Summer Midpoint Beckons Would-be Vacationers

Hilton Family of Hotels Offers Summer Promotions

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF (Thursday, July 14, 2005) - As the summer vacation season passes the half-way mark, many Americans are still deciding their holiday plans, the Hilton Family of Hotels reports.

"Our trend reports show that while summer bookings in the first half were robust, most Americans lead such busy lives that their vacation planning often is pushed back until the last minute when travelers need to book air travel, hotel, and rental cars, along with event tickets," said Tom Keltner, president -brand performance and development group, Hilton Hotels Corporation. "And, as summer vacations are still a treasured tradition for millions of Americans, and projected to be on the rise, the travel industry is working to provide busy, hopeful travelers with easy, affordable options."

According to a recent study from the Travel Industry Association of America, leisure travel is projected to increase this summer by 2.3 percent, with Americans taking an estimated 328 million leisure trips at least 50 miles away from home during June, July and August 2005. But while the number of trips has steadily increased, the length of vacation time continues to decline (7.6 nights last summer versus seven nights this summer).

To address this growing trend and their customers' needs, the Hilton Family of Hotels has re-doubled its efforts with summer vacation packages and online resources that make planning leisure trips quick, easy and enjoyable.

As a dedicated leader to raise awareness about the importance of incorporating leisure time into our busy lives, the Hilton Family of Hotels maintains an innovative Leisure Time Advocacy (LTA) program, which is led by a board of academics and leisure experts who work to identify work/life trends and solutions.

"Now more than ever, people need easy ways to simplify their lives," said LTA board member Janet Luhrs. Author of the newsletter Simple Living, Luhrs recommends that people start prioritizing pleasure. "Once you look at making choices based on pleasure - it becomes easier to find the time and money for vacations," she says.

With a focus on renewal and providing an antidote to daily stress, the Hilton Family of Hotels including Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels, has designed a variety of summer getaway programs (for details see the attached chart).

In addition, the Hilton Family Web site (www.hiltonfamily.com "Things to Do" link) provides quick and easy online access to thousands of cultural events, activities and landmarks throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as nearby accommodations available at more than 2,300 hotels within the Hilton Family. Upcoming events* include:


Great Atlanta Music Fest, Atlanta, GA, July 22-25, 2005
Great American Train Show, Orlando, FL, July 23-24, 2005
X Games, Los Angeles, CA, August 4-7, 2005
New York Times Square Summer Fair, New York, NY, August 6, 2005
National Championship Indian Pow-Wow, Grand Prairie, TX, September 9-11, 2005
Professional Baseball in Chicago, Summer and Fall of 2005

*Event locations and dates are subject to change without notice.

There is something for everyone at HiltonFamily.com, which details information about museums, entertainment, shopping, festivals, outdoor attractions and specialty events, providing leisure travelers with a convenient tool to help them make the most of their vacation. In fact, according to the recently released 2005 National Leisure Travel Monitor commissioned by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell/Yankelovich Partners, the Internet is now used exclusively for vacation planning purposes by 56 percent of all leisure travelers who are active hotel and airline users.

About the Hilton Family of Hotels

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,300 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Club® and Homewood Suites by Hilton®. The following service marks are owned by Hilton Hospitality, Inc.: Hilton®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Club® and Homewood Suites by Hilton®. Conrad® is owned by Conrad Hospitality, LLC.

About Leisure Time Advocacy (LTA) Initiative

Leisure Time Advocacy (LTA) is a unique initiative that seeks to raise awareness about the importance of leisure time in a well-balanced life and provide helpful tips and solutions. LTA encourages Americans to think about how they value and spend their time, and reminds them that time is a limited resource. The LTA initiative is driven by renowned experts and respected academics who study the importance of, and offer suggestions for increased leisure time in American's lives.

Hilton Family of Hotels 2005 Summer Leisure Offerings

Holiday Offer Hilton Family Brand(s) Valid Dates
Hilton Family Connections is a complimentary family program allowing all families staying at participating hotels during this time to receive eight coupons for food and family activities near the hotel. Hilton Hotels, Suites & Resorts http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/promotions/familyconnection/index.jhtml?adId=famconnection,redirect,30 Through 9/5/05
Hilton Vacation Station® is a program of special family services and amenities designed to help vacationers of all ages maximize their leisure time together. The program is available from May 27 through September 5, 2005, and is offered at no extra charge to families staying at 49 participating Hilton hotels and resorts. Hilton Hotels, Suites & Resorts http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/promotions/vacationstation05/index.jhtml;jsessionid=ZIBUCVQ0MFWLICSGBIVM22QKIYFC3UUC?adId=hivacationstation05,featured,30 Through 9/5/05
Hilton BounceBack Weekend®*** great low BounceBack® rates at participating hotels make it easier than ever and breakfast is included for up to two people every day of your stay! Whichever location you choose, you can have all the fun and relaxation you want, without worrying about breaking your budget. Hilton Hotels, Suites & Resorts http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/promotions/hibounceback/index.jhtml?adId=bounceback,leisureso,30 Through 12/30/05
Doubletree Dream Deal® is a bed-and-breakfast getaway at a great rate, and includes breakfast for two adults and two children ages 12 and under, plus chocolate chip cookies upon arrival. Doubletree Hotels, Suites, Resorts and Clubs www.doubletree.com Ongoing
Doubletree kidsCAREpak® -- As a sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team, more than 100 participating locations across the country will offer kids between ages 3-12 a complimentary sling backpack that celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship with such fun items as a foam softball, playing cards, temporary tattoos and a fun activity book (while supplies last). Doubletree Hotels, Suites, Resorts and Clubs www.doubletree.com Through Labor Day Weekend
Embassy Suites Hotels Kids-Eye ViewT allows guests to check out hot spots, as voted on by kids, in more than 20 cities. Includes complimentary full cooked-to-order breakfast and Manager's Reception** seven days a week. Embassy Suites Hotels www.embassysuites.com Began Memorial Day; ongoing
Embassy Suites Hotels Snap Happy Contest -- Beginning June 9, families checking into Embassy Suites Hotels will receive a complimentary one-time use Kodak PlusDigital 35 mm camera, ensuring their vacation memories are captured. Families also can enter the "Embassy Suites Snap Happy" contest by submitting precious, funny or wacky vacation photos online at embassysnaphappy.com for a chance to win one of 10 grand prize vacations to Hawaii, including round-trip airfare for four, $500 spending money and a seven-night stay in the luxurious Hilton Waikoloa Village.******* Embassy Suites Hotels www.embassysuites.com Through 9/12/05
Hampton(R) Playland Sweepstakes gives consumers the opportunity to visit hamptoninn.com and register to win lots of cool prizes like complimentary nights, amusement park tickets, shopping gift certificates and more! No purchase necessary to enter, see Official Rules******** for details. Hampton Inn/Hampton Inn & Suites www.hamptoninn.com Through 8/15/05
Hilton Garden Inn® LIFE Great GetawayTM package offers early check-in and late check-out option and complimentary made-to-order hot breakfast for two during each morning of their stay. Hilton Garden Inn www.hiltongardeninn.com Through 12/30/06
Stay Fit Kit is a complimentary fitness kit offering yoga, Pilates or core workouts to help travelers stay fit while on the road (subject to availability). HGI also features in-room fitness programming so guests can keep up with their summer workout routine. Hilton Garden Inn www.hiltongardeninn.com Ongoing
Golf Amenity #18**** offers complimentary greens fees for two at participating golf courses throughout the U.S. and Canada for guests whose stay includes a Thursday - Sunday night. Hilton Garden Inn www.hiltongardeninn.com Through 9/30/05
Hilton Garden Inn Golf Getaway Sweepstakes***** automatically enters guests booking online from 6/16 - 9/30/2005 the chance to win one of nine exciting two-night weekend golf vacations at the Hilton Garden Inn location of their choice and includes roundtrip coach air transportation for two and three-day car rental. Hilton Garden Inn www.hiltongardeninn.com Through 9/30/05
Evolution Solution Express (ESE) Sweepstakes****** gives guests the chance to win a Garden Sleep SystemTM by VSS Sleep SystemsTM or a Herman Miller MirraTM ergonomic chair - innovative guestroom amenities featured in the ESE tour and will be offered at new Hilton Garden Inn hotels beginning this summer. New guestroom amenities also include a 26" flat screen high definition television and clock that can play a guest's MP3 or portable CD player. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Hilton Garden Inn www.hiltongardeninn.com Through 8/14/05
Grand Getaways is offering special packages to Orlando (4 days/3 nights for $249), Las Vegas (4 days/3 nights for $249), and Hawaii (6 days/5 nights for $799). Hilton Grand Vacations Club www.hiltongrandvacations.com Ongoing
Suite Homewood Summer promotion offers rates starting at $79 per night Thursday through Sunday at participating locations. For indoor and outdoor fun, guests may also check Family Activity Locker items from the front desk, including the Hula Hoop®, and additional Wham-O® items such as the Frisbee® ClassicT, the Frisbee® Aqua FlyerT, the TracBall® and the Hacky Sack® ImpactT. Other Family Activity Locker contents include a jump rope, a beach ball and a foam football. Families who make their Suite Homewood Summer reservations online at homewoodsuites.com will receive an E-coupon good for 10 percent off any Wham-O® product, redeemable at www.qualitytrading.com.********* Homewood Suites by Hilton www.homewoodsuites.com Through 9/4/05

** Subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

Hilton BounceBack Weekend

***BounceBack Weekend offered through December 30, 2005. BounceBack program valid Thursday through Sunday; Some hotels offer the program seven days a week; Saturday night or minimum stay required at some locations. Applicable days vary at participating gaming hotels and Hilton International hotels. Earlier check-out is subject to payment of lowest available non-BounceBack rate or an Early Departure Fee. Availability and rate will be confirmed at time of reservation. Participating hotels subject to change without notice. Single or double occupancy. Early check-in, late check-out subject to availability.

******Consumers can fill out an official entry form by visiting the Hilton Garden Inn Evolution Solution Express Sweepstakes Web site at www.rpmcsweeps.com/hgi-ese. Additionally, those able to come and see the ESE in person will receive a special "key card" which is a $10 off coupon valid during a weekend stay at any participating Hilton Garden Inn hotel location. To receive the special offer, guests must present the $10 off any weekend night key card upon check-in at the hotel. Key card offer valid Friday - Sunday night stay only, from March 1 - September 30, 2005. Official rules, such as eligibility and drawing notification can be found on the sweepstakes Web site.

Hilton Garden Inn Golf Amenity #18

****Courses are not located on hotel property and may not be located near every Hilton Garden Inn hotel. Please visit www.hiltongardeninn.com for complete golf amenity #18 terms and conditions

Hilton Garden Inn Golf Getaway Sweepstakes

*****No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older and legal residents of the United States. Sweepstakes starts June 16, 2005 and ends September 30, 2005. Go to www.hiltongardeninn.com for complete official rules.

Embassy Suites Hotels

*******No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Promotion will run from 12:01 am ET June 9, 2005 to 11:59 pm ET September 12, 2005 ("Promotion Period"). To enter visit www.embassysnaphappy.com (the "Promotion Website") and follow the instructions to enter the Promotion. Each online entrant must have a valid e-mail address. Entrants who (i) book a room at an Embassy Suites Hotel via a Hilton Family Website (defined below) or 1-800-EMBASSY on or after January 1, 2005, and (ii) complete their stay between May 27, 2005 and September 4, 2005 are eligible to enter the Promotion online via the Promotion Website. One-time-use Kodak PlusDigital 35 mm cameras will be available to families at hotels while supplies last. One camera per reservation/stay. Offer does not apply to groups or with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply.

Hampton Playland Sweepstakes

******** No purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Void in Quebec and where prohibited. Legal residents of the 50 United States and Canada 18 years and older. Sweepstakes starts June 15, 2005 and ends August 12, 2005. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit www.hamptoninn.com.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

*********Rate does not include tax, gratuities or other charges and applies to one-bedroom suites. Some hotels may offer studio suites at this rate. Rates higher for two-bedroom suites. Rate based on single occupancy and available at participating locations Thursday-Sunday nights between 6/2/05-9/4/05. Suites are limited and subject to availability. Some restrictions apply, including blackout days. Advance reservations are required. Subject to availability. Available to check out from the front desk of participating hotels only. Must make a Suite Homewood Summer reservation online at homewoodsuites.com and complete the online E-coupon registration form on homewoodsuites.com to receive E-coupon. Only one E-coupon per household, per confirmed reservation will be issued. Redeemable for 10% off any Wham-O® product only at the Wham-O designated online retailer, www.qualitytrading.com . No minimum purchase required. Discount will be deducted from your total order. Not valid toward previous orders. Good for one-time use only. Offer may not be combined with any other offer. E-coupon expires 90 days after date of issuance. ©2005 Wham-O, Inc. Wham-O, Frisbee, Hula Hoop, Hacky Sack and Tracball are registered trademarks of Wham-O, Inc. ©2005 Hilton Hospitality, Inc.

View all Doubletree Hotels, Suites, Resorts, Clubs Press Releases

This article has been read 190 times.

Printed From:
http://www.thefranchisemall.com/news/articles/12190-0.htm