Hilton To Add 25 Hamptons In The United Kingdom

Hilton Hotels Corp. today announced plans to add at least 25 new Hampton properties in the United Kingdom during the next five years through an agreement with franchiser Somerston Hotels UK Limited.

Somerston, which now owns and operates 34 U.K. hotels representing more than 4,000 rooms, has signed a letter of understanding with Hilton to bring the international version of Hampton Inns, known as Hampton by Hilton, to at least 25 locations, comprising 3,000 new rooms. The suite-less Hampton by Hilton still features other Hampton amenities, including complimentary hot breakfast and free high-speed Internet access.

This is the second announcement by Hilton in recent weeks detailing U.K. expansion plans. The company also is partnering with Shiva Hotels Limited to add at least 15 new hotels to the country, focusing on the Hilton, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton brands.

"These alliances are indicative of our ambition for growth and market leadership across a number of market segments," Ian Carter, chief executive of Hilton's international operations, said in a prepared statement. "Specifically, we have a target of doubling our U.K. estate from 75 to 150 hotels in 10 years, and with the interest and support of leading property developers and franchise operators, we are well on the way to achieving this."