media kit CONTENT Brand Facts 2 Services & Amenities 5 Community Relations 9 Awards 10 Executive Bios 12 Media Resources 18 2015 Hilton Worldwide
Brand Facts Welcome to the Garden An award-winning brand that began in 1990, Hilton Garden Inn is an upscale hotel brand with more than 600 properties across the globe all of which embody the same commitment to provide guests with a great stay every time. With impeccable service, inviting social spaces and high-end amenities, guests who choose Hilton Garden Inn experience great quality at an even greater value. It is a brand that brings the atmosphere of a luxury stay into the culture of a focused service hotel. What to Expect From a good night s sleep, cooked-to-order breakfast, dinner room service, state-of-the art fitness and business centers, and a full restaurant and bar, guests can expect to be rewarded during their stay. Travel does not always have to be about business. In fact, it should be fun and exciting, relaxing and enjoyable. At Hilton Garden Inn, guests can discover and connect while on the road. Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi, India Welcome to the garden 2
Brand Facts Hilton Garden Inn Hotels Guests traveling for business or leisure are welcome at Hilton Garden Inn. At each hotel, travelers arrive to a pavilion entrance and are greeted friendly team members in an open, airy lob space. Room rates are in the mid-scale price range, and hotel configurations range from 80 to more than 400 rooms with multiple stories. Brand Promise Hilton Garden Inn emphasizes its strength to accommodate the new-age, savvy business and leisure traveler who is always on-the-go but understands the importance of connecting to the surroundings around them. This is why every team member is committed to ensuring guests have the most positive experience, backed the brand s satisfaction promise. We promise to do whatever it takes to ensure you re satisfied, or you don t pay. You can count on us. Guaranteed. Hilton Worldwide Hilton Garden Inn is one of 12 world-class brands at Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has grown to 12 brands, more than 4,300 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties in more than 94 countries and territories. Hilton HHonors TM The brand is proud to be a part of the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide. The program honors its approximately 44 million members allowing them to turn earned points into experiences worth sharing. HHonors points can be redeemed for complimentary stays, purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions and more. It is the only guest loyalty program to offer Points & Miles and No Blackout Dates. Learn more at www.hiltonhhonors.com. Reservations To make a reservation at any location, travelers may visit www.hgi.com or call 1-877-STAY-HGI. For international travel, call +800 4445 8667. Award-Recognized Hilton Garden Inn has been recognized as Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains the J.D. Power 2014 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM. This study measures guests satisfaction with the entire hotel experience.this marks the 10th J.D. Power award for the brand. Hilton Garden Inn Fortwoth, TX Medicial District Brand Facts 3
Development Brand Facts Growth at the Garden In an effort to meet the needs of today s travelers and industry trends, Hilton Garden Inn launched Flourish, designed to enhance the guest experience while maximizing profitability for developers. Flourish Project Grow is a major brand revitalization initiative that includes upgrades to the hotel s communal spaces including the lob and reception area. Other elements include: full cooked-to-order breakfast, cocktails, dinner and evening room service from The Garden Grille and Bar TM. Self-service, 24/7 business centers also include PrintSpot remote printing for wireless printing from any laptop or smart phone. Keurig single-cup brewing systems were introduced to every guestroom in the US and Canada an industry first. The perk to the in-room beverage option is a part of the hospitality center which includes a mini-fridge and microwave oven. Development The brand offers developers a flexible, full service hotel model with focused service operational efficiencies. It is committed to delivering an exceptional experience to its franchise partners. Owners can count on the brand to maintain a keen focus on driving revenue and increasing profitability. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit www. hiltongardeninnfranchise.com. Properties Location Hilton Garden Inn is one of the fastest growing hotel brands and a leader in the upscale, mid-priced lodging category. This is a global brand 576 79,015 147 35 5,980 48 1 180 23 6 920 39 that spans North and South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. With nearly 250 hotels in the pipeline, the brand expects to continue to grow and meet the needs of its travelers. *As of Dec. 31, 2014 (Hilton Worldwide, Fourth Quarter Earnings Report) Brand Facts 4
Services & Amenities SATISFACTION PROMISE A core standard for Hilton Garden Inn, we promise to do whatever it takes to ensure you are satisfied, or you don t pay. You can count on us. EAT WELL Enjoy cooked-to-order breakfast at The Garden Grille and Bar with lunch and dinner available at most locations. Guests can also indulge in room service or venture to the Pavilion Lounge and unwind with a beverage of your choice*. *Available at most locations. Subject to state and local laws. SLEEP DEEP Wrap yourself in the brand s signature linens - fresh, white cozy duvets and crisp linens with plush hypoallergenic pillows for guests to get the best quality rest possible. Rooms also have in-room refrigerators, beverage stations and high-definition flat-screen televisions. STAY FIT Hilton Garden Inn believes that giving its guests the opportunity to stay fit while traveling is essential to their overall wellness. All hotels have access to quality cardio and strength training equipment. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpools are also available at most locations. WORK SMART Bring your laptop to the business center dedicated to productivity with access to Wi-Fi and remote printing. Rooms are available for formal and informal meetings, and guestrooms have oversized desks and ergonomic chairs with convenient desk-level outlets. TREAT YOURSELF We all need a break from work and sometimes life. Take a moment to reward yourself. Relax with a glass of wine or cocktail* in the Garden Lounge or kick back in your room. *Available in United States and Canada and most regions. Subject to international, state and local laws. DIGITAL CHECK-IN With Hilton s award-winning digitalcheck-in with room selection tool, Hilton HHonors members can log into thier accounts and choose thier exact room from a digital floor plan, as well as customize their room prior to arrival with amenity requests. The service is available for 650,000+ rooms at more than 4,100 properties across 11 brands worldwide. Services & Amenities 5
Services & Amenities (Americas) Hilton Garden Inn Westbury, NY Lob Hotel Services & Amenities Available in the Americas: Guest Services: Stay Connected - complimentary guest internet program offering internet access in throughout the hotel Garden Grille and Bar TM, a casual restaurant serving fresh, cooked-to-order breakfast (lunch and dinner at most locations) and full service bar available to guests daily Welcoming area in the lob with comfortable seating and large LCD high-definition television Complimentary 24-hour self-service business center with computers, copier, fax and printing capabilities Pavilion Pantry TM - 24-hour self-service convenience shop offering a light snack, meal or essential item On-site fitness facilities offering high-quality cardio and strength training equipment Indoor or outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool, available at most locations On-site laundry facilities Meeting space, available at most locations In-Room Services and Amenities: Signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens evening room service Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Keurig single-cup brewer* Evening in-room dining Refrigerator and microwave In-room entertainment with popular channels and on-demand movies Adjustable and ample lighting with multiple electric outlets throughout guest room Spacious and clutter-free work desk with ergonomic chair *Available at all U.S. and Canada Hotels Services & Amenities 6
Services & Amenities (Europe, Middle East & Africa) Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport, Germany Guestroom Hotel Services & Amenities Available in Europe, the Middle East and Africa: Guest Services: Stay Connected - complimentary guest internet program offering internet access throughout the hotel Garden Grille & Bar offering dining options serving cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner (lunch at many Hilton Garden Inn locations) plus additional culturally-relevant food outlets Full service beverage outlet or juice and tea bar* available to guests daily Welcoming area in the lob with comfortable seating and large LCD television Complimentary 24-hour self-service business centre with computers, copier, fax and printing capabilities Pavilion Pantry - 24-hour self-service convenience shop offering a light snack, meal or sundry items On-site fitness facilities offering high-quality cardio and strength training equipment 24-hour self-service guest laundry facilities available with washer, dryer and folding table Meeting space, available at most locations *Juice and tea bar where culturally relevant In-Room Services and Amenities: Signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens Comfortable beds as large as 1800mm x 2000mm* Evening in-room dining Tea/Coffee kettle and refrigerator 32-42 LCD, high-definition television offering a variety of national and international programming Adjustable and ample lighting with multiple electric outlets throughout the guestroom Spacious and clutter-free work desk with ergonomic task chair *Bed sizes: 1350mm x 2000mm; 1500mm x 2000mm; 1800mm x 2000mm; 1200mm x 2000mm Services & Amenities 7
Services & Amenities (Asia Pacific) Hilton Garden Inn Lijiang, China Front Entrance Hotel Services & Amenities Available in Asia Pacific: Guest Services: Stay Connected - complimentary guest internet program offering internet access throughout the hotel Garden Grille & Bar offering dining options serving cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner (lunch at many Hilton Garden Inn locations) plus additional culturally-relevant food outlets Full service beverage outlet or juice and tea bar* available to guests daily Welcoming area in the lob with comfortable seating and large LCD television Complimentary 24-hour self-service business centre with computers, copier, fax and printing capabilities Pavilion Pantry - 24-hour self-service convenience shop offering a light snack, meal or sundry items On-site fitness facilities offering high-quality cardio and strength training equipment 24-hour self-service guest laundry facilities available with washer, dryer and folding table Meeting space, available at most locations *Juice and tea bar where culturally relevant In-Room Services and Amenities: Signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens Comfortable beds as large as 1800mm x 2000mm* Evening in-room dining Tea/Coffee kettle and refrigerator 32-42 LCD, high-definition television offering a variety of national and international programming Adjustable and ample lighting with multiple electric outlets throughout the guestroom Spacious and clutter-free work desk with ergonomic task chair *Bed sizes: 1350mm x 2000mm; 1500mm x 2000mm; 1800mm x 2000mm; 1200mm x 2000mm Services & Amenities 8
Community Relations You Can Count On Us Hilton Garden Inn s You Can Count On Us platform is dedicated to nourishing and nurturing communities on their road to success, every day and in times of pressing need. Hilton Garden Inn, along with Hilton Worldwide, is committed to upholding founder Conrad Hilton s mission of filling the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality. At Hilton Garden Inn, we encourage each hotel to embrace the culture of their own community and push to make an impact at the most local level. We believe team members become even more motivated to uphold the mission of Hilton Worldwide when they know they are making a big difference in their own backyard. The culture of You Can Count On Us communicates our commitment to see that the communities in which we work and live thrive and flourish. The You Can Count on Us focus areas include: Nourishing: Providing food and nutrition from our garden of plenty (supporting local food banks, helping community gardens grow and more) Nurturing: Ensuring shelter and comfort in times of pressing need (helping local shelters, providing support during disasters, offering emergency preparedness, whatever it takes to nurture our community) Community Relations 9
Awards 2014 J.D. Power 2014 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains. This is the tenth J.D. Power award for the brand. Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards Gold and Silver awards for Public Relations Bronze award for Marketing 2013 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards Gold award for feature placement in a trade publication Two bronze awards in Marketing and Public Relations 2012 J.D. Power 2012 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains This marks the ninth award in 11 years. 1851 Magazine s Top 100 Social Media Campaigns Hilton Garden Inn ranked #98 2011 J.D. Power 2011 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with full-service 2010 J.D. Power 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with full-service Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards Gold award for Public Relations Two silver awards for Marketing 2009 J.D. Power 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with full-service 2008 Business Travel News (BTN) Hilton Garden Inn Best Mid-Price Hotel brand. American Brand Excellence Award Hilton Garden Inn named Top Travel Brand. Awards 10
Awards 2007 J.D. Power 2007 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with full-service. The brand receives this recognition for the sixth consecutive year. Entrepreneur Magazine Business Travel Award Hilton Garden Inn named Best Mid-Price Hotel Value for the third time 2006 J.D. Power 2006 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with full-service. The brand receives this recognition for the fifth consecutive year. Hilton Garden Inn awarded Best Mid-Price Hotel Value Entrepreneur Magazine Business Travel Awards 2005 J.D. Power 2005 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with full-service. The brand receives this recognition for the fourth consecutive year. Market Matrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) Top-Ranked Brand in the Upscale category 2004 J.D. Power 2004 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with full-service. The brand receives this recognition for the third consecutive year. 2003 J.D. Power 2003 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey SM Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with full-service. The brand receives this recognition for the second consecutive year. Entrepreneur Magazine Business Travel Award Hilton Garden Inn named Best Mid-Price Hotel Value 2002 Hilton Garden Inn receives Highest Guest Satisfactions among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with Full-Service award JD Power and Associates. Awards 11
Brand Leader Bios Phil Cordell Global Head, Focused Service and Hampton Brand Management Hilton Worldwide Phil Cordell serves as the Global Head for Focused Service and Hampton Brand Management for Hilton Worldwide, the internationally recognized preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 4,300 hotels globally. Its portfolio includes many of the world s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands. Cordell leads all of the focused service brand efforts, including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites Hilton. Rising from general manager of a single Hampton hotel more than 30 years ago, Cordell is now responsible for all aspects of the brands including: strategy, global development, strategic brand positioning, product and service standards, marketing, public relations, brand culture, brand communications, hotel operations support, and franchise relations. Cordell gained his franchising expertise early in his career when he helped to develop many of Hilton s franchise support systems including: the original quality assurance process, training programs, guest assistance functions and hotel field support. In his roles as Vice President of Franchise Operations and subsequently as Vice President of Hotel Performance Support, Cordell worked across a number of Hilton s premier brands, including DoubleTree Hilton, Embassy Suites, and Homewood Suites Hilton. During his tenure with Hampton, he has seen the brand grow to more than 2,000 properties, becoming the largest hotel brand in the United States. An expert in branding, franchise management and customer service, Cordell has been interviewed The New York Times, USA Today, Entrepreneur Magazine, Harvard Business Review, Fox Business, and others; has received numerous awards and recognition for his leadership and for contributions to the hospitality industry; and is a frequent speaker and panelist on a wide variety of business and industry topics. Despite a work schedule filled with extensive business travel, Cordell enjoys exploring new countries, cultures and meeting new people. Brand Leader Bios 12
Brand Leader Bios Adrian Kurre Global Head, Hilton Garden Inn Brand Management Hilton Worldwide Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, is responsible for all aspects of the Hilton Garden Inn brand. His primary objectives are to diversify and increase revenue, drive global unit growth, and increase consumer loyalty. He also continues to build on the commitment of the brand to reduce its carbon footprint. Kurre began his hospitality career as a waiter and bartender and transitioned into restaurant management for Black Angus Restaurants. He then pursued a career in hotel hospitality at Courtyard Marriot and eventually became Director of Operations. Kurre has been in the hospitality business for 33 years and a part of the Hilton Garden Inn team since he helped re-launch the brand in 1996. Prior to his role as Global Head, Kurre served as the Vice President of Brand Management of Focused Service Hotels for Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Suites and Doubletree Club hotels. During his tenure, Hilton Garden Inn has grown from only four hotels to 600 hotels in 19 countries and has won 10 J.D. Power awards. Brand Leader Bios 13
Brand Leader Bios Don Willingham Vice President, Hilton Garden Inn Brand Performance Support Hilton Worldwide As vice president of brand performance support and sales, Don Willingham oversees the upscale, yet affordable, brand s regional brand performance support (BPS) team in operations, sales and marketing support. Additionally, Willingham provides direction to additional shared service departments within Hilton Worldwide regarding the direction of Hilton Garden Inn. This includes product quality and innovation, as well as customer relationship management and training; operational support; brand sales and distribution; and the new brand openings teams. His overarching goal is for his team to provide the guidance, training, tools and resources for all hotels and ownership groups. A 20-plus year veteran of the hospitality industry, Willingham has served in a wide array of capacities, ranging from brand sales support to training and operations. He has a long-time tenure with Hilton Worldwide and has played different integral roles in regional operations and development training for the Hampton, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites Hilton and Doubletree brands. Most recently, Willingham was the Senior Director of Brand Sales for Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites Hilton. Beginning in 2000, Willingham worked with the Homewood Suites brand serving as a regional brand performance support director overseeing more than 30 hotels, as well as facilitating the brand s extended stay sales training. He moved into the senior director of brand sales role in 2003 and played a vital role in the launch of the Home2 Suites Hilton brand, as well as the creation of and leadership behind the Homewood Suites Hilton sales strategies and programs. Willingham graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a bachelor of science in Business Administration and a major in marketing. After graduating college, he worked for several hotels in the Atlanta area and went on to become the general manager at two Atlanta Hampton Inn hotels. He joined Promus Hotels as a training manager, where he was responsible for sales, pre-opening, and leadership development training. Brand Leader Bios 14
Brand Leader Bios Kurt Smith Vice President, Product Quality and Innovation, Focused Service Brands Hilton Worldwide As vice president of product quality and innovation for Hilton Worldwide s focused service brands, Smith oversees a team of 10 people, is responsible for developing and implementing new products, service standards, and practices that strengthen the long term vitality and global growth of Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites Hilton. Prior to being named vice president, Smith held a variety of increasingly important positions within the company, most recently serving in the role of Senior Director of Product and Service Development for Hampton Inn. Before that, he was Director of Global Brand Integration, where he developed and communicated the direction and implementation of brand strategies and resources in countries targeted for global brand growth. Smith had been previously appointed Director of Hotel Performance Support for the Hampton brand. In this role, he provided consultative support to a 130-hotel portfolio of Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels in the states of North Carolina and Virginia. Before joining Hilton, Smith held management positions in information technology and hotel operations. He received his Bachelor of Science in Public and Environmental Affairs from Indiana University. Brand Leader Bios 15
Brand Leader Bios Judy Christa-Cathey Vice President, Brand Marketing, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Hotels Hilton Worldwide Judy Christa-Cathey is the Vice President for Global Brand Marketing for Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Hotels at Hilton Worldwide. She is responsible for the development and execution of the global branding strategies including brand positioning, advertising, interactive relationship strategies, promotions and public relations. Christa-Cathey co-created Hampton Save-A-Landmark, a community relations program formed Hampton which gained accolades from Smithsonian s Traveler Conservation Foundation and was awarded a U.S. Presidential Award for Preservation - the first time a hotel was ever given this recognition. Her prior travel industry experience includes market planning, direct marketing, promotions and public relations with Southwest Airlines. She was Vice President of Marketing for Adventure Tours USA (an international charter and tour operator), and Vice President/Account Executive for Roth Graham, a leading travel industry and targeted marketing agency. Christa-Cathey received her Master of Business Administration from the University of Dallas and Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Western Illinois University. She is a former board member for The Women s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM), an organization in which she still lends her time. Christa-Cathey has also been involved with Leadership Memphis, and was Co-Chair for the 2008 National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Awards, honoring Al Gore and Diane Nash. Christa-Cathey currently serves as the chair of the Women s Team Member Resource Group for the Memphis Shared Services Center. Brand Leader Bios 16
Brand Leader Bios Mark Nogal Regional Head, Focused Service Brand Management, EMEA Hilton Worldwide With more than 30 years in the hospitality industry and as a founding member of the Hilton Garden Inn team, Mark Nogal knows the Focused Service Brands of Hilton Worldwide. He has served in multiple capacities at Hilton Worldwide, including property-level and corporate positions, in operations, as well as marketing. The current position held Nogal was created in May 2010 in support of the growing number of Focused Service Hotels in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Based in the Watford offices, he oversees the ongoing growth of the multi-award winning brands of Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Hilton. Prior to his current role, Nogal held the position of vice president of brand performance and sales support for Hilton Garden Inn starting in 2006, where he was responsible for guiding and communicating with Hilton Garden Inn hotel owners, management companies and general managers; strategies planning and operations management for brand sales; maintaining the brand operations and sales budget; creating brand standards administration; overseeing pre-opening and supervising ongoing hotel support operations. In this position he also was instrumental in the international expansion of Hilton Garden Inn into Europe. Nogal s other positions were that of vice president of marketing and sales, where he was responsible for overseeing the marketing, advertising, sales, marketing communications, relationship marketing and research for Hilton Garden Inn. He was responsible for the brand s marketing programs when the brand totaled only five hotels. During his tenure in the role, he was responsible for researching, testing and implementing new national advertising collateral to increase awareness and business. He also has initiated brand standards for marketing efforts utilized the growing number of Hilton Garden Inn hotels. Perhaps the most recognizable accomplishment of his time in the marketing role was being instrumental in the research and development of the Hilton Garden Inn logo, which has become a familiar sight to guests for more than 12 years. Nogal s educational background includes hotel restaurant and tourism studies at the University of New Orleans and architecture at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He currently resides in London. Brand Leader Bios 17
Media Resources For more information about HGI, please visit: HGI Media Center HGI Press Releases HGI Quick Facts HGI Milestones Property Gallery Program Gallery Development Assets Hilton Worldwide Press Releases You can also visit us on facebook.com/hilton Garden Inn or twitter.com/hilton Garden Inn For all media inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Hughes Director, Brand Public Relations Focused Service & Extended Stay Brands 901.374.6518 jennifer.hughes@hilton.com Ursula Roman Manager, Brand Public Relations Hilton Gardenn Inn Hotels 901.374.6427 ursula.roman@hilton.com Media Resources 18