McLean, VA – July 31, 2012 – Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of upscale, all-suite, residential-style hotels, today announced the opening of its newest property in Joplin, MO.  Opening more than three months ahead of schedule, the property is the first to feature Homewood Suites’ new Generation 9 (Gen9) design prototype and one of the first businesses to open in Joplin since last year’s tragic tornado.  The 4-story, 97-suite hotel is owned by Joplin Hospitality Partners and managed by McHugh Hospitality Group.

“Homewood Suites is proud to not only be opening our first Gen9 hotel, but to also be joining the Joplin community determined to rebound after last year’s unfortunate events,” said Homewood Suites Global Head of Brand Management Bill Duncan.  “This opening signifies the next stage in the growth of Homewood Suites, as the new prototype offers development advantages to owners and an enhanced guest experience letting travelers be at home.  We believe this project parallels Joplin’s story as they embark on a new chapter rebuilding their home.”

With input from the brand’s development partners, Homewood Suites’ Gen9 prototype was designed to meet the evolving needs of owners while remaining true to the brand’s quality commitment.  Homewood developed the Gen9 prototype mindful of specific economic and strategic objectives including:

• A smaller overall (20%) and building (12%) footprint allowing for consideration of a greater number of potential sites
• Reduced construction costs (10-15%) translating toowner savings (4-6% per key)
• A new room design featuring “L” shaped suites that maximize space and functionality
• A contemporary design aesthetic featuring materials and amenities that match the conveniences and look guests have at home

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Joplin, MO offers studio and one-bedroom suites, with additional guest amenities including a daily complimentary full hot breakfast in the hotel’s hospitality center—the “Lodge”—a full evening meal with drinks* Monday-Thursday,and a 24-hour on-site pantry. The hotel also offers a heated salt water pool, putting green, fully-equipped fitness center, 24-hour executive business center and approximately 735 square feet of flexible meeting space.

The hotel is located at 2642 East 32 Street minutes from one of Joplin’s busiest commercial centers, Freeman Hospital, St. John’s/Mercy Hospital, the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center and downtown attractions. General Manager Denise Dubois has been in the hotel industry for twenty years, and is supported by Director of Sales Kimra Kippes who has two years of local sales experience.  The hotel opening and construction resulted in 110 jobs daily, direct and indirect, for the Joplin community.

About Homewood Suites
Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has more than 300 hotels open with approximately 80 in the development pipeline. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, additional guest features include an on-site Suite Shop convenience store, complimentary grocery shopping services**, a complete business center, and laundry services at most locations. For more information, please visit www.homewoodsuites.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 offered 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 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 88 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®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws.  Must be of legal drinking age.

**Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.