Doubletree by Hilton Toasts to Development Deal for New Resort in Tuscany, Italy

SIENA, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a franchise license agreement with EDILGEST Srl for a new Doubletree by Hilton resort in Tuscany, Italy. Anticipated to open during the spring of 2011, the newly built, 97 guest room Doubletree by Hilton Resort Siena – Chianti will join a fast-growing collection of more than 230 Doubletree by Hilton hotels and resorts around the world.

The new resort hotel will be located 12km from Siena, near the 13^th century medieval village of Monteriggioni, in an area known as “Colli Senesi Del Chianti” (Siena Hills of Chianti) - renowned for its production of Chianti red wine. Surrounding the new property is some of Italy’s most beautiful countryside, famous for its vineyards and sites of historical interest; in addition guests will only be a short distance from attractions such as S.Gimignano, Volterra, Pisa and Florence.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president development - Europe & Africa for Hilton Worldwide, commented: “The new Doubletree by Hilton Resort Siena – Chianti will be a fantastic addition to Hilton Worldwide’s Italian estate of hotels. The company has grown a portfolio of more than twenty hotels which are now either open or under development across the country. Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in the world and we anticipate this new hotel will welcome both leisure and corporate guests - visiting the area for its wealth of culture, art and history and of course its wonderful food and fantastic wines!”

Doubletree by Hilton Resort Siena - Chianti will offer 97 guest rooms, with an additional 23 being introduced in 2012. The hotel will feature two full-service restaurants, a bar, spa facility with indoor swimming pool, dedicated fitness center, outdoor resort style swimming pool and over 500 square meters of meeting space.

Rob Palleschi, global head for Doubletree Hotels, remarked: “Doubletree by Hilton has seen remarkable growth since 2008, when we opened our first hotels in Italy and across Europe. We are proud to continue our development success in Italy, with this outstanding resort development in the Montereggioni region of Tuscany. With our current collection of 13 Doubletree by Hilton hotels operating in Europe and a further 17 additional hotels now under development across the region, the unique potential for Italian owners and developers of current and new-build hotels to become affiliated with the Doubletree by Hilton brand is more lucrative than ever.”

Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in; stylish, upscale accommodations; and a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate. Doubletree by Hilton believes in a set of business values that make their hotels a desirable place for employees to work and a satisfying place for travellers to stay. Doubletree by Hilton hotels also participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,600 hotels worldwide.

Currently, Hilton Worldwide operates 20 hotels in Italy under the Hilton, Doubletree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria Collection flags. With this latest Doubletree signing, Hilton Worldwide now has a total of five additional hotels in the pipeline, across its portfolio of brands, in Italy. Building on an increasing pan-European presence, Doubletree by Hilton currently welcomes Italian travellers throughout the country in Milan, Acaya, and Olbia, Sardinia as well as 11 European hotels and resorts in Italy, Greece, Norway, Slovakia and the UK. Additional Doubletree by Hilton locations are currently under development in Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Turkey and the UK.

Giampiero Bilenchi, President of EDILGEST Srl, said: “We have seen an increased amount of tourism in the Siena region and we decided to meet the growing demand for upscale accommodations with a resort that will offer quality service, professionalism and high standards to an international level. The partnership with Doubletree by Hilton made it possible to integrate our construction know-how with the outstanding experience and expertise of a world leader in the hospitality industry, to build a property which has the potential to become the most important hotel in the area of Siena and the Chianti.”

About EDILGEST Srl

EDILGEST Srl is an established residential and commercial construction company, which has operated in the Siena and Val d’Elsa region for over 60 years.

About Doubletree by Hilton Hotels

With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 230 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, Doubletree by Hilton hotels and resorts are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travellers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest reward programme, each Doubletree guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. For more information on Doubletree by Hilton, please visit www.doubletree.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 599,000 rooms in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.