Reading, PA February 13, 2004  – Homewood Suites by Hilton^Ò, the national brand of upscale, residential-style hotels, today announced it has been ranked the nation's No. 1 upper upscale extended-stay hotel chain by the annual Business Travel News consumer survey of top U.S. hotels.

This recognition marks the third year for Homewood Suites by Hilton to receive a top designation in the Business Travel News survey. The survey 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 9, 2004 issue of Business Travel News, revealed Homewood Suites by Hilton scored the highest in four survey categories out of nine total, including "Corporate Travel Programs," “Appearance of Properties," “Quality and Variety of In-room Amenities," and “Overall Price to Value relationship."

“We are proud to be a part of the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand and its top ranking in the BTN  survey," said Joann Iacono, general manager of the 87-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton Reading/Wyomissing. “This recognition is further evidence of our team members' commitment to provide the kind of service and exceptional lodging experience that encourages extended-stay guests and families to seek out our hotel whenever they travel to Reading."

Consumers have consistently recognized Homewood Suites by Hilton as an industry leader as evidenced by the recent accolades bestowed on the brand including the “Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Extended Stay Hotel Chains" award in the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Domestic Hotel Guest Satisfaction StudySM. This was the second year for J.D. Power and Associates to award Homewood Suites by Hilton the honor.
 
Homewood Suites by Hilton Reading/Wyomissing hotel, located at 2801 Papermill Road, backs its quality 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 today has more than 130 hotels open with another 50 in the pipeline. Beyond its spacious two-room suites and home-like amenities, Homewood Suites guests can find at each hotel an on-site Suite Shopâ convenience store, exercise facility, and guest laundry at most locations. Guests can also enjoy a daily complimentary hot breakfast and weekday evening Manager's Reception* with a light meal and beverages in the hotel's Lodge. Additional guest services at Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels include a complimentary grocery shopping service† and a complete business center at most locations. Most Homewood Suites locations also feature a swimming pool and outdoor sports court.

To make reservations at a Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel, travelers can visit the Homewood Suites Web site at homewoodsuites.com or call 1-800-CALL-HOME^Ò. Homewood Suites participates in the Hilton HHonors^Ò guest reward program, which allows its members to DoubleDip^Ò by simultaneously accumulating both hotel points and airline miles with each qualifying stay.

Homewood Suites by Hilton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, which is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,100 hotels, resorts, and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the industry's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton^Ò, Conrad^Ò, Doubletree^Ò, Embassy Suites Hotels^Ò, Hampton Inn^Ò, Hampton Inn & Suites^Ò, Hilton Garden Inn,^Ò Hilton Grand Vacations Club^Ò and Homewood Suites by Hilton^Ò.

The Reading Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel is owned and operated by High Hotels, Ltd., an affiliate of High Industries, Inc. based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  High Hotels also owns and operates the Hampton Inn in Reading, PA as well as eight other award-winning properties in Lancaster, York, Wilkes-Barre, Harrisburg-West, PA. (2), Middletown, NY. (2), and Annapolis, MD.  The company operates under the Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott brands.  For more information visit, www.highhotels.com

†Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.
*Subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

HHonors^®, Double Dip^® and Double Dipping^® are trademarks owned by Hilton HHonors Worldwide, L.L.C. Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles^®, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions.

The following trademarks are owned by Hilton Hospitality, Inc.: Hilton^®, Doubletree^®, Embassy Suites Hotels^®, Hampton Inn^®, Hampton Inn & Suites^®, Hilton Grand Vacations Club®, Homewood Suites by Hilton^® and Suite Shop^®. Conrad^® is owned by Conrad Hospitality, LLC.