The SmartLock system recognizes information stored on a microchip imbedded in the hotel's SmartKeys or a guest's multifunction Smartcard. This technology will add to the convenience and security of Hilton guests. The locking system technology was developed by CISA of Italy. Hilton Hotels Corp., long considered a technological leader in the lodging industry, pioneered this unique technology application.

"The microprocessor technology employed in the SmartLock system, and the Smartcards and SmartKeys that operate them, deliver added value to our guests," said Thomas G. Daly, vice president-loss prevention for Hilton Hotels.

"According to CISA, SmartKeys issued by the hotel are nearly impossible to duplicate, and the technology allows us to maintain a unique record of anyone who enters a room. But we're most excited for our guests who already possess a multifunction Smartcard that will be presented upon check-in for encoding to be used as their guestroom key."

Currently, more than 6,000 travelers are holders of credit and/or affinity cards with Smartcard technology that can be utilized at the Hilton New York Towers. These cards include: the American Express(R) Corporate Card, Hilton Optima(R) Card and Hilton HHonors(R) Worldwide Diamond VIP member cards.

In 1985, the Hilton New York became the first hotel in the United States to implement magnetic-stripe technology for its guestroom locks, and is the perfect choice for implementing a new generation of secure check-in technology. Smartcards are projected to replace magnetic-stripe technology, and become the standard credit/debit storage and transfer medium in the early years of the next century.

"Hilton's choice of the CISA CS9580 Smartcard Locking System is a vote of confidence for CISA and this emerging technology," said Pascal Metivier, executive vice president of CISA Security System Inc. "Our Dual 2-Squared technology allows use of different types of Smartcards -- including both memory and microprocessor cards -- giving Hilton a big advantage over its competition."

The Hilton New York Towers is an international hotel conveniently located at Rockefeller Center amid the many attractions for which New York City is renowned. The hotel is one block from 5th Avenue shopping, two blocks from the boutiques on Madison Avenue, just up the street from Radio City Music Hall, and close to Broadway theaters.

CISA, based in Faenza, Italy, has been a pioneer in electric and electronic locks since 1926. The company's innovations in locking systems technology ensure that CISA locks will always be in the forefront of industry standards.

Hilton Hotels is recognized internationally as the preeminent gaming and hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises hotel-casinos and resorts, hotels, and vacation ownership properties. Reservations can be made for more than 400 Hilton, Flamingo, Bally's, Conrad International and Vista hotels worldwide online at www.hilton.com, through a professional travel agent, or by contacting Hilton Reservations Worldwide at 800/HILTONS in the United States and Canada. Outside the United States and Canada, reservations can be made by calling the nearest Hilton Reservations Worldwide office.