Homewood Suites by Hilton also attributes its surge in development interest to its developer incentive program. "Our Millennium Package was introduced at the launch of the new prototype and includes reduced royalties during the important ramp-up period, paying the director of sales' first-year salary when hired six months before the hotel's opening, and a generous opening advertising and public relations support program," Holthouser added.

"The new prototype and Millennium Package are only two elements of the brand's re-engineering program to make the franchise more appealing for both developers and consumers," said Holthouser. Under Hilton, the brand has been re-energized by the addition of the Hilton name, the Hilton HHonors program, a worldwide sales force and centralized reservations system. Combined, these Hilton programs are translating into stronger performance and satisfaction levels for consumers and developers.
    
"As a new franchisee, we were delighted to team up with Homewood Suites by Hilton to introduce the first of the brand's new prototype hotels in the country," said Fred Thurman, owner, Great Plains Lodging V, LLC. "Homewood Suites by Hilton's services and product offering gives us an advantage over the aging competitive extended-stay products currently in South Dakota."

Centrally located in the heart of Sioux Falls at 3620 W. Avera Drive, the hotel is within a 10-mile radius of many local attractions and businesses, including Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls Regional Airport, University of Sioux Falls and Hearst Hospital of South Dakota. "The need for hotels that cater to guests staying five or more consecutive nights exceeds available supply in Sioux Falls. We were able to utilize the new design and layout to develop a new hotel that would meet our construction needs and at the same time, the special needs of these travelers," said Thurman.
    
Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels have a home-like atmosphere that appeals to business travelers, as well as families vacationing with children and weekend travelers seeking a getaway retreat. Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet in the property's hospitality center -- the "Lodge" -- an evening manager's reception Monday through Thursday with complimentary light meal and beverages, an executive business center, exercise facilities, indoor swimming pool with whirlpool, complimentary grocery shopping service, guest laundry and a 24-hour Suite Shop(R) convenience store. Homewood Suites by Hilton backs its quality and value with its 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, which states if guests are not satisfied with their stay, then that night's stay is free.
    
Each suite in a Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel offers in-suite workspaces with large desks and ergonomic chairs separate from the dining area; a fully-equipped kitchen area with full-size refrigerator with twin-burner stove and microwave; two telephone lines, voicemail and data ports; entertainment center that contains a television with premium cable channel, videocassette player and/or on-demand movies.
    
Homewood Suites by Hilton is a part of Hilton Hotels Corporation which is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 1,900 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities law, including statements concerning business strategies and their intended results, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts.