STRESS, JET LAG AND LATE NIGHT MEALS: IS IT ANY WONDER MILLIONS OF BUSINESS TRAVELERS CAN’T SLEEP?

Hilton Hotels Corporation Recognizes Sleep Better Month In May

With Continued Research and Expansion of the Hilton Travel Lifestyle CentersÒ Program

Have you ever caught yourself or someone else yawning at an early morning meeting – even after several cups of coffee? Surveys conducted by Hilton Hotels Corporation have shown that nearly half (48 percent) of U.S. business travelers suffer from travel-related sleep disorders. Using the latest business travel statistics available from the Travel Industry Association of America, that means an estimated 21 million American business travelers are trying to conduct important business and close crucial deals without being well rested.

Whether travelers just need more rest, a better quality sleep experience or both, sleeplessness continues to affect performance in workplaces throughout the country. In its ongoing effort to research and provide viable solutions to guests suffering from sleep disorders associated with travel, Hilton has developed a network of nearly 50 Travel Lifestyle Centers® at select hotels across the U.S. According to Robert E. Dirks, senior vice president – marketing at Hilton, it’s no accident that the acronym for this innovative group of rooms is “TLC.”

“Our studies show that time-zone travel, unfamiliar environments and stress, can all disrupt sleep,” said Dirks. “The purpose behind Hilton Travel Lifestyle Centers is to provide a little ‘TLC’ to our guests by providing special amenities that are conducive to better sleep, relaxation and overall health after a hectic day of travel.”

Currently, Hilton offers three types of TLC room concepts: Hilton Sleep-Tight RoomsÒ, Hilton Health-Fit RoomsÒ and Hilton Stress-Less RoomsÒ. The company worked with The National Sleep Foundation in Washington, D.C., the American Institute of Stress in Yonkers, N.Y. and the Biobehavioral Lab in Boston, Mass. to develop the rooms. In addition, the company worked with key sponsors to equip the rooms with top-of-the line products to help travelers' stress less and sleep more. Combined, each set of rooms offers more than 20 different amenities and services, each carefully selected to help travelers sleep better.

Dirks is quick to point out that, while all Hilton hotel rooms provide a good night’s sleep, some guests require more help sleeping when away from home.

Some of the products featured in the Hilton Travel Lifestyle Centers include a specially designed, pillowtop mattress from Serta; aromatherapy products from Naturistics; a circadian light box from Apollo®; a calming pool and massaging seat topper from Relaxor®; a sound soother from Sharper Image; and environmental music CD’s and exercise videos from LIVINGarts®. In addition, Hilton offers sleep- and health- friendly minibar items (such as fresh fruit and bottled water) and dual wake-up call service to give guests the comfort they need to sleep better.

In recognition of Sleep Better Month, Hilton will introduce its Travel Lifestyle Center program to one of its newest hotels – the Hilton Garden Inn® LAX/El Segundo in California. The hotel will showcase various special-concept rooms including the Hilton Sleep-Tight, Hilton Stress-Less, and Hilton Health-Fit Rooms.

“One of Hilton’s main objectives is to continue exploring new ways to provide busy travelers with the best possible sleeping environment at their home away from home,” said Dirks.

Hilton continues to keep the public informed of the results of nearly five years of health and wellness research. The company offers a collection of brochures, including “Sleep and The Traveler,” “Sleep and the Traveler II” and “TLC.” Consumers may request a complimentary copy of the brochure by writing to: Hilton TLC, c/o DCW at 8730 Sunset Boulevard, Fifth Floor, Los Angeles, Calif. 90069, or e-mailing keith_duross@cohnwolfe.com.

To make reservations at a Hilton Travel Lifestyle Center hotel, contact your professional travel agent or call 1-800-HILTONS in the U.S. or Canada. Outside the U.S. and Canada, reservations can be made by calling the nearest Hilton Reservations Worldwide office.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 1,800 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world’s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Harrison Conference Centers®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Homewood Suites® by Hilton, Red Lion Hotels & Inns® and Conrad International®.