Uncomfortable Poses, Matching Outfits, Odd Props – Embassy Suites Hotels and Awkward Family Photos® Launch Contest To Find The Most Cringe-Worthy Family Vacation Snapshot

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The embarrassing news is in: compromising family snapshots are an epidemic among American families. According to a recent survey* by Embassy Suites Hotels, more than 70 percent of Americans have at least one awkward vacation picture in their possession. And while almost half (49 percent) of Americans have tried to hide the evidence, the Embassy Suites Awkward Family Vacation Photo Contest is encouraging consumers to celebrate the awkwardness by submitting their embarrassing family vacation shot for a chance to win a family vacation do-over.

“At Embassy Suites Hotels, a relaxed atmosphere is an important part of how we engage with our guests – and humor plays a role in that”

The all-suites hotel brand, in partnership with Awkward Family Photos, the wildly popular blog that encourages people to share humorous, cringe-worthy or even downright strange family photos, is asking consumers to unleash their awkward family vacation photos for a chance to win a two week vacation worth over $20,000 to one of three fabulous Embassy Suites properties in a resort destination — Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe, Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk or Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord/Golf Resort & Spa — depending on the winner’s selection. The prize package includes 14 complimentary nights in a spacious, two-room suite and $15,000 cash, so whether you prefer to surf in the Pacific Ocean, hit the ski slopes or practice your golf swing, Embassy Suites is offering consumers more than just an average family vacation. To enter the contest, consumers must simply visit www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/embassysuites.

“At Embassy Suites Hotels, a relaxed atmosphere is an important part of how we engage with our guests – and humor plays a role in that,” said John Lee, vice president, brand marketing for Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Worldwide. “We celebrate the awkward family vacation photo because, to us, a key component of a successful vacation is being able to look back on it with a smile.”

How much more can one really get from a vacation with $15,000? It’s up to the winner to create his or her ideal trip, but here are the three Embassy Suites properties to select from and examples of the fabulous experiences that can be had with the hefty cash prize:

Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk:

This beautiful hotel is just steps away from the world-famous Waikiki Beach—an energetic and vibrant place. It features two 21-story towers and offers Hawaiian hospitality with a special emphasis on Hawaiian culture. The hotel is perfect for relaxation, celebration and invigoration. With $15,000 cash, this experience could include private surf lessons with a local surf pro and a day-long yacht trip with a snorkeling expedition.

Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe:

Located at the base of Heavenly Ski Resort's gondola and next door to world-class gaming and entertainment, this hotel is perfect for folks who love the great outdoors. Lake Tahoe is one of the best U.S. playgrounds for winter skiing, spring hiking and summer boating. With $15,000 cash, this experience could include private ski and snowboarding lessons with a professional instructor and spa treatments to wind down after a long day of activity.

Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord/Golf Resort & Spa:

This exciting hotel is home to the Rocky River Golf Course and the full-service Spa Botanica. For racing aficionados, the Charlotte Motor Speedway, famous for the Coca-Cola 600, and zMax Drag Way are a stone’s throw away. With $15,000 cash, this experience could include one-on-one golf lessons with a pro to hone your swing and a day at the spa or a shopping spree at a nearby shopping center.

The Embassy Suites Awkward Family Vacation Photo Contest entry period opens today and lasts until Tuesday, August 2. Twenty finalists will be selected by Embassy Suites Hotels and Awkward Family, LLC and then it will be in the hands of consumers to vote for their favorite awkward snapshot between August 3 and August 9. At the close of the voting phase, the entry with the most votes will be named the grand prize winner, with five runner-up winners also receiving a prize. The grand prize includes more than just your average trip, with a family vacation to one of three Embassy Suites properties – beach, golf or ski – and $15,000 cash. For more information, please visit www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/embassysuites or www.facebook.com/EmbassySuitesHotels.

About Embassy Suites Hotels

Founded in 1984, Embassy Suites Hotels defines the upscale, all-suites segment and today has 211 hotels, with an additional 30 in the pipeline. With spacious two-room suites, engaging team members and an inviting atrium environment, guests are welcome to put their feet up and feel right at home. Embassy Suites’ complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast helps guests gear up for their day, while the nightly Manager’s Reception with complimentary appetizers and beverages offers guests a great way to wind down. To learn more, visit www.embassysuites.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 92 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 3,750 hotels and 615,000 rooms in 84 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, 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.

*Survey Methodology
The Embassy Suites Summer Travel Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 adult Americans, ages 18 and older, between June 1 and June 6, 2011, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18 and older.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.