CHENNAI, India and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of Hilton Chennai, its first hotel in India's fifth most populous city. Featuring 204 guest rooms and more than 7,000 square feet of event space, the upscale, full-service hotel is a 15-minute drive from Chennai's domestic and international airports.

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is the country's second largest exporter of software, information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services. Chennai boasts a broad industrial base in the car, computer, technology, hardware manufacturing and healthcare industries. It is also home to the Tamil film industry, one of India's largest industries.

Martin Rinck, area president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide said, "India is one of Hilton Worldwide's key growth markets. We plan to open another six properties in India this year, which will more than double our trading estate for 2011. The opening of Hilton Chennai marks another milestone in our growth plan. With three other operating hotels, Hilton New Delhi Janakpuri, Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi Saket and Hilton Mumbai International Airport, which opened in January, we are steadily expanding our footprint in the key cities of India."

Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels and Resorts said, "We enter this key region with a stylish new hotel that combines contemporary luxury with the warmth of authentic Hilton and South Indian hospitality. Hilton Chennai represents our ability to meet the needs of today's global travelers by refreshing hospitality worldwide."

Hilton Chennai is a new-build, 10-storey hotel which offers a range of accommodation options from deluxe rooms through to executive rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy a contemporary feel with a touch of old Madras, which is reflected in the décor of the rooms and public areas.

Each room of the hotel is designed for comfort and relaxation while it features state-of-the-art technology for the convenience of the guests. All guest rooms come with the signature Hilton Serenity Bed, a spacious work desk, flat-screen LCD television, a walk-in rain shower, a luxurious bathtub and high-speed Internet access.

The hotel is strategically located in Guindy, which is home to many important landmarks in the city. The hotel is close to major technology parks such as Olympia and Tamarai where the headquarters of prestigious multinational corporations are located. It is also near to famous tourist attractions such as the Guindy National Park, Marina Beach, the old town of Mylapore - housing the ancient temple of Kapaleeswarar, San Thome Basilica Church and the city's most prestigious museum, the Government Museum.

Hilton Chennai offers guests an extensive array of food and beverage outlets with five restaurants and bars to choose from. Est is a casual contemporary café located at the lobby level of the hotel and features a glass enclosed live bakery. Vasco's is a stylish all-day dining restaurant serving fresh, innovative global cuisine from four "live" kitchens. Vintage Bank is a chic wine and cheese bar, ideal for those seeking exceptional wines and a variety of the world's best cheeses. Ayla, named after a popular local fish, will showcase Kadoloram or coastal cuisine. Q Bar, a poolside bar and grill on the roof of the hotel, features spectacular city views. Both Ayla and Q Bar will open in April.

Hilton Chennai offers the latest state-of-the-art technology in all the meeting rooms, fully integrated audio-visual equipment and high-end conference amenities. The Hilton Grand Ballroom, spread over 445 square meters with a ceiling height of 4.8 meters, is equipped with sky fold soundproof partitions and is destined to be the most sought-after venue in the city for corporate meetings, celebrations and informal parties.

For guests who want to keep their workout program on track while traveling, the hotel also features impressive leisure facilities including an infinity outdoor pool and a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center.

M.P. Purushothaman, Chairman of Empee, the owner of Hilton Chennai said, "This collaboration with Hilton Worldwide will add depth and breadth to our hospitality portfolio. We are confident that through Hilton Worldwide's award-winning international hotel management expertise and Empee Group's strong local knowledge and network, Hilton Chennai will be the preferred hotel for local and international business and leisure travellers in India."

Hilton Chennai is the fourth Hilton Worldwide property in India, joining Hilton New Delhi Janakpuri, Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi Saket and Hilton Mumbai International Airport. Read more about Hilton Chennai and download images online at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/chennai.

About Empee Group
Empee Group, a well established South Indian corporation with annual revenues of Rs.20 billion, was founded by Shri M.P. Purushothaman in the early 70's. Today the Group's core businesses include alcoholic beverages, sugar and chemicals, hospitality, power generation and property development. For more information about the company, please visit www.empeegroup.co.in

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized name in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 540 hotels in 76 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltononline, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton.

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.