WALDORF ASTORIA® ORLANDO AND HILTON ORLANDO BONNET CREEK NAMED DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR 

ORLANDO, Fla., January 28, 2010 – Bonnet Creek, home to the Waldorf Astoria^® Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek has been recognized as the 2009 Development of the Year at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in San Diego, California. Developed by KUD International LLC and Brooksville Development Corporation, the property is home to the first Waldorf Astoria built outside New York City and first Waldorf Astoria Golf Club.  

The Americas Lodging Investment Summit is the lodging industry’s premier hospitality event and nominees are considered for the honor based on outstanding business performance in various industry sectors. Beginning with a pool of 30 prestigious properties and narrowed down to a final three by the ALIS nomination committee,

“This distinguished award is a reflection on the extraordinary efforts our development team has achieved in bringing the vision of Bonnet Creek to fruition in Orlando,” states Peter Kacheris, managing director of the properties. “We are appreciative of this recognition and humbled to continue the vision of Conrad Hilton.”

- Bonnet Creek -

Surrounded on three sides by the Walt Disney World^® Resort, Bonnet Creek is a 482-acre vacation destination encompassing the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is inspired by the elegance and grandeur of its legendary New York namesake.  Comprised of 498 deluxe rooms and suites, the property features signature Waldorf Astoria food and beverage establishments such as Peacock Alley^® and Bull & Bear^®   Steakhouse, 28,000 square feet of exclusive flexible meeting space and a variety of pre-function areas. The outdoor facilities boast a formal signature pool, encircled by chic private cabanas and complimented by lush tropical landscaping.

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek transcends the travel experience with 1,001 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, six distinct dining options, a two-acre lagoon-style pool, 122,000 square feet of meeting space and a variety of pre-function areas.

 Its outdoor venues include Bonnet Creek Island, a private retreat ideal for cocktails or storybook weddings. Guests of both properties can take advantage of the Rees Jones-designed Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, WA Kids children’s program, 24,000-square foot Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain^® and 4,000-square-foot fitness center.

For more information on the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, please call (407) 597-5500 or visit www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com. For more information on the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, please call (407) 597-3600 or visit www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com.       

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Waldorf Astoria Collection hotels each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels.  For 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value.  The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands.  Our brands are comprised of more than 3,300 hotels in 77 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.  The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.