McLean, VA (July 9, 2012) – By the spring of 2014, travelers looking for accommodations in downtown Halifax will have two new hotel options at the former site of the Citadel Halifax Hotel.  Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of upscale, all-suite, residential-style hotels, and Hampton Hotels, the award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment, together with SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts announced a new brand partnership at an event downtown.  The announcement marks the arrival of the city’s first dual-branded hotel project and Homewood Suites’ first hotel in the province, as well as a commitment by SilverBirch to bring additional Hilton Worldwide properties to the Canada market.

Both hotels will be constructed simultaneously and housed within two 13-story towers.  Located in downtown Halifax, on Brunswick and Cogswell streets, the $62 million redevelopment will have a combined 316 units and will include a shared conference center, as well as a fitness center, retail space and parking. During construction the project is expected to create 250 new jobs and will open as early as May of 2014.

“We are pleased to partner with Hilton Worldwide to deliver two industry-leading brands and to contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Halifax,” said Steve Giblin, President and CEO of SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts.  “By building the Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites side by side, we will better accommodate a wide range of lodging needs for both the business and leisure travelers visiting Halifax.”

Today’s event provided an opportunity for SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts to not only discuss this exciting partnership, but also to share future growth plans encompassing a variety of Hilton Worldwide’s word-class brands.  Canada has become a major growth market for Hilton’s focused service hotels. The Homewood Suites/Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Halifax hotel represents the seventh Homewood Suites property in development in Canada. Hampton Hotels currently has 19 projects under development in the Canada market.

“We are looking forward to a longstanding partnership with SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts and the first of many projects over the coming years,” Craig Mance, senior vice president, North America Development, Hilton Worldwide. “The Homewood Suites / Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton dual-branded hotel will meet the growing demand in the market and continue both brands’ Canadian expansion efforts, while simultaneously offering guests the proven efficiencies of this development model pioneered by Hilton’s focused service brands.”

For media information and photos, visit the Hampton Hotels Global Media Center and the Homewood Suites Media Center.

About Homewood Suites by Hilton
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 Hampton Hotels
The Hampton brand, including Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton, is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment. With nearly 1,900 properties globally, Hampton Hotels is part of Hilton Worldwide, the leading global hospitality company. All Hampton Hotels offer warm surroundings and a friendly service culture and personality, defined as "Hamptonality," supported by its 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. High-quality accommodations, in-room conveniences and the latest technology, combined with numerous locations and consistent offerings, have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest growing hotel brands.  For more information about Hampton Hotels, please visit www.hampton.com or http://news.hampton.com and connect with us at www.facebook.com/Hampton, http://twitter.com/Hampton or www.youtube.com/Hampton .

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 91 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.

About SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts
SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts is one of Canada’s leading hotel management companies and manages over 20 hotels and resorts across Canada. The company manages independent hotels and hotels operating under major franchise brands, such as Marriott, Radisson, Hilton, Quality, Best Western and Ramada. www.silverbirchhotels.com. For more information about the Halifax development plans, please visit www.citadelhotelmakeover.ca

*Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.