Hilton Hotels has announced the launch of its first Russian property, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya.

Owned by JSC Sadko Hotel, the hotel will be operated under a franchise agreement with Hilton and managed on behalf of the owning company by a subsidiary of Interstate Hotels & Resorts. It will be the first of three different Hilton family hotel brands expected to open in Russia this year. Considered one of the Russian capital’s key landmark buildings, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya is one of seven famous ‘Stalin’ towers that define the Moscow skyline. Originally constructed in 1954, the hotel retains many of its historic features and architecture, and is complimented by crisp modern design as part of a complete refurbishment of all public areas and guest rooms.

Located next to Moscow’s Garden Ring and a short walk from the city’s main Leningradskaya train station, Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya is within easy access to the city’s famous Red Square making it a great option for exploring Moscow’s historic landmarks. The hotel is only 30 kilometres from Sheremetyevo International Airport.

Spread over 28 floors, the hotel has 273 modern rooms, including 39 executive rooms, which provide guests with spectacular panoramic views across the city.

The opening of Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya heralds the start of HHC’s plans to develop rapidly across Russia, not only focusing on Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also actively looking at opportunities in key regional cities.

The company has announced plans to debut its mid-priced brand Hilton Garden Inn in the Russian city of Perm as well as its first Doubletree by Hilton property in Novosibirsk, both expected to open by the end of the year. The hotel in Novosibirsk represents the first hotel to open as part of a significant development alliance with London & Regional Properties Limited to introduce 25 hotels in Russia over the next five to seven years, encompassing selected brands within the Hilton Family of Hotels, including Conrad®, Hilton®, Doubletree by Hilton?, Hilton Garden Inn? and Hampton by Hilton? hotels.

Wolfgang M. Neumann, President of Hilton Hotels Europe said: “We are entering into Russia at a pivotal time in its economic development.  Improved accessibility from key feeder markets such as Western Europe and the US combined with increased wealth and mobility of domestic travellers are certainly key factors for this growth. To cater for this we anticipate that we could see more than 70 Hilton Family hotels across Russia over the next ten years.”

Hilton has named Russia as one of its key development regions, joining the UK & Ireland, Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, Germany, Turkey and Poland as core strategic areas for the introduction of the Hilton Family of hotels in Europe. In addition to the three new Russian properties, HHC expects to introduce a further eight new hotels across mainland Europe in 2008, including a ‘re-launch’ of the renowned Rome Cavalieri hotel, which is expected to re-open its doors under The Waldorf=Astoria Collection banner next month.
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