PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced that it has signed a franchise development agreement with Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe for the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Scheduled to open in Q2 2012, Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort forms part of the company's aggressive expansion campaign to grow the Hilton Worldwide portfolio throughout Mexico and Latin America.

Located just five minutes from Puerto Vallarta's International Airport and cruise ship terminal, Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort will present vanguard and elegant architectural and design concepts that integrate the senses.  A world-renowned architectural firm, selected by Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe, will create elements of enjoyment, relaxation and comfort for all guests. The all-inclusive property will join Hilton Resorts, a specific collection of premier properties within the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio that are designed for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in the world's most sought after destinations.

"Latin America remains a key development market for us as our brand continues its rapid global growth," said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.  "Hilton Puerto Vallarta will be a much anticipated addition to this leading leisure travel market."

Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort will feature 259 luxury rooms, executive and honeymoon suites with modern décor, deluxe amenities and state of the art facilities surrounded by spectacular views of the mountains and the Bandera's Bay.  Guests of Hilton Puerto Vallarta will also enjoy proximity to two elite shopping centers just a few feet away and the traditional Malecon just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort will offer five gourmet culinary destinations that will provide memorable dining experiences including: international cuisine at "SEA FIRE", Mexican food at "La Catrina", Italian cuisine at "Cinque Terre", theme nights in "The Beach" near "O West Lounge" featuring martinis, tapas and spectacular views of the Bandera´s Bay.

Guests seeking recreational options can choose to exercise in the hotel's Hilton Fitness by Precor gym, pamper themselves in the hotel spa with a Jacuzzi area, sauna, solarium and beauty salon, refresh in the hotel's outdoor swimming pool, or join the fun at the hotel's "Adventure Club," featuring specialized entertainment for all age groups.

For guests traveling on business, Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort will offer three meeting rooms and a full-service business center.  For groups and conventions, Hilton Puerto Vallarta's Grand Salon is a perfect choice with a capacity for up to 600 persons in banquet setting.

Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort will participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,700 hotels worldwide.

Hilton Worldwide currently has a portfolio of more than 20 hotels and resorts open and welcoming travelers in Mexico.  The company has eight hotels currently under development throughout the country and continues to actively pursue additional growth opportunities in Mexico.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts currently has the largest development pipeline in the brand's 92-year history. Learn more at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/openings. To learn more about Hilton Resorts, visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/resorts.

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 78 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. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide's ten market-leading brands.

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 92 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 3,750 hotels and timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, 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 or connect with Hilton Worldwide www.HiltonWorldwideGlobalMediaCenter.com.