GAINESVILLE, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 12, 2003—Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) has announced the 248-room University of Florida Hotel & Conference Center in Gainesville, Fla. has become a Hilton hotel, representing another addition to the brand`s collection of full-service hotels and resorts around the world.

Formerly a Doubletree(R) hotel, the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville will continue to be owned by Mass Mutual/Cornerstone Advisors and managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Located directly across the street from the 46,000-student, 2,000-acre University of Florida campus—one of the nation`s five largest universities, the Hilton is the perfect place to stay for conference attendees, University guests and alumni and sports enthusiasts visiting the Gainesville area.

The newly named Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville is proud to feature one of the region`s most state-of-the-art meeting venues. The hotel features a specialized facility that has been built to the stringent accreditation standards of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). Geared to hosting small to medium-sized meetings, training sessions, educational think tanks and conferences, the facility includes the latest meetings technology available—including a direct, fiber-optic link to the University of Florida GatorLink/Internet-2 network.

Additional flexible event facilities brings the total amount of available meeting space at the Hilton to 25,000 square feet, which includes 13 meeting rooms, a 7,000 sq. ft. ballroom, spacious pre-function areas and the capacity to serve up to 700 people.

“Hilton has always been known as a gathering place in the communities in which it serves. The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, with its unique features and services for both academic and professional travelers, will certainly be a great complement to our brand portfolio and continue to serve the Gainesville community well,” said Robert E. Dirks, senior vice president - brand management and marketing for Hilton Hotels and Resorts.

With two adjoining seven-story towers, the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center features full concierge and bellman services; express check-in and check-out; a full-service business center; a gift shop; and a complimentary shuttle service to Gainesville Regional Airport, the University of Florida campus and points of interest in the Gainesville area.

Standard guest room accommodations and features include all of the comforts of home including a sitting area with a plush easy chair and ottoman, a hairdryer, a coffee maker, and an iron and ironing board. In-room entertainment and information services include on-demand movies, cable television, wireless cable Internet access and interactive guest services.

Business-oriented features of the guest rooms include high-speed Internet access, a spacious work desk with armchair; a telephone equipped with two lines, data ports and voice mail; and a complimentary daily newspaper.

Recreational facilities consist of a fitness center; an outdoor pool and a whirlpool. Golf and tennis facilities also are located nearby. Albert`s is a fine dining restaurant featuring an exceptional presentation of American and Continental cuisine. For those who want to enjoy the residential setting of their guest room, food service also is available from early morning to late at night.

“Our entire hotel team is excited to continue serving the Gainesville community in our new affiliation with the flagship brand of the Hilton Family of Hotels,” said Wende Blumberg, hotel general manager. “The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville offers a wonderful retreat with a combination of contemporary, upscale guest amenities and the finest in Central Florida hospitality.”

Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program will continue to earn Points & Miles(R) for every qualifying stay at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville. HHonors is the only hotel program that allows any of its members to reap Double Dip(R) earnings by simultaneously accumulating both airline miles and hotel points with each qualifying stay.

The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville is located just ten miles from Gainesville Regional Airport, near the intersection of Interstates 75 and Highway 24. The hotel`s address is: 1714 S.W. 34th Street, Gainesville, Fla. 32607; phone: 352-371-3600; fax: 352-371-0306. The hotel is centrally situated near all major business and commercial centers and just minutes from the Center for the Performing Arts, Harn Museum, Florida Museum of Natural History, Devil`s Millhopper State Geological Site, Fred Bear Museum, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the Payne`s Prairie State Preserve.

For more information on the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, visit the hotel`s website at www.hilton.com, contact Hilton Reservations Worldwide at l-800-HILTONS in the U.S. and Canada or call the hotel directly at 352-371-3600.

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