Home2 Suites by Hilton, a mid-tier, extended-stay hotel concept targeting the savvy, value-wise, extended-stay guest, launched new Web site features including a sustainability page and e-tour of the future space. These expanded Web site features will help consumers and developers understand the brand identity of Home2 Suites and its unique, "Hip and Humble" approach to hospitality at http://www.home2suites.com.

"The new Web site features will increase the momentum for our already successful launch of Home2 Suites," said Bill Duncan, Global Head, Brand Management. "Since launching the brand with 10 franchise applications, we have received an additional 40, with the first hotel to open in Q4 2010."

Although discussed at the initial launch of the brand in late January 2009, the sustainability features were not outlined in such detail until now. Home2 Suites has taken careful consideration into balancing the environmental impact with an uncompromised guest experience. The following are sustainable elements that the brand boasts in current design and future practice:

  • Recycled granite on front desk
  • WaterSense plumbing fixtures by Kohler
  • Dual-flush Kohler toilets, utilizing 20 percent less water
  • Tamper-resistant bulk shower amenities, including shampoo/conditioner and body wash to decrease plastic container waste
  • Carpet tiles consisting of 70 percent recycled materials (including other carpet, plastic and tires)
  • Energy Star appliances, utilizing 10 to 50 percent less energy and water
  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Optional paperless check-in/out
  • Optional linen changes depending on length of stay
  • Use of real China and glassware both in-room and during complimentary continental breakfast at The Oasis

While sustainable elements provide web visitors with useful information on the brand's commitment to lessen the environmental impact of extended-stay travelers, the e-tour helps guests to visualize the brand's identity. The newly-featured, four-minute video brings the community and guest room spaces to life through expertly designed renderings and photography from a Home2 model suite.

The e-tour provides viewers with an overview of the contemporary design and inviting atmosphere. Some of the highlights Home2 Suites includes are the ability to travel and maintain a healthy lifestyle with spaces such as the combined laundry and fitness areas and the outdoor fitness track; the social aspects of the community spaces that encourage interaction in both the indoors through The Oasis and outdoors through the exterior "living room;" and the overall comfortable, yet productive guest rooms that feature the iconic working wall - a series of modular, brand-designed millwork pieces that serve as workspace, closet and storage. To access the e-tour, visit http://www.tourhome2suites.com to view directly or visit http://www.home2suites.com to access the tour through the Home2 Suites Web site.

Home2 Suites forecasts 100 properties open by year-end 2012, with 60 to 70 per year thereafter. Immediate focus will be on U.S. development, with expansion into Canada, Mexico and abroad in subsequent years. Submitted franchise applications include sites in New York City, N.Y., Baltimore/White Marsh, Md., Charlotte, N.C., Jacksonville, N.C., Gadsden, Ala., Elko, Nev., and three hotels in San Antonio, Texas.

To learn more about Home2 Suites by Hilton, including site plans, room layouts and brand facts, visit http://www.Home2Suites.com. For information about franchising opportunities, visit http://www.Home2Franchise.com.

About Hilton Hotels Corporation | Hilton Hotels Corporation, is the leading global hospitality company based in McLean, VA, with more than 3,300 hotels and 550,000 rooms in 77 countries and more than 130,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton, the Waldorf Astoria and the Waldorf Astoria Collection, as well as the recently launched Home2 Suites by Hilton. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is an Official Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team, which will extend through the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, the 2010/2012 U.S. Paralympic Team and the 2011 U.S. Pan American Team.

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton's philosophy that, "It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality." The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable. The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.

For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonfamily.com.