Doubletree by Hilton(TM) to Launch in Russia

Doubletree by Hilton Novosibirsk expected to open in Fall 2008
LONDON & BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has today announced that it has
entered into a franchise agreement with ZAO Russkaya Kompaniya
Razvitiya (a wholly owned subsidiary of the London & Regional group)
to introduce the Doubletree by Hilton(TM) hotel product in Russia.

This agreement forms part of a 'Strategic Development Alliance'
with London & Regional Properties Limited (L&R) which (once
formalised) is expected to introduce approximately 25 new hotels
across Russia, encompassing selected brands within the Hilton Family
of Hotels.

Scheduled to open towards the end of 2008, the upscale, full
service hotel Doubletree by Hilton brand will debut in Novosibirsk,
Russia's third largest and fastest growing city, marking Hilton's
rapid expansion into the country with three different hotel brands
launching this year.

"Today marks a historic occasion for us at Hilton, with the debut
of our first-ever Doubletree by Hilton(TM) development in Russia,"
explained Wolfgang M. Neumann, President of Hilton Hotels - Europe.
"This announcement cements our intention and commitment to grow our
presence in key strategic markets such as Russia, where we firmly
believe there is huge potential for hotel growth in key cities across
the country. We have no doubt that the Doubletree by Hilton(TM) brand
is the ideal fit to meet demand in this country, and underscores our
strategy to integrate our successful Hilton Family of Hotels(R) brands
into growth markets throughout Europe."

Located some 3,000 km from the Russian capital, Novosibirsk is
considered to be an important business hub, and is known as a major
commercial and scientific centre. With a population of over one
million inhabitants, Russia's third largest city has established
itself as the cultural heart of Siberia and is served by Novosibirsk
Tolmachevo Airport (OVB) with regular flights to Europe, Asia and
other Russian cities.

Occupying a prime location, just off the city's central Lenin
Square, the newly-built Doubletree by Hilton Novosibirsk will offer
188 guest-rooms, and will form part of a mixed use development. The
hotel will offer leisure and business travellers a bar and restaurant,
a health club, as well more than 370m2 of flexible conference and
meeting facilities, business centre and complimentary parking.

Hotels across the Doubletree by Hilton portfolio pride themselves
on a longstanding tradition of distinctively designed properties that
reflect the local area, the warm welcome of the brand's legendary
chocolate chip cookie at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious
Hilton HHonors(R) loyalty programme(a) and a unique and caring
commitment to the communities in which they operate. Doubletree by
Hilton looks forward to expanding its unique worldwide spirit of
hospitality in Russia with the same core attributes, along with
impeccable service with a sense of contemporary style and
individuality.

"Doubletree Hotels continues to expand its upscale, full-service
hotel portfolio at a solid pace. This newest hotel agreement in
Novosibirsk, Russia reinforces our pride in Doubletree by Hilton being
recognised by hotel owners and developers as a dynamic, credible and
lucrative hotel brand for hoteliers around the world," commented Dave
Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree
Hotels. "The Doubletree by Hilton Novosibirsk will support Siberia's
business and tourism growth, as it welcomes guests to experience the
diversity that makes this region of Russia such an incredible place to
visit."

Today's announcement also reflects the further expansion of the
Hilton Family of hotels across Russia. Hilton's first hotel in Russia
will be the 275-room Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya, which is scheduled
to open in early May. The company also plans to debut its mid-priced
brand Hilton Garden Inn in the Russian city of Perm by the end of the
year. Through an anticipated agreement with London & Regional, Hilton
is primed to develop 25 new properties across Russia, encompassing
selected brands within the Hilton Family of Hotels. Throughout the
next 10 years, Hilton anticipates it will open more than 70 hotels
across Russia, not only focusing on Moscow and St. Petersburg, but
also actively looking at opportunities in key regional cities.

(a) Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles(R), and
redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions.

About Doubletree by Hilton Hotels

With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations
in nearly 200 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 travelers. 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(R) guest reward programme, each Doubletree by Hilton guest
receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. To make
reservations at any Doubletree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit
our website at www.doubletree.com.

About Hilton Hotels Corporation

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality
company, with more than 3,000 hotels and 500,000 rooms in more than 80
countries, including 100,000 team members worldwide. The company owns,
manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and
highly regarded brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R) Hotels &
Resorts, Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R),
Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand
Vacations(R), Homewood Suites by Hilton(R) and The Waldorf=Astoria
Collection(TM).

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton's
philosophy that, "It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility
to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality." The
company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the
best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable(R).
The philosophy is shared by all nine brands in the Hilton Family of
Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness
and generosity.

For more information about our company, please visit
www.hiltonworldwide.com, and to learn more about our be hospitable
philosophy, please visit www.behospitable.com.

Hilton Family of Hotels (Europe)
Nicola McShane, Director of Communications Europe
Tel: +44 (0)207 856 8077 (UK)
nicola.mcshane@hilton.com
or
Iain Wearmouth, Communications Manager Europe
Tel: +44 (0)207 856 8547 (UK)
iain.wearmouth@hilton.com
or
Doubletree by Hilton Hotels
Thomas Wingham, Director - Brand Communications
Tel: +1 310 205 3381 (USA)
thomas.wingham@hilton.com
or
Erika White, Assistant Manager - Brand Communications
Tel: +1 310 205 7805 (USA)
erika.white@hilton.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008