The Consumer Choice Guide was prepared by the NAACP, resulting from a year-long survey that reviewed the economic relationship between major hotel chains and the African American community. Promus and 13 other top hotel chains were graded and ranked on their records in key areas including employment, equity and franchise ownership, vendor relationships/procurement, advertising and philanthropy. NAACP President CEO Kweise Mfume applauds Promus Hotel Corporation's achievements. "At B-, Promus has made a clear effort to improve in the areas of hiring, promotions, procurement, advertising and philanthropy," he said.

During the last twelve months, Promus Hotel Corporation has formed a Diversity Committee. Additionally, Promus increased its efforts to incorporate African American companies in its advertising, community relations and vendor support programs. The plan will be periodically reviewed by both organizations. "Our entire company from the corporate office to our hotels is committed to recruiting, training and promoting an employee base that reflects the business communities we serve," said Ann Rhoades, executive vice president, team services of Promus Hotel Corporation. "We are extremely proud of our multi-faceted team members, who represent all walks of life and ethnic heritage, and the outstanding service that they provide to our Guests every day," Rhoades added.

Promus Hotel Corporation is one of the world's premier lodging companies, with system-wide annual revenues of over $5 billion. The company owns, operates or franchises more than 1,225 hotels, with over 182,000 rooms throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Latin America. It is the franchisor and operator of the Doubletree Hotels and Guest Suites, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, Club Hotels by Doubletree, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn Suites, Embassy Vacation Resort and Hampton Vacation Resort brands. Additionally, the company owns and operates affiliated hotels through its University and Conference Center division.