Hampton Hotels` Save-A-Landmark Program Cruises into Kentucky to Refurbish the Belle of Louisville

Volunteers from Local Hampton Hotels Renew the Belle in Time for Its 95th
Birthday
MCLEAN, Va.--(Business Wire)--
Today, volunteers from Hampton Hotels` Save-A-Landmark program will join
together to help refurbish one of America`s most treasured steamboats, the Belle
of Louisville. The Belle is recognized as the oldest continuously operated
Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world. More than twenty local Hampton
Hotel volunteers will be on site to get the steamboat ready to celebrate her
95th birthday.

As a part of the Save-A-Landmark program, volunteers will complete a variety of
projects in order to preserve the steamboat's historical significance. These
projects include such tasks as painting, polishing, cleaning, and replacing
fixtures. Additionally, Hampton Hotels will present the Belle of Louisville with
a $10,000 check for future refurbishment efforts.

"Hampton Hotels is honored to be a part of the preservation effort of this
historic vessel," said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of global brand
marketing for Hampton Hotels. "The Belle of Louisville has played a significant
role in America`s past, and we hope that this contribution will ensure that she
celebrates many more birthdays for years to come."

As one of the oldest steamboats in the world, the Belle has traveled far and
wide while constantly adapting to new roles as the times changed. Built in 1914,
the Belle, originally named the Idlewild, spent her early years as a ferry
between Memphis, TN and West Memphis, AR. She was made to haul cargo, but this
versatile vessel could alsohandle excursions and traveled from state to state
through the Mississippi River systems. The Belle also had a brief military
career during World War II towing oil barges along the river by day and bringing
fun to the troops as a floating U.S.O. club by night. The boat was sold in 1947,
and the owner changed her name from the Idlewild to the Avalon, which remained
for the next 13 years. In 1962, the city of Louisville bought the vessel and did
major repairs to its worn exterior and donned it with the name Belle of
Louisville.

The Belle was made a National Historic Landmark in 1989 and is on the National
Register for Historic Places. She continues to be owned by the Louisville Metro
government and is operated by the Waterfront Development Corporation. Today, the
Belle spends her days taking passengers along the Ohio River. This legendary
lady is one of the only remaining vessels of an era that contributed
dramatically to the economic, social and cultural development of our country.

The Belle of Louisville is the eighth landmark to be refurbished in 2009. This
year, Hampton is devoted to restoring sites that represent what it means to be
American, just like the Belle of Louisville, who has endured nearly 95 years of
American history. Each site that Save-A-Landmark will refurbish reflects the
individual personalities of the states and their residents, and signifies
defining moments in the country`s past.

Communities across the country showed their American spirit by casting thousands
of votes to help elect the nine landmarks that will be restored this year. The
public voted for their favorite "All-American Landmarks" in nine states,
including Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina,
Oregon, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Voting for 2010 landmarks will begin November
2nd on www.hamptonlandmarks.com, where visitors will be able to vote for the
next sites Save-A-Landmark will visit and help the program reach its goal of
saving one landmark in all 50 states.

Over the years, Hampton has worked to preserve 48 other historical, fun and
cultural landmarks from the Carousel Gardens in New Orleans, La. to the
historical National Monument of the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass. During this
time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites
and their importance, facilitated tens of thousands of volunteer hours, donated
several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants - all at an investment
of more than $3.5 million. Uniting its hotels together in the communities they
serve, Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while
Hampton provides the financial support to refurbish selected sites.
TheSave-A-Landmark program has already successfully refurbished a landmark in 39
states.

About Hampton Hotels

The Hampton brand, including Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn by
Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton, is an
award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment. With more than 1,700
properties globally Hampton Hotels is part of Hilton Worldwide, the leading
global hospitality company. All Hampton Hotels offer warm surroundings and a
friendly service culture that share a common "personality" supported by the 100%
Satisfaction Guarantee. High-quality accommodations, in-room conveniences and
the latest technology, combined with numerous locations and consistent
offerings, have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest
growing hotel brands.

For more information about Hampton Hotels, please visit
www.hampton.com/pressandmedia or follow us on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/HamptonFYI. For more information about Hampton Hotels`
Save-A-Landmark program, please visit www.hamptonlandmarks.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 90 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. Our brands are comprised
of more than 3,300 hotels in 77 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels &
Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels,
Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, 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,
please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.

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Hampton Brand Communications
Sheryl Shelton, 901-374-6383
Sheryl.Shelton@hilton.com
or
Cohn & Wolfe
Esther Rawlings, 310-967-2953
esther_rawlings@lax.cohnwolfe.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009