CHICAGO, Ill. – January 23, 2013 – The Waldorf Astoria Chicago announced today that Kerri Stokes will lead the spa team as Director of the Elysian Spa & Health Club.  Stokes, who previously served as the Assistant Director, will oversee all conceptualization and creation of programming at the Elysian Spa & Health Club, Chicago’s most luxuriously indulgent spa. Stokes will also spearhead the extensive fitness offerings at the Elysian Health Club, including the Gyrotonic and Pilates programs.

Stokes, who earned her cosmetology license at the Aveda Institute, has extensive experience in the luxury spa sector.  Prior to joining the Waldorf Astoria Chicago team, Stokes was the Assistant Spa Director at The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago.  When the Elysian hotel opened in 2009, Stokes managed the daily operations working closely with the former Spa Director to create the treatment menu, develop the service protocols, hire and train staff, and select product lines.

As the Elysian Spa & Health Club Director, Stokes will be responsible for ensuring that the facilities and level of performance is consistent with the Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s dedication to providing personalized, remarkable experiences.  She will also ensure that the Elysian Spa & Health Club continues to offer a wide-range of innovative, customized treatments and programs that exceed guest expectations.

“Kerri’s top-tier spa management of the Elysian Spa & Health Club will prove to be invaluable asset as she steps into this senior leadership role,” said General Manager Richard Evanich.  “The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is proud to promote from within our team, and we look forward to Stokes utilizing her collective professional expertise to develop spa concepts delivered with the True Waldorf Service guests have come to expect in our award-winning spa.”

Located on the fourth floor of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, the Elysian Spa & Health Club is a true sanctuary with unique facilities, purposeful treatments and a commitment to well-being. Boasting more than 14,000 square feet of space, the spa features a wide‐ranging menu of personalized services, as well as a nail spa, barber suite, relaxation areas and a fitness facility complete with Pilates and Gyrotonics studio. The Elysian Spa & Health Club was recently ranked #3 in the 2012 “Top 75 US Mainland Hotel Spas” category in Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Top 270 Spas readers’ poll; the coveted 2012 SpaFinder® Wellness Readers’ Choice Category Award as among the Best for Men and Best Urban Hotel Spa.

About the Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is located in the heart of the chic Gold Coast neighborhood near the most exclusive shops, restaurants and nightlife. Through innovations in service and technology, the 188-room hotel creates a new experience in luxury – energetic and fashion forward; warm and welcoming; fresh and engaging. The hotel boasts the award-winning 14,000 square-foot Elysian Spa & Health Club; Balsan, a casual market-driven bistro; and 6,000-square feet of private event space.  Having opened its doors in late 2009, the hotel has quickly accumulated a list of prestigious awards and accolades including: 5-diamond rating by AAA for 2011 and 2012; #1 U.S hotel by readers of Conde Nast Traveler; #1 U.S. hotel by U.S. News & World Report; #3 U.S. city hotel in Travel + Leisure.  For more information, please visit www.waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com, or call 312-646-1300.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a 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 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 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.