Hilton Garden Inn opens in Aberdeen 09/08/10

ABERDEEN, Scotland and MCLEAN, Va. - (9 AUGUST, 2010) - Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of its first Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) hotel in Scotland, which will be the second HGI to open in the UK.  This opening follows the signing of a management agreement with the St. Andrew Street Hotel Company.  The hotel is the third Hilton Worldwide hotel in Aberdeen, joining the Doubletree by Hilton Aberdeen City Centre and Hilton Aberdeen Treetops.  The new build Hilton Garden Inn Aberdeen City Centre offers 100 stylish bedrooms, all featuring the brand's signature Garden Sleep System bed, as well as the ergonomic Mirra chair by Herman Miller.

Welcoming today's announcement, Simon Vincent, area president of Europe, Hilton Worldwide, said: "We are delighted to have three of our key brands now represented in Aberdeen.  This new hotel joins the HGI Luton North which was the first HGI to open in the UK in 2008.  Across Europe, we now have ten HGI hotels open and operating, with more than 22 in our development pipeline.  We are very pleased with the interest in this brand and we are confident that it will continue to grow successfully, as the mid-market brand of choice for business and leisure guests."

HGI Aberdeen City Centre features a contemporary designed lobby, restaurant and bar, 24-hour business centre, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access throughout the hotel, as well as the Hilton Garden Inn 24-hour Pavilion Pantry which provides a selection of food and beverage options.  Guests will also be able to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors* points at the hotel and take advantage of benefits enjoyed by over 25 million members worldwide.

Recently dubbed "Europe's Energy Capital," Aberdeen is well known for its North Sea oil and gas companies and is a thriving business centre.  The area has been a favourite Royal destination for over 150 years, with stunning scenery and a vibrant mix of wildlife - it is billed as "Scotland's Larder."  A wealth of golf courses and areas of natural beauty, combined with a lively social scene of restaurants, shopping malls and boutique shops in the city centre, make this the ideal destination for a short break or extended vacation.

Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said: "Hilton Garden Inn is a very successful global brand having recently celebrated its 500^th hotel opening in the US.  As our brand continues to expand internationally, we look forward to introducing more travellers to what sets the brand apart from competitors.  With amenities that include the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry, complimentary internet access, printspots, the Garden Sleep System, stylish interiors and excellent service, all at an affordable rate, Hilton Garden Inn is the perfect hotel for mid-market business and leisure travellers."

Hilton Worldwide has selected the UK as one of its key European growth markets for establishing its portfolio of hotel brands.  The company currently manages and franchises 89 hotels in the UK, across the Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Doubletree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton brands.

As a strategic development market, Hilton Worldwide's introduction of its portfolio of brands continues apace.  The other most recent announcement regarding development in the UK was the Doubletree by Hilton Lincoln City Centre, which is expected to open in 2011.

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Notes to editors

About Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, mid-priced brand that continually strives to ensure today's busy travellers have everything they need to be most productive on the road - from complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms and PrintSpotsTM mobile printing to the hotel's complimentary 24-hour business center to one of the most comfortable beds you will ever experience with the Garden Sleep System®.  So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travellers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while away from home.  Hilton Garden Inn represents one of the cornerstones of the Hilton growth strategy. For more information about Hilton Garden Inn locations throughout North America and Europe, visit www.hgi.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.

About St Andrew Street Hotel Company

St Andrew Street Hotel Company is an Aberdeen based hotel investment company.