CINCINNATI, Jun 4, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of the 624-room Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, representing another addition to the brand`s growing roster of full-service hotels.
Formerly the Omni Netherland Plaza Hotel, the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza will continue to be operated and managed by Belvedere Hotels Ltd., under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation.

“Hilton Hotels Corporation is pleased to have the opportunity to add another historic center city hotel to its roster, which will join the Waldorf=Astoria(R) in New York, the Palmer House Hilton(R) in Chicago and the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville,” said Robert E. Dirks, senior vice president—brand management & marketing for the Hilton brand. “Hilton looks forward to complementing the efforts of the local hotel team with our global marketing, sales and technology infrastructure. By working together, we will leverage the strength of the brand by attracting business travelers, leisure guests as well as corporate and association meetings to Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.”

The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza has long been one of the region`s foremost venues for civic, social and corporate entertaining. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1994 and a charter member of the National Register of Historic Hotels, the hotel features elaborate wall and ceiling murals and frescoes, intricately detailed staircases and 1930s French Art Deco architecture. Generations of Cincinnatians have treasured memories of important celebrations and some of the city`s most gracious events at the hotel, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2006.

The 29-story Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza features 624 guest rooms, including 12 suites and 1 presidential suite, which are currently being upgraded with new decor, larger desks, specially designed lighting and the latest in telecommunications services. The hotel also features the revered Palm Court Restaurant for upscale casual and fine dining and more than 46,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, which include The Hall of Mirrors Ballroom, the Pavillon Room and the favorite Continental Room.

The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza also is a key, integrated component of the Carew Tower Shopping Arcade and Office Tower, a unique shopping experience with a collection of 75 upscale specialty shops; several restaurants; a 15,000 square foot fitness center, complete with lap pool; and 500,000 square feet of Class A office space. The hotel is also connected to Cincinnati`s downtown skywalk system making city landmarks, professional sports stadiums and corporate offices easily accessible for visitors and guests.

“We realize that we are the guardian of one of Cincinnati`s most important treasures. The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is an icon in the minds of the people of Cincinnati, and our entire hotel team is excited to represent the Hilton brand`s return to Cincinnati,” said Michel Sheer, hotel general manager. “By offering Hilton HHonors(R), one of the industry`s leading guest loyalty programs to our guests along with our award-winning services, our new Hilton relationship certainly presents some powerful advantages to our current and potential customers.”

Members of the Hilton HHonors guest reward program can earn Points & Miles(TM) for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. HHonors is the only hotel program that allows any of its members to Double Dip(R) by simultaneously accumulating both hotel points and airline miles with each qualifying stay. Hilton HHonors provides more rewarding choices than ever before with more than 70 major airline, car rental and other travel-related companies.

When asked about the transition of the Netherland Plaza to a Hilton hotel, Charlie Luken, Mayor of Cincinnati, responded, “This is a strong and positive development for our city`s downtown. With the reuniting of one of this city`s valued landmark hotels with the Hilton brand, we are excited about the additional national and international visibility this provides for our city. We all look forward to offering a warm welcome to the many new guests and travelers who will visit Cincinnati and stay at this grand hotel.”

Just 12 miles from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is located at the intersection of 5th Street and Race Street at 35 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202; phone: 513-421-9100; fax: 513-421-4291.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is 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), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Company(R) and Homewood Suites(R) by Hilton.

For more information about the Hilton collection of full-service hotels, please visit our website at www.hilton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS.

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