Over $18.5 million in renovations -International hotels participate in brand's on-going upgrade program.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels Corporation's global brand of upscale, full-service hotels, today announced that owners of eight of its hotels in the Latin American and Caribbean regions have completed more than $18.5 million in renovations. These projects are part of an ongoing global initiative by Hilton to upgrade its Hilton Brand facilities and guest accommodations in order to exceed guest expectations for style, choice, convenience and comfort. The hotels are located in Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, Curacao, Puerto Rico and Trinidad.

"Our brand-wide renovation program not only targets our U.S. hotels, but also our entire, international portfolio," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president – brand management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "Guest satisfaction is a priority for the Hilton hotel brand, and this ongoing reinvigoration will help to ensure exceptional and consistent experiences for our guests."

A selection of Latin American hotels that have been renovated in the last year include:

1. Hilton Colon Guayaquil—Situated at Av. Francisco de Orellana Mz. 111, the hotel recently completed a $7 million renovation, which included guest room upgrades ranging from new soft goods to 42" plasma televisions and Wi-Fi connectivity; updated meeting and banquet facilities; new health club and spa; and the addition of Sal & Pimienta, a quality delicatessen and fast food outlet. The property will spend an additional $3 million over the next two years to upgrade the lobby bar, 24-hour coffee shop, and two specialty restaurants.

2. Hilton Cartagena Hotel—Positioned on the El Laguito peninsula overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the hotel debuted a brand new $5 million executive tower, adding 53 non-smoking rooms to the property. The new tower, adjacent to the convention center in the hotel's north wing, features 46 executive guest rooms and seven executive suites, all with access to the new executive lounge. The new rooms are outfitted with the latest decor and technology, offering guests double glass panel windows, LCD television, a dedicated work area, king or queen Hilton Serenity Collection™ beds, rain shower in bathroom, and more. This addition is the latest in Hilton Cartagena's upgrades, following the opening of the hotel's new spa late last year.

3. Hilton Buenos Aires – This harbor front property in downtown Puerto Madera district recently embarked on a $2.3 million renovation campaign encompassing all 417 rooms. The hotel has already invited guests to experience 405 completely renovated rooms, including Executive Floor rooms and four corner suites, while the final 12 rooms are slated for completion in 2009. These renovations cover almost every aspect of the rooms, including new bedding accessories, chenille covered headboards, 32" high definition LCD television, as well as brand new carpeting, wallpaper, upholstery, drapes, flooring, artwork and lighting.

4. Hilton Villahermosa & Conference Center—Located less than two miles from the Villahermosa International Airport at Adolfo Ruiz Cortines Ote, the hotel refurbished its two meeting rooms and board room. The $2.2 million renovation created nearly 7,800 square feet of additional meeting space.

5. Hilton Colon Quito—Just 20 minutes from Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the hotel spent $2 million to upgrade and refurbish all the Deluxe rooms and the Club floor located in its Santa Maria Tower. All guests rooms have received the Hilton Serenity Collection, which includes a mattress and box spring by Serta, fine linens, down comforter and down pillows, as well as the "easy to use" alarm clock/mp3 player, in-room coffee program and bath amenities. The hotel also added an "Executive Tower," featuring 42 suites with its own check-in, private lounge, two executive meeting rooms, business center and personalized butler service.

Additionally, a number of hotels in the Caribbean have undergone notable renovations such as:

Hilton Curaçao features upgrades to its exterior, lobby, meetings facilities and 3,694 ft² ballroom, which is the largest naturally lit, pillar-free ballroom on the island;

Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort unveiled a brand-new 6,240 sq. ft. Salon Pavilion Exhibition Center in late 2007;
Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre debuted four renovated presidential suites in late 2007, with complete updates to bedding, furniture and bathrooms.

Three years ago, the Hilton brand embarked on a revitalization campaign that encompassed the creation of 44 new hotels, as well as the renovation or conversion of more than 209 Hilton brand hotels worldwide, and further properties will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis. The brand is aligned itself with partners like the GRAMMY Awards and USA Swimming, and created its award-winning "Travel Should Take You Places®" advertising campaign. Through innovative community programs and a renewed focus on product development, Hilton launched an array of programs and products that have led to increased guest satisfaction. These include Hilton Fitness by Precor®, featuring the latest exercise equipment; Hilton Breakfast, offering guests the widest array of choices for starting their day with the nutrition and dietary options they prefer; Hilton Meetings designed to streamline the small meeting experience; Hilton's Pet Friendly program; and much more.