CHICAGO - May 23, 2012 -  Hilton Chicago has completed phase one of a four-phase $150 million renovation project as part of a three-year, $3 billion plan of significant property renovations currently underway across the global portfolio of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide. Hilton Chicago is conveniently located on Michigan Avenue across from Grant Park. The Hilton Chicago has a storied past hosting every United States President since Harry Truman and will continue to celebrate that history by blending the classic architecture of the hotel with a new and contemporary style. This renovation will allow the hotel to effortlessly meet the needs of modern day travelers and showcase the hotel's strong presence in downtown Chicago and the city's famous skyline. Upon completion, the renovation will bring a complete transformation in key hotel areas. The lobby level now features 720 South Bar & Grill, a 238-seat restaurant and 208-seat lounge, which will showcase a contemporary American style menu. Also on the lobby level is SNAX, a grab and go marketplace featuring a technology lounge seating area. Additional meeting space was also created on the lobby level with the opening of the new Buckingham room. 454 guest rooms have also undergone a complete renovation.

720 South Bar & Grill: Transforming the north end of the hotel lobby is the creation of 720 South Bar & Grill. The name pays tribute to what has been the hotel's address on South Michigan Avenue for 85 years. The 238-seat restaurant features contemporary American style food. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Mario Garcia and Restaurant Chef Thomas Rice, will proudly showcase local flavors and styles of cooking that feature Midwest cuisine and flavors. The bar will feature custom cocktails that guests can enjoy throughout the day. The design of the restaurant and bar was carefully crafted to blend the Beaux-Arts style of the hotel with a fresh and contemporary design concept. The restaurant now features 3 distinct eating areas where guests can dine and relax throughout the day as well as one 14-seat private dining room available for guest functions. The expanded 208-seat bar now includes more comfortable lounge spaces giving the bar a more pronounced presence in the hotel lobby. In warmer months, guests can enjoy outdoor seating along Michigan Avenue. The bar also features a tech lounge where guests can plug-in laptops and other handheld devices as well as watch TV on large video screens.

SNAX: In addition to 720 South, the hotel has crafted a brand new grab and go store called SNAX. Guests are now able to conveniently pick up food on the go including fresh pizza, sandwiches, salads and desserts, all prepared daily by the culinary team. Additionally, guests are able to purchase wine and beer along with an extensive soft drink offering and a Starbuck's coffee counter. Visually, the food and merchandise dominate the design along with additional lobby seating in the same décor to complement the space. The seating in SNAX will be a brand new technology lounge featuring individual workstations and communal spaces. Guests will be able to enjoy the SNAX menu offerings and take advantage of versatile digital connectivity offerings. Additionally, the entire lobby level offers complimentary Wi-Fi to guests.

Redesigned Guest Rooms: 454 guest rooms have undergone a complete renovation in the first phase of the renovation project; the last of which will produce 1,544 brand new guest rooms, elevator landings and corridors. The design was inspired by Chicago's founding motto, Urbs in Horto which translates to City in a Garden. The guest rooms are designed to meet the needs of the modern traveler as well as showcase the landmarks of the city of Chicago and the hotel's proximity to Grant Park. This sophisticated style is created using velvet, silk, lacquer, leather, bronze, rich wood and fine linen. Each guest room features a 37" flat-panel plasma TV, in room safe, desk with computer chair, wired and wireless high speed internet access and inroom touch-screen concierge, the HCN Navigator computer. In addition to the standard guest rooms, 11 of the hotel's 13 specialty suites are undergoing a complete renovation to solidify their place as the most luxurious suites in the city of Chicago. With unobstructed lake and skyline views, Hilton Chicago specialty suites claim their spot at the top of the hotel inviting visitors from around the world to experience true Chicago opulence. Having played host to dignitaries and celebrities from Queen Elizabeth to Elizabeth Taylor, the suites will now have three different design schemes reflecting the most beautiful aspects of Chicago. Iconic landmarks, glimmering harbors, and museums and monuments are the inspiration for the design that will rejuvenate Hilton Chicago specialty suites.

Read more about Hilton Chicago and download images at www.news.hilton.com/chicago.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized names 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 550 properties in 80 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/hiltonhotels, 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