Acquisitions & Hotel Openings

Hilton Worldwide Re-Brands the Elysian in Illinois as Waldorf Astoria Chicago

CHICAGO, IL / MCLEAN, VA - February 7, 2012 - Hilton Worldwide, the parent company of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, today rebrands the former Elysian hotel as the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. The hotel, which recently earned the coveted distinction of being the #1 hotel in the United States according to readers of Conde Nast Traveler, was acquired late last year by a joint venture between Hilton Worldwide; an Equity Group Investments affiliate; and the Elysian principals. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is the 23rd property to become part of Hilton's luxury hospitality brand, with an additional three properties joining the portfolio in 2012.

The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand, which draws its inspiration from the legendary Waldorf=Astoria New York, is known for delivering highly personalized service and is one of the world's fastest growing luxury hospitality brands. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will use the strength of its history, reputation and worldwide presence as it establishes a Waldorf Astoria presence in Chicago in the elegant and celebrated Elysian property which opened in late 2009.

"We're taking the best of the Elysian and bringing it into the world-class network of Waldorf Astoria," said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide. "The Elysian's well-deserved reputation for anticipatory service and attention to detail, as well as its stunning design and outstanding amenities, reflect the discerning needs of today's luxury guest, and are hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria brand."

Located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps off of Magnificent Mile, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago comprises the hotel, 51 private residences, restaurants, a spa, and event and meeting rooms. The building, which was designed by renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, features a richly detailed exterior and European courtyard reminiscent of the grand hotels of the 1920's, while the interiors embrace a sophisticated, urban sensibility. The hotel features 188 spacious guestrooms and suites boasting elegantly modern furnishings, fireplaces and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is also home to two distinct culinary experiences - Balsan, a contemporary bistro showcasing refined, yet rustic fare, and RIA, a two-Michelin-star restaurant offering modern, seasonally-driven French cuisine. Bernard's, the hotel bar, is reminiscent of a plush private club. The Elysian Spa & Health Club, which spans more than 14,000 square feet, offers a wide-ranging menu of personalized services as well as a mosaic-tiled lap pool, gyrotonic studio, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. The compilation is an amenity-rich environment for the most discerning of guests.

About the Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is located in the heart of the chic Gold Coast neighborhood near the most exclusive shops, restaurants and nightlife. Through innovations in service and technology, the 188-room hotel creates a new experience in luxury – energetic and fashion forward; warm and welcoming; fresh and engaging. In addition to its award-winning 14,000 square-foot spa and health club and 4,500- square feet of private event space, the property features two distinct culinary experiences: Balsan, a casual market-driven bistro; and RIA, a two-Michelin-starred, contemporary French restaurant. Having opened its doors in late 2009, the hotel has quickly accumulated a list of prestigious awards and accolades including: 5-diamond rating by AAA for 2011 and 2012; #1 U.S hotel by readers of Conde Nast Traveler; #1 U.S. hotel by U.S. News & World Report; #3 U.S. city hotel in Travel + Leisure. For more information, please visit www.wachicago.com, or call 312-646-1400.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide's luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand's namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel and resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide's ten market-leading brands

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 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered 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 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 88 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®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at:
www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide,
www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide,
www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide,
www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and
www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

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