CLAREMONT, Calif. - May 31, 2006 -- Doubletree® Hotels (NYSE:HLT) proudly announces the opening of the Doubletree Hotel Claremont, representing the latest full-service addition to join the brand's portfolio of more than 160 fine properties across North America. Nestled at the base of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains and centrally located between Southern California's dynamic Inland Empire and the Greater Los Angeles area on Historic Route 66, the finishing touches are being completed on an 18-month, $10 million renovation project to rejuvenate the 190-room hotel and its 12,500 square feet of event space, with new dining and fitness facilities, a day spa and much more.

Formerly the Claremont Inn, the Doubletree Hotel Claremont is owned by Claremont Star LP, operated under a franchise agreement with Doubletree Hotel Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation and managed by Packard Hospitality Group.

"Citizens in this community have been waiting for the return of this hotel to its former prominence as a true community gathering place. Claremont is affectionately known by local residents as the 'City of Trees,' and with all of the improvements we've made in recent months, we couldn't be prouder to commemorate and celebrate the hotel's nearly four decades of history in the community than to bring the Doubletree name to our doors," said Andrew Behnke, hotel general manager. "Our team members are excited that hotel guests will be rewarded with a renewed hotel experience, one of the best travel reward programs in the industry and the warm welcome that begins with the legendary Doubletree chocolate chip cookie at check-in."

The Doubletree Hotel Claremont is situated within walking distance of the world-famous Claremont Colleges on a park-like setting of 10 acres of manicured garden paths. Welcoming guests with a distinctive California Mission-style architecture and ambiance, guestrooms and public areas have been updated with a contemporary array of rich wood textures and warm earth tones.

All guest rooms feature such contemporary comforts as 32-inch flat-panel LCD televisions, complimentary high speed Internet access, refrigerators and the luxurious Sweet Dreams® by Doubletree Sleep Experience with triple-sheeted down duvets and an abundance of plush pillows for a great night's sleep. Bathrooms have been redesigned to include upgraded lighting, new vanities with granite counter tops, updated fixtures and a curved shower rod that allows for 20% more space in the shower.

With approximately 12,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the Doubletree Hotel Claremont offers two 3,500-square-foot ballrooms and a 2,300-square-foot outdoor courtyard which are perfectly suited for events of up to 350 people, independently. Three additional smaller meeting rooms, a 24-hour, self-service business center and wireless high speed Internet access in public areas further complement the services available to hotel guests and meeting attendees.

Orchard Restaurant serves guests with a selection of California Fusion culinary delights to satisfy any palette. Harry's Lounge provides the perfect gathering for guests at the end of a long day with a full selection of premium wines and cocktails. A professional, full service day spa; a fully equipped fitness center; an outdoor, swimming pool; and a whirlpool round out the recreational offerings at the hotel.

Members of the Hilton HHonors® guest reward program will have the opportunity to earn Points & Miles® for every qualifying stay at the Doubletree Hotel Claremont. Hilton HHonors is the only hotel program that allows any of its members to reap Double Dip® earnings by simultaneously accumulating both airline miles and hotel points with each qualifying stay at more than 2,700 hotels worldwide.
"Doubletree and Claremont are a perfect match for one another, because they both share the same set of unique values -- to provide the conveniences of a big city with the caring warmth and personality of a small town," said Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels. "We truly believe that the environment and offerings at the new Doubletree Hotel Claremont truly complements our brand's growing collection of 20 hotels across Southern California."

Just 10 miles from Ontario International Airport, the Pomona Fairplex and The California Speedway and 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, the Doubletree Hotel Claremont is located near all major Southern California thoroughfares including Interstates 10, 15 and 210 and State Highways 57 and 71. The hotel's address is 555 West Foothill Blvd., Claremont, Calif. 91711. For more information on the Doubletree Hotel Claremont, visit the brand's website at www.doubletree.com, call l-800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada or contact the hotel directly at 909-626-2411.

Doubletree Hotel Claremont
Janet Keene, 909-445-1824
[email protected]  

Doubletree Media Relations 
Thomas Wingham, 310-205-4545
[email protected]
http://www.hiltonworldwide.com