Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced that it is set to open the Trianon Palace Versailles as a Waldorf=Astoria Collection hotel early next year, signalling the French debut of the luxury brand in one of the country’s most historic locations.Trianon Palace Versailles, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection will be the second European hotel to join the company’s prestigious Waldorf=Astoria Collection, reflecting the luxury brand’s dynamic international expansion. In September this year, the former Rome Cavalieri Hilton was relaunched as the Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf=Astoria Collection, marking the debut of HHC’s luxury brand in the region. Continuing this growth, the company has also unveiled plans for its Israeli inauguration, with the opening of The Palace Jerusalem in 2010 and has recently revealed it is set to launch The Bentley Waldorf =Astoria Collection in London next year.

“This move marks a significant step in our commitment to develop our luxury accommodation offering across Europe,” commented Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President Development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Hotels Corporation. “Trianon Palace Versailles is a spectacular hotel that has deservedly gained a reputation as one of France’s leading luxury retreats. It is a magnificent addition to the Waldorf=Astoria Collection and the Hilton Family portfolio of hotels across Europe.”

Ross Klein, Global Head Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Hotels Corporation, said: “The Waldorf=Astoria Collection hotels are designed to actively enhance discerning travellers’ indigenous luxury experiences and the Trianon Palace Versailles, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, will similarly be committed to truly providing opportunities for distinct and authentic discovery. We look forward to welcoming the hotel to our Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio in 2009.”

Uniquely located less than a mile from the famed Chateau de Versailles and 20 kilometres from the heart of Paris, Trianon Palace Versailles is nestled in the heart of Versailles and surrounded by a private three-acre wooded park. Renowned landscape designer Louis Benech has restored its famed gardens to their former glory incorporating various original elements.

The elegant 199-room hotel retains many historic features and has recently completed an extensive multi-million dollar renovation programme, overseen by noted interior designer Fiona Thompson, transforming all public areas, accommodation and guest facilities. Trianon Palace Versailles has also been recently recognised at the 2008 European Hotel Design Awards, picking up the top accolade in the Best Interior Design category for its lobby and public areas.

Trianon Palace Versailles is also home to Gordon Ramsay au Trianon - the acclaimed chef’s first fine dining restaurant in France, complemented by a second Ramsay operated restaurant, La Veranda, a relaxed brasserie overlooking the outdoor terrace. Guests may also experience exclusive dining at The Chef’s Table, which overlooks the kitchen of Gordon Ramsay au Trianon for both lunch and dinner. Gordon Ramsay is also responsible for gourmet in-room dining and provision of all catering services.

Throughout the hotel, guests can enjoy an array of facilities and experiences designed for leisure and active pursuits. Trianon Palace Versailles is home the stunning Spa Guerlain, encompassing over 2,800 square metres dedicated to beauty and well-being, featuring luxurious state-of-the-art facilities and amenities offering an extensive menu of bespoke treatments and therapies as well as a striking indoor heated swimming pool. For the more energetic, a fully equipped fitness centre is available, in addition to outdoor tennis courts within the hotel’s spacious grounds.

The hotel’s conference and meetings facilities - which can accommodate up to 300 guests - offer 19 conference rooms, all with wireless high speed internet access facilities and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. An on-site, 24-hour Business Centre also provides a variety of essential support services.

With five properties located within the greater Paris area, HHC anticipates this latest addition to its portfolio will help the company develop new business opportunities with international travellers to the French capital.  Working together, the company’s Parisian hotels will be able to fulfil requests for multi-location programmes for groups and leisure guests seeking to combine a city break with a luxury country retreat.

“Paris is an enchanting city that has an enduring appeal for travellers. We are now in a position to offer a truly luxurious property in this destination that very much complements our four Hilton hotels and at the same time, enables us to widen our appeal to new leisure and business guests,” explained Simon Vincent, Hilton Hotels, Area President - Europe.

In addition to the Trianon Palace Versailles, The Waldorf=Astoria CollectionT also operates six other properties - four in the United States, comprising the inspiration for the brand, the legendary Waldorf=Astoria in New York; Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona; Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui, Hawaii; and La Quinta Resort & Club in Southern California. Internationally it operates the 46-suite Qasr Al Sharq or “Palace of the Orient” in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and most recently, the Rome Cavalieri, which launched in September this year.

The company is also developing Waldorf=Astoria hotels and residences in key cities around the world and next year expects to launch The Waldorf=Astoria Orlando in Florida, Dakota Mountain Lodge in Park City (Utah) and The Bentley Waldorf =Astoria Collection in London, as well as The Palace Jerusalem, Israel, The Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota in Florida and the proposed The Waldorf=Astoria Beverly Hills in California, which are scheduled to open in 2010.

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