The newly constructed Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque North/Rio Rancho is owned by Impac Hotels III LLC under a license agreement with Hilton Inns Inc., the franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Hilton Hotels Corp.

"A midpriced, focused-service product designed to cater to the needs of the '90s traveler, the Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque North/Rio Rancho attracts value-conscious business travelers as well as leisure travelers seeking a weekend getaway or vacation," said Dieter Huckestein, president-hotel division, Hilton Hotels.

A midrise, four-story structure, the Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque North/Rio Rancho features: A signature glass-walled Pavilion housing the reception desk; a Pavilion Pantry(SM) with a selection of microwaveable packaged, refrigerated and frozen items, and sundries; a restaurant offering freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner; room service during dinner hours; a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; a 24-hour, complimentary business center; and a laundry facility.

"The hotel's residential feel appeals greatly to leisure travelers visiting friends and relatives in the suburb of Rio Rancho or traveling in the greater Albuquerque area," said Martin Schneller, general manager.

Guest room accommodations and features include: A hospitality center with a microwave oven, coffee maker and mini refrigerator; a sitting area with an easy chair and ottoman; in-room entertainment with cable television and pay-per-view movies via Hilton's On Command(R) Video system; a hair dryer; and an iron and ironing board.

Business-oriented features of the guest rooms include: A spacious work desk with a pull-out shelf for a portable computer; adjustable lighting; an ergonomic chair; electrical outlets at desk height; and two telephones equipped with two lines, data ports and voice mail.

Members of the Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program can earn HHonors points in addition to airline miles for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque North/Rio Rancho. HHonors is one of the only hotel programs that allows all of its members to reap Double Dip(R) earnings by simultaneously accumulating both airline miles and hotel points with each qualifying stay. Recreational facilities consist of a fitness room, indoor swimming pool and a whirlpool.

Hilton Garden Inn developments represent the cornerstone of Hilton's domestic franchising growth strategy. More than 200 Hilton Garden Inn properties are expected to open in the United States by the year 2000.

The Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque North/Rio Rancho's address is: 1771 Rio Rancho Dr., Rio Rancho, N.M. 87124; phone: 505/896-1111; fax: 505/896-2100. The hotel is situated off Highway 528 and Rio Rancho Blvd., six miles from downtown Albuquerque, 13 miles from Albuquerque Airport.

Hilton Hotels is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality and gaming company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises hotel-casinos, resorts, and vacation ownership and hotel properties.