Homewood Suites by Hilton®, the national brand of upscale, residential-style hotels, today announced it has been ranked the nations’ No. 1 upscale extended-stay hotel brand by the annual Business Travel News survey of top U.S. hotels.

This recognition marks the second year for Homewood Suites by Hilton® to receive a top designation in the Business Travel News survey, which measures the opinions of business-travel related decision-makers such as corporate travel managers and business travel agents.

Survey results, which were published in the February 11, 2002 issue of Business Travel News, revealed Homewood Suites by Hilton® scored the highest in six survey categories out of nine total, including “Price to Value” relationship; “Ease in Arranging Travel;” “Helpful and Courteous Staff;” “Quality and Variety of In-Room Amenities;” “Quality of Business Center;” and “Timely Commission Payments” to travel agents.

“We are very proud to receive top ranking in this latest survey, especially in the many categories where we aim to exceed expectations,” said Jim Holthouser, senior vice president of brand management for Homewood Suites by Hilton®. “This recognition by the consumers who use and know our hotels is further evidence of our commitment to provide the kind of service and exceptional lodging experience that encourages extended-stay travelers and families to seek out Homewood Suites by Hilton®, wherever they travel.”

Last year, Homewood Suites by Hilton® also ranked No. 1 in the survey’s “Quality/Variety of In-Room Amenities” and “Helpful & Courteous Staff” categories for the upscale extended-stay segment. Consumers consistently have recognized Homewood Suites by Hilton® as an industry leader as evidenced by other accolades bestowed on the brand including the “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Extended Stay Hotel Chains” award in the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Domestic Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study. Last year was the first year for J.D. Power and Associates to include extended-stay hotels as a market segment in its annual study. Homewood Suites by Hilton® also was rated number one among moderately priced hotels last year in a leading consumer advocacy publication.

All Homewood Suites by Hilton® hotels back their quality and service with an unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, which means if a guest is not completely satisfied with their stay, that night’s stay is free.

Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton® brand targets guest who stay for a few nights or more and who prefer residential-style all-suite lodging for a price comparable to a stay at a traditional, high-quality hotel. Each suite has a fully equipped kitchen, featuring a microwave oven, full-size refrigerator and twin-burner stove with all the necessary pots, pans and utensils. Additionally, suites contain a remote controlled television, videocassette player or on-demand movies, ceiling fans, an iron-ironing board and two telephones with data ports.