DALLAS, Texas – [February 16, 2011] – Harold Rapoza has been appointed to the position of General Manager of the landmark Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas.  The 27-story, 1,606-room property is operated by Hilton Worldwide and has recently completed a $125 million renovation.

“Harold is a dynamic and experienced hotelier that will bring a new level of energy to one of the most prominent convention hotels in the country,” said Tim Benolken, senior vice president, operations, Western U.S., Hilton Worldwide.  “We are confident under Harold’s leadership he will inspire the talented team of this award-winning hotel to provide a superior experience to our business, convention and leisure guests that is commensurate with a Four Diamond property.”

Rapoza previously served as General Manager of the 1,527-room Hilton Anaheim hotel, the largest property in Anaheim, California.  An active civic leader and volunteer, Rapoza was recently distinguished by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce as a top business leader in 2010.   Prior to his executive position at the Hilton Anaheim hotel, Rapoza held management positions with the Doubletree Guest Suites Doheny Beach in Dana Point, Calif., and Hilton Portland in Portland, Ore.

In late 2010, the Hilton Anatole Hotel completed a multiple-phase transformation of guest rooms and public spaces with an Asian-inspired theme.  Those renovations include:

• The launch of Media Grill + Bar, a fully interactive restaurant experience featuring contemporary American bistro cuisine, deluxe bar, dancing and the latest in technology, including the largest commercial flat screen television available in the country and an interactive bar, one of two in the U.S.
• Addition of the Counter Offer Gourmet Market and Wine Gallery, which offers “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch options during the day and then transforms into a wine bar after 4pm, featuring wine flights and charcuterie meats and cheeses
• Opening of the Gossip Bar lounge
• Addition of a luxurious spa with seven treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite
• Updated Verandah Club, an 80,000-square foot, state-of-the-art fitness facility
• Opening of the 25th Floor Executive Lounge with breathtaking panoramic views of the Dallas skyline
• Remodeling of the hotel’s 500,000 square feet of meeting space, which included updates to the pre-function areas in the Tower, breakout rooms and the ballroom, accented by contemporary colors and fixtures as well as modern touches on furniture and artwork
• A commissioned art piece created by world-renown artist Reuben Margolin.  The 10,000-lb. “Nebula” is made of 10 miles of aircraft cable, 1,780 pulleys and over 4,500 amber crystals – floating above in a wavelike dance. It is a dramatic, slowly moving kinetic structure, organized in a multi-tiered, geometric pattern and fans out almost 100 feet long and 50 feet wide

About Hilton Anatole Hotel
Located within a 45-acre campus the Hilton Anatole Hotel features two high-rise atriums; a 27-story tower; and 1,606 luxuriously appointed guestrooms with first-class in room amenities and Internet access.  Additionally, the hotel offers guests more than 500,000 sq. ft. of event space as well as a variety of recreational activities, including viewing the Art Collection, one of the largest and most intriguing private assemblies in the world; an 80,000 sq. ft. fitness center, tennis courts, one of the finest lap pools in the region, an indoor jogging track; gift and sundry boutiques; V Spa, the hotel’s newest luxury spa oasis; and 5 unique restaurants and bars for dining and entertainment, including the new high-tech Media Grill + Bar, award-winning five-star Nana and chic Gossip Bar.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton Hotels & Resorts enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

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 92 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 3,600 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, 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.