The newly constructed Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown is owned by GAC Development LLC and operated under a license agreement with Hilton Inns Inc., the franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corp. The hotel is managed by Chafoulias Cos.

"Hotel accommodations representing the upper end of the mid-priced hotel category are in high demand among cost-conscious business travelers as well as leisure travelers seeking a weekend getaway or vacation," said Dieter Huckestein, president-hotel division, Hilton Hotels Corp. "Hilton Garden Inn hotels are uniquely designed to meet the needs of this burgeoning segment."

A high-rise, seven-story structure, the Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown features: a Pavilion housing the reception desk; a Pavilion Pantry(sm) with a selection of microwaveable packaged, refrigerated and frozen items, and sundries; a restaurant offering freshly prepared breakfast and evening beverage and room service; a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; one meeting room representing 750 square feet of meeting space; a 24-hour, complimentary business center; and a laundry facility.

Guest-room accommodations and features include: a hospitality center with a microwave oven, coffee maker and mini refrigerator; a sitting area with an easy chair and ottoman; a hairdryer; and an iron and ironing board. In-room entertainment and information services, including on-demand movies, satellite cable television, video games and interactive Hilton guest services, are provided by On Command Corp.

Business-oriented features of the guest rooms include: a spacious work desk with a pull-out shelf for a portable computer; adjustable lighting; an ergonomic chair; electrical outlets at desk height; and two telephones equipped with two lines, data ports and voice mail.

Recreational facilities consist of a fitness room, indoor swimming pool and a whirlpool.

"The hotel's residential feel will appeal greatly to leisure travelers visiting friends and relatives in the Rochester area," said Gordon Solinger, general manager.

Hilton Garden Inn developments represent the cornerstone of Hilton's franchise growth strategy. More than 200 Hilton Garden Inn properties are expected to be open or under construction in the United States, Canada and Mexico by year-end 2000.

The Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown's address is: 225 S. Broadway, Rochester, Minn., 55904; phone: 507/285-1234; fax: 507/285-2545. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Rochester, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, eight miles from Rochester International Airport and within walking distance via skyway of the Mayo Clinic and the Galleria Mall.

Hilton Hotels Corp. is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties.