HILTON DALIAN CELEBRATES SOFT OPENING

Hilton, the world's best known hotel brand is now proudly represented with a spectacular new hotel in Dalian, China. Towering above this beautiful and bustling seaside resort, the 36-story circular hotel tower is a distinct landmark amongst the cityscape of Dalian. Combining a contemporary setting with first-class services and facilities, the Hilton Dalian represents the premiere choice for both business and leisure travelers.

At 10 am, Mr. Li Xin, Chairman of Chang Jiang Plaza Co., Ltd and Mr. Wolfgang Maier, General Manager of the Hilton Dalian raised the Hilton Flag in a ceremony attended by all employees and the local media. The Hotel, designed by the renowned design firm of Kanko Kikaku Sekkeisha (KKS) of Tokyo, Japan, presents an ambience of the new China in a most modern, contemporary setting.

One of the many unique design features is inspired by the China's famous Changjiang ("Great") River, also known as the Yangtze River. Cascading waters from a large crystal glass, pyramid-shaped fountain that represents a mountain spring, glide gently through various ponds, which separates a tranquil indoor garden from the lobby. Numerous contemporary artifacts and paintings by popular Chinese artists are on display throughout the hotel to create an impression of a modern art gallery.

The Hilton Dalian is fully integrated within the new Chang Jiang Plaza commercial complex, featuring a 36 story circular hotel tower comprising of 372 rooms and suites, a 24 story residential tower featuring 168 one, two and three bedroom apartments and an office tower supplying 20,000 sqm2 of office space.

The complex is located in Dalian's Zhong Shan business and financial district in the heart of the city and within minutes from major offices, shopping centers and tourist attractions.

Currently in operation are 122 guest rooms, 40 serviced apartments, the Intermezzo Restaurant, offering all day buffets and a la carte dining with specialties from the Tandoori oven, the Red Lotus Chinese Restaurant featuring Cantonese, Hangzhou and Dalian Seafood specialties, The Lounge, serving popular drinks and cocktails and the Business Center. Equipped with up-to-date facilities, guestrooms are spacious averaging 38 to 42 square meters and provide guests with spectacular view of the harbour or the city.

Special introductory room rates starting from only USD$ 68++ per superior single or double room per night are available between now and October 31, 2000. As a further incentive, guests paying the eligible introductory room rate are entitled to participate in a lucky draw competition and a chance to win a fabulous holiday trip to Thailand. The 46 Executive Floor rooms and accompanying CLUBROOM, ten 1-bedroom suites, 22 Junior Suites and a Presidential Suite are anticipated for completion in the coming weeks. Further Food and Beverage outlets including Dalian's first Häagen-Dazs Café serving the worlds premium ice cream, the Zen Asian Grill which specializes in Japanese, Korean and Chinese charcoal barbecued dishes and The Flying Scotsman, Dalian's only authentic Pub with a Scottish Flair are currently under completion. A 1,000 sqm2 Ballroom, and 12 individual Function and Meeting Rooms that incorporate a Hilton Meetings Service Centre will also become available soon.

During the month of September, the hotel will welcome the first tenants of various prestigious designer boutiques, including MCM, Yves St. Laurent, Stefano Ricci, Trussardi, Valentino, Dupont and Gianni Versace.

Also in the month of September, the Hilton Dalian is expected to open the 1,000 sqm2 Lifestyle Fitness Center & Spa, the largest and most sophisticated health and beauty facility in the city including an indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor terrace and a tennis court.

A final highlight in September will be the opening of a magnificent, split-level, private membership "Sky Club". Located on the top two floors of the hotel, the club offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

"We are excited to celebrate the soft opening of Hilton Dalian today", commented Mr Wolfgang Maier, General Manager of Hilton Dalian. "Along with the excellent support and cooperation of our Owners, Chang Jiang Plaza Co Ltd., we have created a new dimension of outstanding hospitality in Dalian, as exemplified through the hotel's magnificent design features, our exciting new Food and Beverage concepts and a number of other innovative new guest services and facilities that will be gradually introduced over the coming weeks".

The new Hilton Dalian joins the Hiltons in Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai as the fourth Hilton property in China.