BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—June 3, 2002—Hilton Hotels Corporation today announced the opening of the 171-room Hilton Garden Inn(R) Houston Northwest, in Houston, Texas.

HILCOM Partners, Ltd. owns the newly constructed Hilton Garden Inn Houston Northwest, under a franchise licensing agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., the franchising subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corporation. Marcus Hotels and Resorts, Inc. manages the hotel.

“Hilton Garden Inn has emerged as an established brand that gives the cost-conscious business and leisure traveler what they need when away from home,” said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president—brand management, Hilton Garden Inn. “As the brand continues to open and develop properties throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, we are rapidly becoming a recognized leader in the upper end of the mid-priced lodging segment.”

A six-story structure inspired by a grand French chateau, the Hilton Garden Inn Houston Northwest features: Brazilian slate flooring throughout the public areas; a signature glass-walled pavilion housing the reception desk; the Pavilion Pantry(R) convenience mart with a selection of refrigerated, frozen and microwaveable packaged items, and sundries; the Great American Grill(R) restaurant, offering freshly prepared breakfast and lunch and room service available during dinner hours; the Chateau Cafe and wine bar, where we proudly brew Starbucks(R) coffee; a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; five meeting rooms with 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; a 24-hour complimentary business center; a fitness room, outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool; and an on-site guest laundry facility.

Guest room accommodations and features include: a hospitality center with a microwave oven, coffee maker and mini refrigerator; a sitting area with an easy chair and ottoman; a hairdryer; and an iron and ironing board. In-room entertainment and information services include on-demand movies, video games and interactive Hilton guest services.

Business-oriented features of the guest rooms include: a spacious work desk with a pull-out shelf for a laptop computer; high-speed Internet access; adjustable lighting; an ergonomic chair; electrical outlets at desk height; and two telephones equipped with two lines, data ports and voice mail.

Parks, tennis courts and golf courses also are located close by, and the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to take guests to nearby businesses and attractions.

“The Hilton Garden Inn Houston Northwest will provide a unique, affordable and comfortable place to stay for travelers whether they are in the area for business or pleasure,” said Patrick Hansen, hotel general manager. “We also are in an ideal location, only minutes away from Willowbrook Mall, the Sam Houston Racetrack, the new Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and Hewlett Packard.”

Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program can also earn Points & Miles(TM) for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Houston Northwest.

The Hilton Garden Inn Houston Northwest address is 7979 Willow Chase Blvd., Houston, TX 77070; phone: 832/912-1000; fax: 832/912-1025. The hotel is situated just north of FM 1960 on State Highway 249/Tomball Parkway and only 15 miles from Bush Intercontinental Airport.

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

To find out more about Hilton Garden Inn hotels or make reservations, please visit our website at www.hiltongardeninn.com or call 1-800-HILTONS from the U.S. and Canada.

——-