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Elysian Hotel Chicago in Illinois Acquired by Joint Venture Formed by Waldorf Astoria
Hotels & Resorts, Equity Group Investments Affiliate and Elysian Principals

Hotel to Become Waldorf Astoria Chicago


CHICAGO & MCLEAN, Va
. - The Elysian Hotel Chicago, which recently earned the coveted distinction of being the #1 hotel in the United States according to readers of Conde Nast Traveler, has been acquired by a joint venture between Hilton Worldwide, the parent company of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts; an Equity Group Investments affiliate; and Elysian principals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The hotel's new ownership plans to rebrand the hotel Waldorf Astoria Chicago on February 1st, 2012. The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand, which draws its inspiration from the legendary Waldorf=Astoria New York, is known for delivering highly personalized service and is one of the world's fastest growing luxury hospitality brands. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts plans to use the strength of its worldwide presence to capitalize on the tremendous operational and financial success the Elysian has enjoyed since opening in late 2009.

"We're taking the best of the Elysian and bringing it into the world-class network of Waldorf Astoria," said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide. "The Elysian's well deserved reputation for anticipatory service and attention to detail, as well as its stunning design and outstanding amenities, reflect the discerning needs of today's luxury guest, and are hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria brand."

Located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps off of Magnificent Mile, the Elysian comprises a hotel, 51 luxury private residences, restaurants, a spa and event and meeting rooms. The building, which was designed by renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, features a richly detailed exterior and European courtyard reminiscent of the grand hotels of the 1920's, while the interiors embrace a sophisticated, urban sensibility. The hotel features 188 spacious guestrooms and suites boasting elegantly modern furnishings, fireplaces and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. The Elysian is also home to two distinct culinary experiences - Balsan, a contemporary bistro showcasing refined, yet rustic fare, and RIA a two-Michelin-star restaurant offering modern, seasonally driven French cuisine. Bernard's, the hotel's bar, is reminiscent of a plush private club. The Elysian Spa & Health Club, which spans more than 14,000 square feet, offers a wide-ranging menu of personalized services as well as a nail spa, barber suite, relaxation areas and a fitness facility, as well as a mosaic-tiled lap pool, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. The compilation is an amenity-rich environment for the most discerning of guests.

Equity Group Investments made its investment through the Zell Credit Opportunities Fund, which was established to focus on the recapitalization of over-leveraged assets and companies, and to invest opportunistically in loans and credit securities in both the real estate and corporate arenas.

Robert Webster led the team at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels that represented Elysian's original ownership in the transaction

About Equity Group Investments

Equity Group Investments (EGI) is the private investment firm founded by Sam Zell more than 40 years ago. The firm has an active portfolio spanning industries and continents with interests in real estate, energy, logistics, transportation, media and health care. For more information visit egizell.com.

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 93 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 at www.hiltonworldwide.com/media.

About Waldorf-Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

Contact:

Robert Allegrini
Hilton Worldwide
+ 1 312 663 6516
[email protected]


 
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Also See: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Reveals Proposal to Redevelop the Old Post Office Building into a 245-room Hotel and Retail Destination on Pennsylvania Ave in Washington, D.C. / November 2011

Conde Nast Traveler Selects the Top Hotels, Resorts; The Number One Hotel in the World is The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong; Open Only Two Years, Top U.S. Property is Chicago's Elysian Hotel / October 2011

Al Habtoor Group and Hilton Worldwide Partner to To Bring Hilton Brand Hotels to Lebanon And Dubai; Conversion of Two Properities in Lebanon and Development of the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah in Dubai / October 2011

David Garcelon Named Director of Culinary for The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City / September 2011

Hilton Worldwide Opens 137-room London Syon Park, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in West London / March 2011

Hilton Worldwide Launches Waldorf Astoria in the UAE; Signs Management Agreement with the Al Hamra Group for the 349-room New-Build Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, 40 Minutes from Dubai Airport / March 2011

Naples Grande Beach Resort, a 474-room Waldorf Astoria Resort, Appoints Rudy Gonnella as National Account Manager, Southeast / February 2011

Eric O. Long, New York City's Waldorf=Astoria’s General Manager, Awarded the Lifetime Excellence Award by FTA Hospitality Awards for Excellence / February 2011

Evy Garcia Named Director of Sales for El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in Puerto Rico / November 2010

Ability Group & Hilton Worldwide to Open 137-room London Syon Park, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel by End of 2010 / July 2010

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The Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida Joins the Waldorf Astoria Collection / February 2009

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Two Florida Keys Properties, the Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club and the Reach Resort, Join the Waldorf Astoria Collection / January 2009
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