Hilton expands in Russia… and Corby

Hilton is to open its first Garden Inn property in Russia, and is also premiering its Hampton by Hilton brand closer to home in Corby. Garden Inn is Hilton’s mid-priced brand, offering facilities such as free wifi and 24-hour business centres, the city of Perm to the west of the Urals has been chosen as the brand’s first foray into the Russian market. The city has a population of just over one million people, and the 104-room hotel will be located “a short drive from the airport and city centre”. The hotel is due to open in late 2008, by which time the UK should have seen its first Garden Inn open – the Hilton Garden Inn Luton North is due to open in late spring (see online news May 24). Staying in the UK, Hilton has announced it will launch it “Hampton by Hilton” brand in the UK next year, with the first property being in the Northamptonshire town of Corby. Hampton by Hilton is Hilton’s economy offering, known as Hampton Inn in the US, Canada and Latin America, where the brand has around 1,500 hotels. As with the Garden Inn brand, Hampton’s facilities include free internet access, as well as complimentary breakfast, daily newspaper, fitness facilities and evening beverages. Corby has been undergoing a major regeneration programme over the last few years, and the 86-room Hampton by Hilton property will be located within the new Rockingham Leisure Park. The hotel is being funded by businessman Ramesh Dewan, who plans to launch 20 Hampton by Hilton hotels in the UK and Ireland in the next five years. Says Dewan: “Corby North was chosen as the first site as it’s a vibrant and growing community – with great demand for hotel product. In fact, the population of Corby is anticipated to double in the next 25 years.” For more information visit hilton.co.uk. Report by Mark Caswell