BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 30, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Hilton Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of the 120-room Hilton Garden Inn(R) Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, California, representing another addition to the brand`s growing collection of more than 135 Hilton Garden Inn hotels across North America.
VIP Industries, LLC owns and manages the newly constructed Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage, under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., the franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corporation.

“Hilton Garden Inn hotels are quickly becoming the traveler`s first lodging choice, providing guests with the amenities and conveniences that make their stay with us a comfortable and home-like one,” said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president - brand management, Hilton Garden Inn. “The opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage shows our commitment to quickly becoming the premier choice when travelers are looking for a mid-priced hotel in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.”

The two-story Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage 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; three meeting rooms with 2,500 square feet of flexible meeting space; a 24-hour, complimentary business center; 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: high speed Internet access; a spacious work desk with a pull-out shelf for a portable computer; 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, outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool. Tennis courts and over 100 golf courses are located nearby.

“The Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage provides a fresh, new hotel experience to the local hotel market when visiting the Rancho Mirage area,” said Michael Walzl, hotel general manager. “Our hotel is located within walking distance to many shopping and dining areas and is just an easy drive to the sights of Palm Springs and its tourist attractions.”

Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program can earn Points & Miles(TM) for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage. 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.

Hilton Garden Inn developments represent one of the cornerstones of Hilton`s franchise growth strategy. More than 225 Hilton Garden Inn properties are currently open or under development in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage address is 71700 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270; phone: 760/776-9700; fax: 760/776-4110. The hotel is situated at the intersection of Bob Hope Drive and Highway 111, and is approximately 13 miles from Palm Springs Airport. The hotel is located near Knott`s Soak City Water Park, Indian Canyons, Palm Springs Aerial Tram Way, Big League Dream Sports Park, the upscale El Paso Shopping District and the Eisenhower Medical Center.

The Hilton Garden Inn brand 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), Harrison Conference Centers(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Company(R) and Homewood Suites(R) by Hilton.

To find out more about Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage or make reservations, please visit our Web site at www.hiltongardeninn.com or call 1-800-HILTONS from the U.S. and Canada, or call the hotel directly.

——-