RICHMOND, Va., May 28, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Homewood Suites(R) by Hilton, the national brand of upscale all-suite, residential-style hotels targeting extended-stay travelers, today announced the opening of the 125-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel in Richmond, Va. Owned by Shamin RIC Hospitality, LC and managed by Shamin Management, the newly constructed hotel represents another addition to the Homewood Suites by Hilton growing roster of more than 100 hotels.
“The need for upscale hotels that cater to guests staying consecutive nights in the Richmond area greatly exceeds the available supply,” said Charles Friend, hotel general manager. “Our new facility has been created specifically to meet the needs of travelers who stay at the hotel for an extended amount of time and who may require specialized services and amenities, such as free local phone calls and complimentary grocery shopping service by the hotel.

“Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels have a home-like atmosphere that appeals to business travelers who stay for more than a few nights, as well as families vacationing with children and weekend travelers seeking a get-away retreat,” added Friend.

Located at 5996 Audubon Drive, the six-story hotel offers residential-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and spacious sleeping and living areas that are large enough for work, study, entertaining or relaxing. Attractive guest amenities include a complimentary breakfast buffet in the hotel`s hospitality center—the “Lodge,” an evening manager`s reception Monday through Thursday with a complimentary light meal and beverages(a); a 24-hour executive business center; exercise facilities and a 24-hour Suite Shop(R) convenience store.

Additional hotel amenities include an indoor pool, video cassette players, executive business center and 2,500 square feet of meeting space equipped with catering and banquet facilities. Each suite of the hotel has a fully equipped kitchen, featuring a microwave oven, full-size refrigerator, twin-burner stove, dishwasher and all the necessary pots, pans and utensils.

Suites also contain a remote-controlled television, an iron/ironing board, and two telephones with dual lines and data ports. Homewood Suites by Hilton backs its quality and value with its 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, which states if guests are not satisfied with their stay, then that night`s stay is free. Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) program can earn Points & Miles(TM) for the same stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Richmond Airport. HHonors is the only hotel program that allows any of its members to Double Dip(R) by simultaneously accumulating both airline miles and hotel points with the same stay.

To make reservations or request information about Homewood Suites by Hilton, travelers may call the brand`s national toll-free number, 1-800-CALL-HOME(R) (1-800-225-5466), or access the Homewood Suites by Hilton Web site at www.homewood-suites.com.

Homewood Suites by Hilton is a part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,000 hotels, resorts, and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world`s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(TM), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Harrison Conference Centers, Hilton Garden Inn(R) and Homewood Suites(R) by Hilton.

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