New guestrooms feature a color palette of ocean-inspired blues and greens set against neutral sand tones, blending effortlessly with hand-selected sleek furnishings and magnificent floor-to-ceiling views. Ocean-inspired artwork, softly patterned carpeting and European-style bed linens invite guests to relax and unwind, whether traveling for business or pleasure. — Photo by Hilton Hotels & Resorts

BEVERLY HILLS, CA | Hilton Hotels & Resorts announces the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina as the latest addition to the Hilton brand portfolio. The hotel, formerly named the Fort Lauderdale Grande, is conveniently located on Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway.

The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina completed just last year a remarkable $70 million renovation, including redesigned guestrooms, a new lobby and refurbished common areas that highlight South Florida's colorful locale and culture. In addition to Fort Lauderdale's first China Grill restaurant, the hotel is home to a 33-slip inlet marina, 21,000 square feet of refitted meeting and event space, and a variety of world-class dining, recreation and entertainment options.

"We're delighted to welcome the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina to our spectacular Florida portfolio," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president – brand management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "Whether visiting Ft. Lauderdale for business or pleasure our guests are sure to find everything they need to make their trips a success."

Under the direction of award-winning design team Barry Design Associates, the 589-room property poised at the edge of South Florida's Intracoastal Waterway has been transformed, melding contemporary and easygoing style which incorporates natural elements to set a calm and inviting tone.

"The renovation of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina along with the addition of the Hilton brand represents the property's spectacular rebirth in the heart of a city that is also currently enjoying a metamorphosis," says Carlos Molinet, general manager of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina.

New guestrooms feature a color palette of ocean-inspired blues and greens set against neutral sand tones, blending effortlessly with hand-selected sleek furnishings and magnificent floor-to-ceiling views. Ocean-inspired artwork, softly patterned carpeting and European-style bed linens invite guests to relax and unwind, whether traveling for business or pleasure.

The hotel's signature restaurant – Jeffrey Chodorow's celebrated China Grill – offers innovative and delicious Asian-inspired world cuisine served against a backdrop of waterfront views. Other dining options include The G – a stylish lunch spot overlooking the hotel's 33-slip inlet marina and redesigned pool area, and Antea – the perfect pre-occasion spot, located in the hotel's waterfront lobby and serving light fare on-the-go during the day and beverages with small bites in the evening.

The hotel's event facilities have also undergone a significant update and expansion, offering more than 20,000 square feet of flexible space, outdoor catering decks, pre-function foyers and a pair of ballrooms outfitted with state-of the-art lighting design and acoustic systems. The hotel offers both wired and wireless internet access and access to a full-service business center.

The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is located at 1881 S.E. 17th Street Causeway,Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 - Telephone: (954) 463-4000, Facsimile: (954) 527-6705, Reservations: (888) 554-2132

About the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina:

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is convenient to the downtown business center, walking distance of the convention center and just 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Transportation may be arranged in advance through the concierge. For more information or reservations, travelers should contact their travel planner, call (888) 554-2132 or visit:www.fortlauderdalegrande.hilton.com until March 25th and after March 25, 2009 http://www.hilton.com.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts | With more than 500 hotels & resorts in 76 countries around the world Hilton continues to build on its history as a pioneer in the industry, developing products, services and amenities that offer today's travelers more choice and control over their stays. From Hilton Fitness by Precor to its world-class Hilton Worldwide Resorts portfolio;from the Serenity Collection of in-room amenities to Hilton Meetings, a premier global product for small meetings, Hilton's offerings are designed to enable guests to be at their personal best whether they travel for business or pleasure. Hilton's belief that Travel Should Take You Places® celebrates a commitment to the idea that travel can and should be transformative. Start your journey at www.hilton.com available in English, Spanish and French.

Lisa Cole
305-796-8383
Hilton