BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Hilton Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of the 156-room Hilton Garden Inn(R) Columbus Airport, in Columbus, Ohio, representing another addition to its growing roster of more than 135 Hilton Garden Inn hotels across North America.
Kenney Airport Hotel II Corp., owns the newly constructed Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport, under a license agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., the franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corporation. Cross Country Inns, 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 three-story structure, the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport features: a signature glass-walled pavilion housing the reception desk; a Pavilion Pantry(R) with a selection of refrigerated, frozen and microwaveable packaged items, and sundries; a breakfast cafe, offering freshly prepared breakfast; room service during dinner hours; a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; two meeting rooms with 1,248 square feet of flexible meeting space; a 24-hour complimentary business center; and an on-site laundry facility. The hotel also offers guests a complimentary airport and area shuttle service.

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 portable 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.

Recreational facilities consist of a fitness room, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool. Golf courses, parks and tennis courts are also nearby.

“The hotel`s residential feel will appeal greatly to both business and leisure travelers seeking a home-like atmosphere,” said John Businger, hotel general manager. “This is what makes the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport the perfect choice when visiting the Ohio area.”

Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program can earn Points & Miles(TM) for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport. 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(R) provides more rewarding choices than ever before with more than 70 major airline, car rental and other travel-related companies.

Hilton Garden Inn(R) developments represent one of the cornerstones of Hilton`s franchise growth strategy. More than 200 Hilton Garden Inn properties are currently open or under development in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport address is 4265 Sawyer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219; phone: 614/231-2869; fax: 614/235-1590. The hotel is situated at the intersection of International Gateway and Sawyer Road, just a 1/4 mile from Port Columbus International Airport. The Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport is an easy drive to nearby attractions such as the Columbus Museum of Art, Arena District, Ohio State University and Easton Town Center.

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.

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