Hilton Hotel Owners Spice Up Latin American, Caribbean Hotels with over $18.5 Million in Renovations

Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels Corporation’s global brand of upscale, full-service hotels, today announced that owners of eight of its hotels in the Latin American and Caribbean regions have completed more than $18.5 million in renovations.

These projects are part of an ongoing global initiative by Hilton to upgrade its Hilton Brand facilities and guest accommodations in order to exceed guest expectations for style, choice, convenience and comfort. The hotels are located in Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, Curacao, Puerto Rico and Trinidad.

A selection of Latin American hotels that have been renovated in the last year include Hilton Colon Guayaquil, that recently completed a $7 million renovation, which included guest room upgrades ranging from new soft goods to 42” plasma televisions and Wi-Fi connectivity; updated meeting and banquet facilities; new health club and spa; and the addition of Sal & Pimienta, a quality delicatessen and fast food outlet. The property will spend an additional $3 million over the next two years to upgrade the lobby bar, 24-hour coffee shop, and two specialty restaurants.

The Hilton Cartagena Hotel debuted a brand new $5 million executive tower, adding 53 non-smoking rooms to the property. The new tower, adjacent to the convention center in the hotel’s north wing, features 46 executive guest rooms and seven executive suites, all with access to the new executive lounge. The new rooms are outfitted with the latest decor and technology, offering guests double glass panel windows, LCD television, a dedicated work area, king or queen Hilton Serenity Collection beds, rain shower in bathroom, and more. This addition is the latest in Hilton Cartagena’s upgrades, following the opening of the hotel’s new spa late last year.

The Hilton Buenos Aires recently embarked on a $2.3 million renovation campaign encompassing all 417 rooms. The hotel has already invited guests to experience 405 completely renovated rooms, including Executive Floor rooms and four corner suites, while the final 12 rooms are slated for completion in 2009. These renovations cover almost every aspect of the rooms, including new bedding accessories, chenille covered headboards, 32” high definition LCD television, as well as brand new carpeting, wallpaper, upholstery, drapes, flooring, artwork and lighting.

The Hilton Villahermosa & Conference Center refurbished its two meeting rooms and board room. The $2.2 million renovation created nearly 7,800 square feet of additional meeting space.

The Hilton Colon Quito spent $2 million to upgrade and refurbish all the Deluxe rooms and the Club floor located in its Santa Maria Tower. All guests rooms have received the Hilton Serenity Collection, which includes a mattress and box spring by Serta, fine linens, down comforter and down pillows, as well as the “easy to use” alarm clock/mp3 player, in-room coffee program and bath amenities. The hotel also added an “Executive Tower,” featuring 42 suites with its own check-in, private lounge, two executive meeting rooms, business center and personalized butler service.

Additionally, a number of hotels in the Caribbean have undergone notable renovations such as Hilton Curacao, Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort and Hilton Trinidad & Conference Center that debuted four renovated presidential suites in late 2007, with complete updates to bedding, furniture and bathrooms.

Three years ago, the Hilton brand embarked on a revitalization campaign that encompassed the creation of 44 new hotels, as well as the renovation or conversion of more than 209 Hilton brand hotels worldwide, and further properties will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis.