exciting experiences, the auctions offered by Hilton HHonors are unique in that they assist charitable organizations in need. The winning bid from each Hilton HHonors auction is converted to a monetary donation benefiting the Giving Back charity of the winner's choice. Thus, the winner of the Ultimate Martell Experience auction will not only enjoy a tremendous prize package, but will also donate their winning bid to their favorite Hilton HHonors Giving Back charity. The Giving Back program features more than 20 reputable charities such as the World Wildlife Fund and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. HHonors members who do not win the auction can still donate their points to the Giving Back partner of their choice at any time via HiltonFamily.com/GivingBack.

"Auctions have been one of the most exciting features that we've added to the HHonors program," said Adam Burke, senior vice president of customer loyalty for Hilton Hotels Corporation. "Since we started running auctions two years ago, HHonors members have bid millions of points and donated tens of thousands of dollars to our Giving Back charity partners. At the same time, we've been able to offer members a chance to take spectacular vacations to exotic locations, attend special events like the Tony Awards and enjoy unique travel experiences such as helicopter ridessimply by redeeming their points. Now, we are thrilled to collaborate with Martell to offer members across the world this incredibly exclusive experience."

Placing a bid for the Ultimate Martel Experience is simple. To participate, please visit HiltonHHonors.com/martellauction. Auction bidding begins at 12:00 p.m. (EDT U.S.) on Monday, October 13, 2008. All bids must be received by 12:00 p.m. (EDT U.S.) on Monday, October 27, 2008. The auction's highest bidder will be notified via email on or about October 28, 2008.

About Hilton HHonors

Hilton HHonors[R] is an esteemed guest reward program that gives frequent travelers a fast way to earn the rewards they want most. It is the only guest reward program to offer Points & Miles[R] and No Blackout Dates with no capacity controls at more than 3,000 hotels. Enrolled members can Double Dip[R] to earn HHonors points and airline miles for the same stay, at nearly any rate, at participating Hilton[R], Conrad[R] Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree by Hilton[R], Embassy Suites Hotels[R], Hampton by Hilton[R], Hampton Inn & Suites[R], Hilton Garden Inn[R], Hilton Grand Vacations[TM], Homewood Suites by Hilton[R] and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection[TM] hotels around the world. In addition to redeeming HHonors points for complimentary nights, Hilton HHonors members can also redeem points for merchandise, vacation packages, unique experience rewards and more.

Membership in HHonors is free. Travelers may enroll online by visiting HiltonHHonors.com. Consumers in the U.S. and Canada can enroll instantly in the program by calling 1-800-HHONORS. Outside the U.S. and Canada, travelers may call the Hilton Reservations and Customer Care office in their area. Travelers also may enroll at any Hilton Family Hotel. For further information, visit HiltonHHonors.com.