The brand has opened a total of 75 new Hampton hotels during the first nine months ended Sept. 30. 

As the popularity of both Hampton brands continues to thrive in the Southeastern, Northeastern and Mid-United States, the brand also is increasing its development focus on growing its presence in the West. 

``Currently, we have more than 240 properties open west of the Mississippi. With a strong sales and development team under Hilton Hotels Corp. and new development strategy in place, we plan to double our presence in the Western region in the next three years. In addition, we continue to see significant opportunities for development on the East Coast,'' said Phil Cordell, senior vice president, Hampton brand management. 

The following properties were opened in September: 
 

"The Hampton brand has seen 75 hotel openings this year alone, 20 of them being Hampton Inn & Suites properties,'' said Cordell. "We plan to continue that pace of growth in the months to come, especially with the growing interest in
our new Hampton Inn & Suites prototype. 

``The brand continues to attract hotel developers across the United States,'' said Cordell. ``We have become a preferred moderately priced hotel brand for both travelers and developers, as testified to by the opening of our 1,000th hotel last spring. 

``Being a member of the Hilton family of brands has had a positive impact upon brand growth. Hampton's participation in the Hilton HHonors® guest reward program, for example, has increased our attractiveness to developers, bringing
additional marketing punch to an already successful hotel brand.'' 

Hampton Inn is a subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corp., recognized internationally as a pre-eminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 1,800 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. 

This news release contains ``forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of federal securities law, including statements concerning business strategies and their intended results and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts.