New Unique Hampton Inn & Suites Opens, Keeping Austin Stylishly Weird

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Michael V. Harrell and co-owner Robert M. Rogers open 158th Hampton hotel in Texas

MCLEAN, Va. – 2012-10-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hampton Hotels, the global brand of nearly 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 137-room Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University/Capitol located at 1701 Lavaca Street.  The opening of the 8-story property follows a Hilton Worldwide announcement that the property’s owner and operator Michael V. Harrell with Vista Host was honored with the company’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Hampton combines quality, innovation, comfort and plenty of value-added extras, making it the brand of choice for both business and leisure travelers in the marketplace today,” said Michael Harrell, Chief Executive Officer of Vista Host, the company that co-owns and is a partner of the Hampton Inn & Suites @ The University/Capitol. “At Vista Host, we’re thrilled to open our 15th Hampton property, one that is truly unique and lives up to the city’s motto to ‘Keep Austin Weird.'”

In line with Austin’s motto, a theme of eccentric elegance has been incorporated into the design of the hotel, which includes a 10-foot rotating guitar in the lobby, a rooftop pool on the fifth floor as well as 11-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies in a number of guestrooms and suites.  The pet-friendly hotel offers all guests amenities such as free, hot breakfast, 24-hour coffee and tea area and a business center.  All guest rooms include free internet access, lap desk and the Clean and Fresh Hampton bed, and all suites include a sofa sleeper, microwave and under-the-counter refrigerator.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University/Capitol is just two blocks from the University of Texas campus and seven blocks from the Texas State Capitol.  It is also in close proximity to Austin’s famous 6th Street and surrounding entertainment districts and is near more than 100 downtown restaurants.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University/Capitol is the 12th Hampton property in the Austin market, ahead of 30 more Hampton hotels slated to be opened in Texas and more than 250 Hampton properties in the pipeline in the U.S.  The new property is the 40th Hampton hotel Vista Host has been involved in since it joined the brand by opening the 9th Hampton hotel in 1986.

Harrell, the company’s CEO, recently received Hilton Worldwide’s Lifetime Achievement Award, given to one franchise owner each year that showcases longevity in the hospitality development arena and loyalty to the company.  During his career, Harrell has developed more than 20 Hampton properties across the U.S. and has added several other Hilton Worldwide brands to his portfolio throughout his tenure, including Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites.

“We truly value the trust and dedication our owners have vested in Hampton,” said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton brand management, Hilton Worldwide.  “Mike has been with Hampton from the beginning, opening the 9th Hampton hotel in our system.  He’s served on several advisory boards and has always been a solid sounding board for innovation and new brand initiatives.  After an over 20-year relationship, we’re pleased to honor him with a Lifetime Achievement Award as it is more than well deserved.”

For more information or to make a reservation at the Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University/Capitol please visit the hotel’s website here or call 512-499-8881.  For more information about Hampton Hotels, please visit www.hampton.com or http://news.hampton.com.

Contacts:
John Walls
Director, Global Brand Public Relations, Hampton Hotels
901 374 6383
John.Walls@hilton.com

About Hampton Hotels
The Hampton brand, including Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton, is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment. With nearly 1,900 properties globally, Hampton Hotels is part of Hilton Worldwide, the leading global hospitality company. All Hampton Hotels offer warm surroundings and a friendly service culture and personality, defined as “Hamptonality,” supported by its 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. High-quality accommodations, in-room conveniences and the latest technology, combined with numerous locations and consistent offerings, have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest growing hotel brands globally. For more information about Hampton Hotels, please visit www.hampton.com or news.hampton.com or connect with us at faceboook.com/Hampton.comTwitter.com/Hampton.com or youtube.com/Hampton.com.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered 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 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, 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®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at facebook.com/hiltonworldwidetwitter.com/hiltonworldwideyoutube.com/hiltonworldwideflickr.com/hiltonworldwide and linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

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Hampton Hotels, the global brand of nearly 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 137-room Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University/Capitol located at 1701 Lavaca Street. Credit: Hampton Hotels

Hampton Hotels, the global brand of nearly 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 137-room Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University/Capitol located at 1701 Lavaca Street. Credit: Hampton Hotels