Hilton to Operate Three Waldorf Astoria Resorts Acquired by GIC Real Estate

GIC Real Estate, the real estate arm of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), has completed its purchase of three landmark resorts managed by the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand of Hilton Worldwide. They are: the 740-room Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, Phoenix, Ariz.; the 780-room Grand Wailea Resort, Maui, Hawaii; and the 796-room La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, Calif.

“North America’s Golf Resort of the Year”

The transition of ownership will have no impact on the day to day operations of the properties as GIC has assumed the existing management agreements for all three Waldorf Astoria properties. California-based, KSL Group will act as asset manager for the three resorts and will work closely with GIC and Hilton Worldwide to ensure that the luxury properties continue their legacy of offering guests True Waldorf Service and authentic moments set amidst the inspirational environments for which the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand is legendary.

The Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort has been an Arizona landmark since opening in 1929, when it was crowned the “Jewel of the Desert.” The Grand Dame remains one of the most recognized resorts in the world for its distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style, luxurious facilities and storied history as a playground of the rich and famous. Nestled on 39 acres at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the legendary resort offers: 740 guest accommodations; full-service spa, salon and fitness center; two 18-hole golf courses; six restaurants and lounges including Frank & Albert's serving Arizona comfort food; and eight swimming pools including the Paradise Pool for the ultimate in poolside fun. For more information call 800-950-0086 or visit www.arizonabiltmore.com

Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is the only Waldorf Astoria Resort in the Hawaiian Islands. Nestled on 40 acres of lush, tropical gardens fronting Wailea Beach, Grand Wailea offers open spaces for the active vacationer, beauty for romantic getaways and fun for the whole family. Built to portray the richness of Hawaii's culture, people and nature, Grand Wailea is the ultimate Hawaiian resort providing an extensive selection of amenities and activities. Since opening in 1991, Grand Wailea consistently ranks among the world's best resorts by leading travel consumer reports and industry peers. For more information, call 800.232.4604 or visit www.grandwailea.com.

La Quinta Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort and PGA WEST is a renowned desert destination in the greater Palm Springs area featuring 796 elegantly-appointed casitas, suite and villas; the 23,000-square-foot Spa La Quinta®; 41 swimming pools and 53 hot spas; 23 tennis courts and exceptional cuisine at Morgan’s in the desert; TWENTY6; Adobe Grill; Ernie’s at PGA WEST. Known as The Western Home of Golf in America® and named “North America’s Golf Resort of the Year,” it is home to five award-winning public golf courses and four private courses, designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg Norman and Tom Weiskopf.

In addition to the three Waldorf Astoria resorts, GIC has a global portfolio of hotel properties in the U.S., France, the UK, Australia, China and India. Included in these holdings is the 1053-room Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk hotel in Fukuoka, Japan.

Hilton Management Services (HMS) to Operate Three Hilton-branded Properties in Silver Spring, Maryland

With nearly 500 rooms combined, the 248-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 149-room Hampton Inn and 90-room Homewood Suites are situated in one of the most dynamic cities in Montgomery County, Md., according to Ted Ratcliff, Hilton Worldwide senior vice president, operations, eastern North America.

“Hilton Management Services is pleased to become a part of Silver Spring’s dramatic business and cultural renaissance,” Ratcliff said. “This city is home to a burgeoning media, video and creative industry centered around Discovery Communications, the American Film Institute Silver Theater and Culture Center, Round House Theater and Fillmore Music Hall.”

“HMS is one of the largest management companies in the industry, with more than 575 managed properties globally including more than 340 in the Americas,” added Ratcliff. “We ensure hotel owners that operational efficiencies and productivity levels contribute to the improved performance and success of their investments.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC – Silver Spring on Colesville Road features 14 meeting rooms totaling nearly 21,000 square feet, business center, convenience center, fitness room, heated indoor swimming pool, lounge and two restaurants: Sergio’s Italian restaurant, part of the city’s culinary landscape since 1982, and Twisted Willow restaurant.

Located across the street, the Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Silver Spring hotel is a combined focused service and extended-stay hotel containing a total of 239 guest rooms, approximately 1,500 square feet of meeting space, two breakfast areas, a fitness center, and a heated indoor swimming pool. This landmark joint hotel opened in January 2009 and was the first dual-branded development between the mid-priced Hampton Inn and Suites brand and Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of all-suite, residential-style hotels.

The Hampton Inn Silver Spring is comprised of 149 guest rooms and offers a business center, fitness center and heated indoor pool and whirlpool. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast with waffles and oatmeal, Hampton On the Run® Breakfast Bags available weekdays, in-room multi-unit Power Cubes and the brand’s signature Clean and Fresh Hampton Bed®.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Silver Spring is an upscale, extended-stay hotel offering 90 studio suites, with additional guest amenities including a daily complimentary full hot breakfast in the hotel’s hospitality center – the “Lodge” – a full evening meal with drinks* Monday-Thursday, and a 24-hour on-site pantry. The hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, fully-equipped fitness center, heated indoor pool and sport court, 24-hour executive business center and approximately 760 square feet of flexible meeting space.