News Release

Marks the first time a hotel brand has ever achieved top-ranking

MCLEAN, Va., December 15, 2010 – Hampton Hotels (www.hampton.com), part of the Hilton Worldwide Portfolio of Brands, today announced that it is the first hotel brand ever to be ranked #1 in Entrepreneur Magazine’s annual Franchise 500®, known as the world’s first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking.

“We are incredibly honored and proud to be named the top franchise,” said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton brand, Hilton Worldwide. “This is a testament to the commitment and trust that our franchisees have in us, our outstanding business model backed by the Hilton Worldwide Performance Advantage and incredibly engaged corporate and hotel team members. It’s very encouraging to receive such recognition from a credited and impartial source such as Entrepreneur. Moving up in the list from #4 last year to #1 now highlights the continued strength of our brand, franchisees and team members. What a great way for Hampton to start the New Year.”

Hilton Worldwide’s Portfolio of Brands are driven by focused leaders, visionary thinkers and marketers. The Hampton brand is destined to be a future global iconic brand for Hilton Worldwide.

“Hilton Worldwide is delighted by what the Hampton brand has achieved. Hampton is always raising the bar in its segment and Hilton Worldwide is proud to have Hampton as part of its portfolio. This accomplishment shows the strength, consistency and investment that Hilton Worldwide puts into creating strong profitable strategic brands,” said Paul Brown president, global brands & commercial services, Hilton Worldwide.

The journey to #1 was paved by forward thinking and anticipating changes in the hospitality industry. Hampton’s success can be attributed to the brand’s willingness to continually listen to its franchisees and incorporate their input into each development and innovation program. Valuable information such as this allowed Hampton to foresee the need for change early and make key upgrades before they became mainstream standards. The brand also acknowledged the need to expand outside North America and grow globally through recent hotel openings in Europe. Most importantly, Hampton recognizes that each hotel’s’ first and foremost objective is to put the guest first, a belief reinforced through a unique team culture that stretches across the brand at every level.

“We were named #1 because of our incredible owners and we will work even harder to ensure they continue to have every tool they need to succeed,” said Gina Valenti, vice president, owner services. “As a leader in the mid-priced segment for more than 25 years we believe it’s our job to provide and support our franchisees with an effective business model and hotel tools that will grow and support the brand, enhance each guest’s experience and deliver returns for our franchisees both domestic and international.”

With this ringing endorsement in the brand portfolio, Hampton leadership sets its sights on what’s next for the franchised brand.

“We are aggressively investing in Hampton’s international development pipeline, to ensure that our guests can enjoy the Hampton experience no matter where they travel,” Cordell said. “We want guests across the globe to have access to Hampton’s value and consistency, all backed by our renowned 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and we want new investors and developers to understand that Hampton is a sure asset to have within their portfolio whether in North America, Europe or India.”

Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 ranks franchises based on a variety of criteria, including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and size of the system. This year’s 2011 rankings mark the 32nd anniversary of the Franchise 500.

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 1,800 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, www.facebook.com/Hampton or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HamptonFYI.

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 91 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.  Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, 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®.  For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.

About Entrepreneur Media Inc. Entrepreneur Media Inc. is the premier content provider for and about entrepreneurs. Our products engage and inspire every day with the advice, solutions and resources that fuel the bold and independent way entrepreneurs think.
After more than 33 years, nobody reaches more growing businesses. As the original magazine for the small and midsize business community, Entrepreneur continues to be the definitive guide to all the diverse challenges of business ownership. Entrepreneur.com is the most widely used website by entrepreneurs and emerging businesses worldwide. Entrepreneur Press publishes the books that turn entrepreneurial skills into business success. To learn more, visit www.entrepreneur.com.

Contacts:
Charmaine Easie-Samuels
Hampton Public Relations
(901) 374-6462
Charmaine.Easie-Samuels@hilton.com