Complete with features including 86 guestrooms and 25,000 square feet of meeting space, Hilton University of Houston opens its doors as an upscale, contemporary hotel serving Houston’s business and leisure travelers. Credit: Hilton University of Houston — Photo by Hilton
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Ninety-one years after Conrad Hilton opened his first hotel in Texas the hotel at a Houston college bearing his name re-opens today following a $12.5 million renovation. Hilton University of Houston, the teaching hotel for the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, opens its doors as an upscale, contemporary hotel serving Houston's business and leisure travelers.

"The extensive renovation of Hilton University of Houston combines contemporary style and authentic hospitality --- two elements that defined our founder and remain hallmarks of our brand today," said Dave Horton, Global Head - Hilton Hotels brand.

Hilton University of Houston features 86 guestrooms and 25,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 6,200-square foot Conrad N. Hilton Ballroom. The just-completed renovation was the first major renovation the hotel has undergone since opening in 1975. From the driveway, porte-cochère and courtyard to the lobby, guestrooms, public spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, every detail of the 35-year-old hotel is redesigned to express the vitality, style and hospitality of the Hilton Hotels brand.

Designed by Houston-based Portfolio and Associates, Hilton University of Houston features international elements while staying true to the iconic language of Texas. A dramatic onyx entry wall greets guests upon arrival, and the new lobby provides an intimate gathering space for visitors. The hotel's guestrooms have been expanded and bathroom configurations reoriented. Caramel-toned natural wood, colors of orange and vibrant green along with classic hide accents reflect the warmth of the world-class city of Houston.

"We're thrilled to share Hilton University of Houston's transformation with our guests. With sophisticated changes in place, the hotel meets the upscale expectations of any business or leisure traveler," said Fernando Cuellar, Hilton University of Houston General Manager.

Each guest room is furnished with the Hilton Serenity Collection, generous workspace and flat-screen TV. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access and full-service concierge. Hotel guests can access the nearby University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

The hotel features two restaurants named for sons of the Hilton brand's iconic founder. Eric's, the hotel's full service restaurant, offers all-day casual dining, serving healthy cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. The hotel's second dining venue, Barron's Restaurant, is run entirely by students from the Conrad N. Hilton College. The College also has a student-run coffee house, Cougar Grounds, serving gourmet coffee drinks of all kinds.

Hilton University of Houston also features flexible meeting space with capacities ranging from 10 to 600 guests. Meetings have access to state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and a professional event staff.

The hotel's prime location is just three miles from downtown Houston and 10 minutes from William P. Hobby Airport. Guests have quick access to the world-class restaurants, exciting sports activities and arts events that make Houston a top destination. Visitors to the hotel can also explore the many venues at the University of Houston, including the Blaffer Gallery and performances at the Wortham Theatre on campus.

Hilton University of Houston is part of a $28.8 million Conrad N. Hilton College complex and enables students to gain hands-on experience in guest service and hotel operations. In 1969, a donation from Conrad Hilton at the request of his sons founded the college in the state where his hotel career began.

Guests at Hilton University of Houston are eligible to earn Hilton HHonors points and miles. Reservations can be made through Hilton Reservations Worldwide at 1-800-HILTONS or by visiting .

About Hilton Hotels | Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at .

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 more than 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. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,500 hotels in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, 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 .

John Forrest Ales
703-883-5212
Hilton