Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

Celebrate Black History!!!

2012-02-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

Celebrate Black History!!!! Whitney Houston born in Newark,NJ April 9, 1963. Whitney had eleven No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. She is the only artist to have seven consecutive No. 1's on that chart, and is the first woman to ever debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Whitney was the first female artist to have two diamond albums (as of January 1994, both Whitney Houston and The Bodyguard were over 10x platinum). R.I.P Whitney Houston!

Black History Month fun facts!!

2012-02-08T09:35:00.003-05:00

Let's celebrate Black History Month!

Here's a little known black history month fact: The first Oscar, Best Actress Nominee was Dorothy Dandridge with her role as Carmen Jones in 1954. As a singer, actress and born November 9, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dorothy Dandridge sang at Harlem's famed Cotton Club and Apollo Theatre. As the eponymous lead in Carmen Jones (1954),a film adaptation of Bizet's opera Carmen that also costarred Belafonte, catapulted her to the heights of stardom. At an early age of 43 Dorothy Dandridge tragically passed away September 8th,1965.

Superbowl Twitter Trivia winner!

2012-02-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Jackie McCann you are our Super Bowl Trivia winner!!!!!!!!

Superbowl Party games

2012-02-01T11:14:00.001-05:00

So everyone knows a tradition to the Superbowl are the funny commercials that play. Check out this fun Super bowl party game idea that's sure to get everyone involved!

Check out this website for more details.

http://www.celebrations.com/content/rate-the-commercials

Super bowl Drink ideas!

2012-01-31T08:54:00.002-05:00

Ok now that we have the food under control what's a party without the cocktails? Here are some fun superbowl drink ideas. Even a tasty twist to a regular ole beer!! Check out this website for some cocktail treats!!

http://www.celebrations.com/article/super-bowl-party-drinks

Super bowl delicious recipe!

2012-01-30T11:20:00.002-05:00

This week our theme is Super Bowl XLVI! As we all know the Giant's take on the Patriots this is Sunday February 5th at 6:30pm. Now what's a party without the food? Let's start the week off with a delicious crab dip recipe from everyone's favorite Paula Deen.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/hot-crab-dip-recipe/index.html

Superbowl Trivia!!

2012-01-27T10:51:00.005-05:00

What was the only NFL team in history to play a 'Perfect Season', ending in a Superbowl win?

Stay tuned Monday for the answer!!!!

Check out the Hilton Garden Inn for your wedding!

2012-01-23T17:04:00.001-05:00

Having a wedding in the area and are in need of reception space? Well look no further we are a fully equipped hotel with banquet space to hold about 150 people. Come by and talk to our Director of Catering Kate Eucare to create a special catering menu to fit your taste buds. We also provide shuttle's to and from Dulles airport and area venue's for your convenience. Come schedule your site tour today with Victoria Dallas (p) 703.840.1622!

Route 9 Barrel Tasting

2012-01-19T14:01:00.003-05:00

Looking for something to do after the Kim Cameron concert over at the Aloft? Why not check out the 4th Annual Route 9 Barrel Tasting this Saturday and Sunday and enjoy delicious wines from various local wineries. Check out this website for more details!

http://www.visitloudoun.org/Events/4th-Annual-Route-9-Barrel-Tasting

Kim and Side FX

2012-01-06T10:55:00.003-05:00

Please come out and join us for a night full of fun as we support a local artist by the name of Kim Cameron and her band Side Fx. Kim and her band came as one in 2008 and have been rocking ever since. After just hitting the Billboard's Top 40 of course her next stop would have to be the Aloft Dulles North!! So come out and enjoy a live performance and take advantage of the discounted room rates, with rooms as low as $79.00/ night. We hope to see everyone there for this night full of music and dance!

2011 Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull

2011-09-02T09:37:00.000-04:00

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/shelby-jerkins/2011dullesdayfestivalandplanepull

Please join us at the Dulles Plane Pull on September 24, 2011 and help raise money for the Special Olympics and be part of the "big pull"!! You can make a donation by visiting our site directly at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/shelby-jerkins/2011dullesdayfestivalandplanepull - Please help us reach our goal of $1000.00 (or more)!

Did you know?

2011-09-01T11:20:00.000-04:00

Did you know that there are more than 3,000 businesses are located in the Ashburn, VA Community? We are lucky to be part of that number and hope that the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce will continue to grow our community to the fullest.

School Has Started! Be Cautious of Children and School Buses

2011-08-30T14:09:00.000-04:00

During the 2011-12 school year school buses are expected to travel more than 9 million miles. The Official Loudoun County Public Schools Transportation Supervisor Alvin E. Hampton IV reminds drivers to watch for school buses picking up children and to be aware of children walking or biking to school. Virginia law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses loading and unloading students.

Redskins Package for Four!

2011-08-03T11:49:00.003-04:00

Redskins Training Camp Fan Appreciation Day is this SATURDAY AUGUST 6TH! Can't make it out this weekend? No problem we offer these packages throughout training camp.

Book your Redskins package now!!

Redskins Packages for Three!

2011-08-03T11:46:00.002-04:00

Redskins Training Camp Fan Appreciation Day is this SATURDAY AUGUST 6TH! Can't make it out this weekend? No problem we offer these packages throughout training camp.

Book your Redskins package now!!

Redskin Packages are here!!

2011-08-03T11:30:00.007-04:00

Redskins Training Camp Fan Appreciation Day is this SATURDAY AUGUST 6TH! Can't make it out this weekend? No problem we offer these packages throughout training camp.

Book your Redskins package now!!

Washington Redskins Package for TWO:
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/specials_detail_popup.jhtml?ctyhocn=IADDNGI&promoId=156760005

Trivia Question - August 1

2011-08-01T13:08:00.000-04:00

The Redskins won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. Who was NOT a quarterback?

* Joe Theismann
* Doug Williams
* Hickman Snyder

FINALLY! Washington Redskins Training Camp VIP Ticket Packages are now available at the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North, Ashburn, VA

2011-07-28T17:41:00.001-04:00

FINALLY!
Washington Redskins Training Camp VIP Ticket Packages
are now available at the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North, Ashburn, VA

The on-line booking links are not active yet. However, you can book now by calling our toll free# (1-877-STAY-HGI) to book the packages immediately. The general public has not been given this information yet; only our loyal guests who have stayed with us in the past! So you get first choice of dates and availability!

Here's the breakdown...

W Redskins Pkg for 2 (Package Code: OX)

Includes room, 2 passes, transportation to and from training camp, breakfast for 2 and dinner for 2 (beverage and gratuity not included).

W Redskins Pkg for 3 (Package Code: P6)

Includes room, 3 passes, transportation to and from training camp, breakfast for 3 and dinner for 3 (beverage and gratuity not included).

W Redskins Pkg for 4 (Package Code: OY)

Includes room, 4 passes, transportation to and from training camp, breakfast for 4 and dinner for 4 (beverage and gratuity not included).

Dates are as follows: (Please note that these are the days you book; the actual camp date is the day that follows. i.e.: If you want to

attend camp on Monday Aug 8, book the Aug 7th package)

Fri July 29

Sun July 31

Mon Aug 1

Tue Aug 2

Wed Aug 3

Fri Aug 5

Sun Aug 7

Mon Aug 8

Tue Aug 9

Sun Aug 14

Notes of interest:

The actual package cost will vary based on the actual dates.
Packages are based on the # of people requesting VIP ticket and hotel amenities. You can purchase the 2 person package and have 3 in the room. But only 2 people will receive VIP tickets, breakfast & dinner coupons. The additional person would purchase breakfast & dinner out of pocket.
If you are visiting DC for more than training camp and need multiple nights in our hotel, but only 1 night for the package, you will need to make separate reservations; 1 under the package and another regular room reservation for the remaining nights.
VIP tickets provide access onto the field level with the players; private tents; separate from upper level general admission area.
VIP tickets cannot be purchased separately.

We are very excited to see you all again this year!

- Hotel Team @ Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

Hail to the Redskins!!!!!

2011-07-20T11:26:00.001-04:00

Did somebody say "Hail to the Redskins"? We are very excited to once again be the "Official" home to the Redskins during their Training Camp! We expect a full house at Hilton Garden Inn!
Be on the lookout for some really fantastic packages for your stay during training camp!!

Stay and Fly 7, 14, or 21 Nights

2011-07-19T11:57:00.000-04:00

Stay and Fly 7, 14, or 21 Nights

Flying out of Washington Dulles International? Stay with the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North the night before and park your car with us for 7, 14, or 21 nights.

Both packages include:

* Overnight accommodations at our hotel
* Parking
* Complimentary shuttle to and from the airport

Select the number of parking nights you'd like to book:

Book the 7 Night Parking Package
From 84/night USD

Book the 14 Night Parking Package
From 89/night USD

Book the 21 Night Parking Package
From 99/night USD

Special Offer Dates:
Mar. 19, 2011 - Mar. 19, 2012

Official Redskins Training Camp Hotel

2010-07-29T00:02:00.007-04:00

We're the Official Training Camp Hotel for the Washington Redskins!

The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North hotel is once again offering limited number of room packages for fans attending Redskins Training Camp in Ashburn, Va.

All-inclusive packages include overnight accommodations, a three course dinner from an unbeatable Redskins Dinner Menu, a cooked-to-order breakfast and buffet, shuttle service to and from Redskins Park and -- best of all -- exclusive V.I.P. passes to training camp that gets every fan in your group so close to Mike Shanahan and the Redskins that you’ll still feel the hits long after the day has ended.

Upgrade to the Ultimate Fan Experience and enjoy the additional comforts of a two-room suite along with Washington Redskin’s memorabilia to serve as a permanent reminder of this amazing NFL football experience.

* Packages are available for nights prior to practice.

Thursday, July 29: 4 p.m. Practice
Friday, July 30: 8:30 a.m. Practice
Saturday, July 31: 8:30 a.m. Practice
Sunday, Aug. 1: 8:30 a.m. Practice
Monday, Aug. 2: 8:30 a.m. Practice
Tuesday, Aug. 3: 8:30 a.m. Practice
Wednesday, Aug. 4: 8:30 a.m. Practice
Thursday, Aug. 5: 8:30 a.m. Practice
Saturday, Aug. 7: Fan Appreciation Day, 12 noon
Wednesday, Aug. 11: 8:30 a.m. Practice
Sunday, Aug. 15: Practice (Time TBD)
Thursday, Aug. 19: Practice (Time TBD) – Camp Breaks

The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North also offers the following amenities:
Indoor pool and spa
Full service restaurant-Great American Grill/Lounge serving breakfast, dinner & drinks
Workout facility with Precor equipment and Stay Fit Kits available for individual usage in the privacy of your own room
Complimentary high-speed wired and wireless internet access throughout the hotel
Refrigerator and microwave oven in every room
32-inch high-definition LCD TV

Feel the excitement of Washington Redskins Football at the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North hotel – the Official Training Camp Hotel for the Washington Redskins.

Reserve your Redskins Training Camp Package or Ultimate Fan Package today!

2010-05-06T15:12:00.002-04:00

Please join us for our 2nd Annual Tommy's Run For a Reason on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 at Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, VA. The whole family will enjoy a 5K Run or 2K Family Fitness Walk, fun kids' activities, raffle, a silent auction, music and a catered BBQ lunch! Events and registration begin at 9:00 am. http://www.run4tommy.com/
What an Awesome Event!!! Anyone that brings there runners number to the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North from now until July 24th, 2010 will receive 25% Off any standard weekend stay!!! *based on availability
Good Luck to all the runners and families that will be at the event on Saturday! lets have a fun and safe time!!!

WELCOME BACK WASHINGTON REDSKINS!!!

2010-05-03T14:49:00.003-04:00

WELCOME BACK WASHINGTON REDSKINS!!!
The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is Proud to announce that for the 2nd year in a row we have been chosen to be the official hotel for training camp 2010! Once again we will be offering our exclusive REDSKINS training camp hotel package which includes meals, transportation and best of all VIP tickets to get you right on the sidelines!! Dates and more info to come. Keep following us on blog,Twitter and facebook for more updates!!
LETS GO SKINS!!

Next Storm Due January 2111

2010-02-16T09:30:00.003-05:00

A storm of this magnitude hits our area once every 101 years!

Get Snowed Out at the Hilton Garden Inn!

2010-02-09T13:58:00.001-05:00

Why get stuck at home? Come get snowed out at the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North and enjoy an indoor pool and hot tub! Do not worry about making it to the store! We have the Great American Grill! Looking for cozy? Enjoy the day by our fireplace! See you soon!

Planning a Meeting?

2010-01-19T10:09:00.001-05:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is now offering 30% off standard pricing for all meetings/events booked in the month, for the month. Call Julie at 703-840-1625 for details!

Hilton, Virgin America partner on loyalty effort

2009-12-29T16:42:00.001-05:00

Hilton HHonors, Hilton Hotels' loyalty program, has partnered with airline Virgin America on a program that allows members to earn Virgin rewards points for stays at Hilton-owned hotels.
Customers can earn one point in Virgin's Elevate loyalty program for every $2 spent at a Hilton property, or a fixed number of points per night spent at a hotel with the point value varying according to the franchise.

Hilton Hotels and "Up in the Air"

2009-12-15T15:25:00.001-05:00

Hilton Hotels is ready for its close-up. In anticipation of one of the most talked about film releases this year, the hotelier is giving guests a chance to live the life of a global traveler with the Hilton Up in the Air Sweepstakes celebrating Paramount Pictures’ upcoming film about a frequent business traveler whose life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and after he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams. Up in the Air, from Oscar® nominated director Jason Reitman, will arrive in U.S. theatres this December.“Up in the Air is a compelling story set within the world of frequent travelers. As the leading global hotel brand, Hilton welcomes countless guests around the world into our hotels each day and becomes part of their life on the road,” Dave Horton – Global Head, Hilton Hotels, said. “It is a true compliment to see Hilton represent the hospitality industry in this film and we are excited to give our guests opportunities to experience the amenities that these characters and other travelers value from our hotels.”Scenes of the film were shot at multiple Hilton hotels and signature Hilton products and amenities are used throughout. Props designed for the movie include a Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP card made for George Clooney’s character, Ryan Bingham.“We are thrilled to have an iconic brand like Hilton as our marketing partner on this film,” commented LeeAnne Stables, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Partnerships at Paramount Pictures. “It was important to our director, Jason Rietman, to have an authentic depiction of life among frequent travelers, and the Hilton team was incredibly supportive of our production while on the road.”Hilton is giving away one million Hilton HHonors points, Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP status, a trip to Paris and other prizes. Beginning November 3rd, travelers who book a Hilton stay at www.Hilton.com/UpintheAir will be entered for a chance to win a selection of prizes inspired by Bingham*.Any guest who makes a booking for a Hilton hotel stay through Hilton.com between November 3 and January 11, 2010 will automatically be entered into the Hilton Up in the Air Sweepstakes for a chance to win both the grand prize as well as the prize-of-the-week.* Winners could receive a fast track to the world of travel privileges experienced by the film’s main character and other Hilton HHonors VIP members. Sweepstakes prizes include:• Grand Prize: One million Hilton HHonors points, Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP status for a year and a trip to Paris that includes round trip airfare for two, accommodations at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris and ground transportation between the airport and hotel• Ten Weekly Prizes: o Week 1: Trip for two to the Up in the Air movie premiere, including roundtrip airfare, accommodations at a Hilton hotel and ground transportation between the airport and hotel and to and from the premiereo Week 2: A private screening of Up in the Air for the winner and up to 200 of his or her friends o Week 3: 150,000 Hilton HHonors points and Hilton HHonors Gold VIP status for one yearo Week 4: Prize pack including roundtrip airfare, ground transportation between the airport and hotel, a three-night stay in the Presidential Suite at the Hilton St. Louis Ballpark, a tour of local Hilton hotels and attractions where scenes of the movie were filmed, and a $150 gift certificate to Sub Zero Vodka Baro Week 5: Products from The Hilton Serenity Collection™, including King sized Serenity mattress & box spring, two Serenity pillows, down comforter, duvet cover, sheet seto Week 6: 200,000 Hilton HHonors points and Hilton HHonors Gold VIP status for one yearo Week 7: An island-hopper package in Hawaii including accommodations, for three nights at each resort, at Hilton Hawaiian Village and Hilton Waikoloa Village resorts on Oahu and Hawaii’s Big Island, round trip airfare, ground transportation between airports and resorts, and admission to the Waikiki Starlight Luau and Dolphin Quest Encounterso Week 8: Travelpro® (registered mark) three-piece luggage set from the WalkAbout® Lite 3 Collection, Hilton bath robe, autographed movie poster and in-room amenities used on the Up in the Air seto Week 9: 250,000 Hilton HHonors points and Hilton HHonors Gold VIP statuso Week 10: Four-day, three-night stay at the newly opened Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, including roundtrip airfare, ground transportation between the airport and hotel and dinner for two at La Luce restaurant for up to $150The Hilton.com/UpintheAir site also features the film trailer, photos, an online game giving visitors the chance to win one of 1,000 pairs of Up in the Air movie tickets and, in celebration of the film’s debut, Hilton is also partnering with thisMoment.com – a new social media platform that lets people create and share beautiful, multimedia galleries about their experiences – to collect stories that illustrate how Hilton team members worldwide help guests make the most of their stays. Travelers can see and hear examples of true Hilton hospitality in the words of Hilton team members at Hilton.com/UpintheAir. For more information about the Hilton Up in the Air Sweepstakes or to make a reservation, travelers can visit Hilton.com/UpintheAir. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Begins on 11/3/09 at 12:00 a.m. ET and ends on 1/11/10 at 11:59p.m. ET. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada of majority age, excluding Quebec. Official rules available at Hilton.com/UpintheAir. Void where prohibited. The Hilton Up in the Air Sweepstakes is sponsored by Hilton Worldwide.

Article from http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=15616

Salvation Army Needs Our Help!

2009-12-10T17:24:00.003-05:00

Ring! Ring! Ring!
It wouldn't be the Holidays without the Salvation Army Ringers. Those ringers, however, are in need of our help! Due to the snow last weekend many of them were a little lonely at times.
The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army's leading fundraiser for the year. Their goal for 2009 is $155,000 and now at the campaigns halfway point they have only reached $50,275.

Today at the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce breakfast I had the pleasure of meeting Judy Brittle, the director of Development for the Loudoun County Salvation Army. She stressed the fact that at the half way point they have only raised a third of their goal. They are not only in need of monetary donations but also in need of people to donate their time ringing the bell. More information can be found on the Corps Website, www.salvationarmyloudounva.org.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

2009-12-09T13:23:00.005-05:00

On December 12th, 2009 the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department will continue in its tradition of bringing Holiday Cheer to to the local area! The Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Parade will begin at 5 PM. To accommodate the growth of the Ashburn area they will have two separate routes, Red and Green. The Red route begins at Leisure World and the Green route begins at Ashburn Elementary School. Be sure to check out http://www.ashburnfirerescue.org/ for details! See you at the parade!

Babe Ruth Gears Up For World Series; Volunteers Needed

2009-12-01T17:45:00.000-05:00

Loudoun Babe Ruth is moving ahead with preparations for this August's Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old World Series, to be held at Fireman's Field in Purcellville. Since 1998, the county has hosted World Series games for 18, 16, 13 and 15-year-olds.For Dale Polen Myers, this will be the fifth Babe Ruth World Series she has either chaired or co-chaired, but preparing for this year's event, to be held Aug. 21-28, is proving to be a big challenge, in part because of the tight economy and its impact on sponsors' donations.The players are scheduled to arrive Aug. 19, and Virginia Regional Transit will meet them at local airports, gather their luggage and ferry them to the host hotel, the Best Western in Leesburg, where host families will pick them up and take them to their homes. The players' families stay in four or five hotels where the Babe Ruth committee has arranged block of rooms.And that's where the big push is right now. While volunteers are also needed to help out during the event, with concession sales, parking, gate management, "what we really need is for host families to sign up," Myers said this week.It's a big job to organize. There will be approximately 144 young men needing to stay somewhere and some of them could be staying in the county for the full 10 days, depending on how far their team progresses.Myers said she'd like to find families that could accommodate at least two kids so they wouldn't feel isolated. The committee also is working on getting several houses on a street, or in a neighborhood, to host the players. "It would be cool if a whole street took, say a team," Myers said.Families "basically adopt them for a week, giving them bed and board and commit to getting them to practices and games." It's a lot of work, but the host families that have done it in the past have enjoyed the experience. Myers said she'd like to have a range of between 30 and 50 families to accommodate any emergencies.The Loudoun Babe Ruth Board of Directors is also adopting a new, and realistic, approach on sponsorships-going for a greater number of donors at lower levels. The smallest level is $75 for a business card ad and ranges up to $1,000. "We're all feeling the pinch," Myers said.Checks should be made out to "GLBR World Series 2010" and addressed to 2010 Babe Ruth, PO Box 2156, Purcellville, VA 20134. For more information, contact Myers at 571-437-4908.The expenses are significant. When a locality wins the opportunity to host the World Series, it has to pay upfront a $40,000 to the national organization. That sum pays for the players' airline or bus tickets and for rooms for all the coaches and managers of the 10 teams as well as league officials.The other big expense is the opening night banquet when the teams arrive Aug. 19. The board will have to cater for up to 700 people. Since the players, host families and all the coaches eat free, that leaves only about 100 who will pay for the meal, which is held at Loudoun Valley High School.The toll on volunteers is also large, Myers said, noting by the time the 10 days is over "starting with seven or eight games a day dwindling to one, we'll have gone through between 100 and 200 volunteers."

By Margaret Morton
Leesburg Today

Redskins Play Santa For A Day

2009-12-01T17:27:00.001-05:00

Dozens of area children were treated to a shopping spree Tuesday morning as the Washington Redskins played Santa for a day at the Dulles 28 Centre Target."Holiday Wishes Come True" was funded by the Renaldo and LaTanya Wynn Family of Faith Foundation through a local Target grant and funding provided by the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation. Renaldo Wynn, a defensive end for the Redskins, said Tuesday's event was about following the example of Jesus Christ to serve others.The children selected for the event were identified by schools from Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia and the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter. Each child was given $100 to spend in 30 minutes at the store and was escorted in groups by Redskins players.In addition to Wynn, Redskins Shaun Suisham, Lorenzo Alexander and Rocky McIntosh, among many others, escorted the kids through the store. Also paying a visit for the event was Santa Claus and a member of the Redskins' Hogettes. Clyde's Willow Creek Farm of Ashburn provided lunch for those in attendance.Once in the store, the toy aisles became jammed with children whose eyes were at times bigger than their wallets. Video games, scooters, baby dolls and bike helmets were among the many items thrust into shopping carts. While some Redskins helped tabulate budgets and pick out items, many were left to push the carts and play coat rack for the excited children.This is the fifth year for the holiday event.

Redskins Play Santa For A Day
By Kara Clark
Leesburg Today

The Redskins are Coming!!!!!

2009-07-23T10:58:00.004-04:00

The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is excited to be the Offical Training Camp of the Washington Redskins. Starting on July 29th, the 2009 edition of the Redskins will begin their training camp at Redskins Park and we are in the middle of all the action.

The Hilton Garden Inn is offering exclusive Hotel Packages that include V.I.P. access to training camp, hotel accomodations, breakfast and dinner. Best of all, all fans that book a Training Camp Package will be registered to win 2 Club Level tickets for any regular season game of their choice!!! Do you want to be there to see the Cowboys, Eagles or Giants?? You have the chance if you book now. Just click on the link below and join the Redskins this preseason.

http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/groups/personalized/IADDNGI-REDCMP-20090722/index.jhtml

Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites Baltimore/Arundel Mills Celebrate It's "May'd For Each Other" Grand Opening Celebration

2009-05-13T14:01:00.002-04:00

On Thursday May 7th, 2009, the Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Baltimore/Arundel Mills celebrated its launch into the Arundel Mills market with its “May’d for Each Other” Grand Opening Celebration

Baltimore/Arundel Mills, MD (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 13, 2009 -- On Thursday May 7th, 2009, the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites Baltimore/Arundel Mills celebrated its launch into the Arundel Mills market with its “May’d for Each Other” grand opening celebration. The marriage of two hotel brands under one roof, the Hilton Garden Inn and the Homewood Suites by Hilton, created the perfect atmosphere for a wedding-themed party, featuring a piano and saxophone duet. And with the recent arrival of spring, April showers brought May flowers to this party as the crowd moved outdoors to the poolside patio to enjoy a luau and the live band, Looking for Lester.

Complex General Manager, Dorothy Paez welcomed the guests, which ranged from county officials to top hotel clients to students from the hospitality program at the Anne Arundel County Community College. Also in attendance were Hilton executives, including Craig Mance, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “Once again the Buccini/Pollin Group has proven that innovative design and relentless commitment to quality can lead to enhanced guest experience and operating efficiencies,” said Craig Mance.

Greg Miller, President & CEO of PM Hospitality Strategies, Inc. PMHS, played up the wedding theme of the two brands with a celebratory toast to a long and prosperous relationship. “With their complimentary amenities and the ability to appeal to two distinct customer segments, these hotels are truly made for each other. We are very excited about the opening of this complex and the opportunity to further our involvement in the financial well being of the community, starting with our charitable outreach,” said Greg Miller. The two hotels teamed up with the Stork’s Nest , a non-profit, prenatal education program that helps keep pregnant women and their babies healthy while fighting infant mortality. Partnering with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health and March of Dimes, Stork’s Nest ensures that new mothers are informed throughout the pregnancy process and receive adequate medical care early and often.

The hotels put together an interactive fund raising platform, as guests were invited to participate in a treasure hunt throughout both hotels and compete in remote control speed boat races in the pool. Prizes for those guests who found the most “treasure” included an HD LCD television, concert tickets to see Keith Urban in a Verizon Center executive suite, free hotel stays, and gift certificates to various local restaurants in the Arundel Mills area, including Medieval Times, Dave & Busters and Jordan’s Steakhouse. All proceeds from the contributions collected were donated to the Stork’s Nest.

Located at 7491 New Ridge Road, the Hilton Garden Inn and the Homewood Suites Baltimore/Arundel Mills hotels are in a prime location for both business travelers and vacationing families. The hotels are situated only a few miles from the BWI airport and just minutes from downtown Baltimore. Area landmarks include the Baltimore Inner Harbor, Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore National Aquarium, and the National Security Agency. Also located less than one mile from the Arundel Mills Mall, the second largest mall in the state of Maryland, the hotels offer its guests plenty of shopping and dining options at over 225 stores, including entertainment venues such as Dave & Buster’s and Medieval Times. Travelers also have the convenience of nearby Annapolis and Washington DC, which are located less than a half hour away.

Owned by The Buccini/Pollin Group of Washington, D.C. and operated by D.C.-based PM Hospitality Strategies, Inc., the Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Baltimore/Arundel Mills feature a total of 250 guestrooms and 3,700 square feet of flexible meeting space. This arrangement of two brands in one building enables the hotels to share amenities and while still keeping the design elements of each brand distinct and separate. For more information on the Hilton Garden Inn, visit www.baltimorearundelmills.hgi.com, and to learn more about the Homewood Suites, please visit www.baltimorearundelmills.homewoodsuites.com

About The Buccini/Pollin Group (Buccini/Pollin)
Buccini/Pollin is a privately held, full-service real estate acquisition, development and management company with offices in Wilmington, DE, Washington DC, suburban Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York City. Buccini/Pollin has developed and acquired office, hotel, multifamily, townhouse, industrial, retail, and parking properties in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. Buccini/Pollin has acquired or developed over $3 billion in assets, including six million SF of office, industrial, and retail space in 64 buildings, 3,200 hotel rooms in 17 hotels, six major residential communities, and 1,200 covered parking spaces. Buccini/Pollin is the largest privately held office landlord in the Philadelphia region.

About PM Hospitality Strategies, Inc. (PMHS)
PMHS is the hotel management affiliate of Buccini/Pollin. Based in Washington, DC, the company manages all of Buccini/Pollin’s hotel assets, providing development, technical consulting, on-site management, and accounting expertise. Concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic, PMHS manages full-service and select-service hotels in the Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, and Choice families of brands. Since the opening of its first hotel in 1996, PMHS has participated in the development and acquisition/renovation of dozens of hotels with a market capitalization of $1 billion. PMHS is an approved management company for leading hotel brands, including the full-service Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites Hotel, and Homewood Suites by Hilton.

Posted by: Gissel Ansari

Things to Do and See in Ashburn and Loudoun County

2009-04-08T10:05:00.002-04:00

Museums, Historic Sites and Tourism

Ashburn Walking Tour
Oldtown Ashburn
Ashburn,VA 20147

Belmont Chapel
(on the grounds of St. David's Episcopal Church)
19917 Ashburn Rd
Ashburn, VA 20147

Loudoun Museum - offers exhibits, special events, walking and driving tours, gardens, and museum shop. Featured site in Virginia Civil War Trails and Virginia TimeTravelers programs Morven Park
17263 Southern Planter Ln
Leesburg, VA 20176

Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association - website offers a calendar of Loudoun events and info on lodging, dining, and Loudoun's towns and villages. The LCVA operates a visitor's center in Leesburg staffed 362 days a year that provides info and visitor assistance for Loudoun. The center is also a State Certified Visitor Center offering info on other Virginia destinations Oatlands Plantation - this historic landmark, with its four acres of formal gardens, was the home of George Carter (great-grandson of colonial Virginia's renowned Robert "King" Carter) and his wife Elizabeth Grayson Carter. Work on the building and grounds started in 1804
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market St
Leesburg, VA 20176

Ball's Bluff Regional Park
Balls Bluff Road
Leesburg, VA 20176

Aldie Mill
The mill is located on Rt 50, 1 mile west of the Rt 50 and Rt 15 intersection Lanesville Heritage Area
Claude Moore Park
21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd
Sterling, VA 20164

Lovettsville Museum
4 East Pennsylvania Av
Lovettsville, VA 20180

Mosby Heritage Area
P.O. Box 1497
Middleburg, VA 20118

Stone House at Harper Park
Rt 7 west of Goose Creek
Leesburg, VA 20176

Dodona Manor
212 East Market St
Leesburg, VA 20176

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Smithsonian Institution
National Air and Space Museum
Washington Dulles Int'l Airport
Dulles, VA 20166

The Naturalist Center
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History
741 Miller Dr SE, Suite G-2
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 779-9712

Rust Sanctuary
Audubon Naturalist Society
802 Children's Center Rd
Leesburg, VA 20175

Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
21668 Heritage Farm Lane
Sterling,VA 20164

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
21085 The Woods
Leesburg, VA 20175

N American Pt-to-Pt Association
Steeplechase racing
Various VA & other locations

Where should you stay?

Our Hilton Garden Inn Hotel is located less than five miles from Dulles International Airport and 30 minutes to Washington DC, the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North hotel in Virginia features 135 guestrooms (including 12 Junior Suites, 4 One-Bedroom Suites and 4 King Whirlpool Rooms) each equipped with:
• self-adjusting Garden Sleep System® bed
• 32-inch HD LCD TV
• Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access
• Refrigerator, microwave,coffee maker, hair dryer, Iron and ironing board
• Two phones with voice mail and data ports
• Large work desk with convenient outlets
• Adjustable lighting
• Ergonomic Herman Miller Mirra® chair

Please pick up the phone and give us at 703-723-8989 to find out more about our promotions.

Posted By: Gissel Ansari

Raytheon lease second largest in nation

2009-04-07T10:15:00.000-04:00

By Jason Jacks
Source: Loudoun Times-Mirror
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 2009
UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 7 2009

The call came in December to Loudoun Economic Development officials. Raytheon Co., a large government contractor with offices peppering Northern Virginia, needed office space, and a lot of it.
“And they weren't even looking for financial incentives,” said Steve Hargan, with Loudoun's Department of Economic Development. “They had concerns about traffic and accessibility ... but the AOL campus met virtually all their requirements.”

On April 1, Gov. Tim Kaine (D) announced that Raytheon, which employs 4,000 people in Virginia, would consolidate most of its Northern Virginia operations into 600,000-square-feet of space in Ashburn.

Commercial real-estate information company CoStar reported the deal is the second largest lease signed in the country this year. The space is also five times larger than the space Hilton Hotels recently secured in Tysons Corner.

Raytheon will occupy space in four buildings at AOL’s Pacific Corporate Park near Route 28 and Waxpool Road.

The facility will house portions of the company's technical services and intelligence and information-systems business unit. AOL will continue to have a significant presence in Loudoun.

The project will include a capital investment of about $37.5 million. During the next 36 months, Raytheon expects to create about 100 jobs in the area. About 1,500 people will work at the Ashburn facility starting in 2010.

“We are very excited that Raytheon recognized the advantages of doing business in Loudoun and has selected our community as a hub for two of its major business units,” said Loudoun Chairman Scott York (I-at large) in a statement. “We're very confident Raytheon’s employees, who will now be working here, will find Loudoun County a great place to live and work.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Loudoun officials to out compete both Washington, D.C., and Maryland for Raytheon.

Also, Kaine approved a $500,000 grant from his Opportunity Fund to assist Loudoun with improving access to the AOL site by finishing work on nearby Pacific Boulevard. When complete, the road will connect Route 606 and Nokes Boulevard, taking stress off Route 28.

Ever since the current batch of supervisors took office in January 2008, the county has ratcheted up efforts to lure companies to the county, according to Supervisor Lori Waters (R-Broad Run), chairwoman of the board's economic development committee.

Included in those efforts was the creation last year of a new position -- filled by Hargan – who was tasked with extolling the benefits of Loudoun to technology companies looking to move to this region.

“Our neighbors in Montgomery and Fairfax counties are working hard to get these companies,” Waters said. “So we can't just sit back and wait for them to come to us. We have to be proactive.”

Listed By: Gissel Ansari

America's 10 Best Fast-Food Restaurants

2009-03-27T17:24:00.001-04:00

The authors of Eat This Not That! shine a light on drive-throughs and chain restaurants that offer healthier fare.

By Dave Zinczenko and Matt Goulding, Men's HealthEating out invariably raises a number of tricky questions: sit down or drive through? Burgers or pizza? Thin or stuffed crust? Choosing one over the other could mean saving hundreds of calories in a single meal, and up to 50 pounds of flab in the course of a year and countless health woes over the course of a lifetime. That's why Eat This, Not That! launched an investigation and put 66 major chain restaurants under the nutritional microscope—so that you and your family can continue to eat out, but do so knowing the types of insider tips and savvy strategies that can help melt fat all year long. And the good news is that many fan favorites scored top marks!
To separate the commendable from the deplorable, we calculated the total number of calories per entrée. This gave us a snapshot of how each restaurant compared in average serving size—a key indicator of unhealthy portion distortion. Then we rewarded establishments with fruit and vegetable side-dish choices, as well as for providing whole-grain options. Finally, we penalized places for excessive amounts of trans fats and menus laden with gut-busting desserts. What we ended up with is the Eat This, Not That! Restaurant Report Card, which will show you how all of the nation's largest eating establishments stack up nutritionally.
Check out those restaurants that scored a B+ or higher:

Chick-fil-A: A-
Between the breakfast and lunch menus, there are only two entrées at Chick-fil-A that break 500 calories, a rare feat in the fast-food world. What this means is that you can't possibly do too much harm—especially if you stick to the chicken. And unlike the typical fast-food chain, Chick-fil-A offers a list of sides that goes beyond breaded and fried potatoes and onions. (Just beware the large cole slaw, which adds an extra 600 calories to your daily intake!) That's why we dub the Atlanta-based chicken shack one of our all-time favorite fast-food restaurants.
Also, be sure to check out our exclusive list of the best and worst restaurants for kids to see why Chick-fil-A receives an even higher grade when it comes to kids' meals.
Survival strategy: The worst thing you can do is supplement your meal with a milkshake—not a single cup has fewer than 600 calories. And instead of nuggets or strips, look to the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwiches, which average only 320 calories apiece.

Subway: A-
A menu based on lean protein and vegetables is always going to score well in our book. With more than half a dozen sandwiches under 300 calories, plus a slew of soups and healthy sides to boot, Subway can satisfy even the pickiest eater without breaking the caloric bank. But, despite what Jared may want you to believe, Subway is not nutritionally infallible: Those rosy calorie counts posted on the menu boards include neither cheese nor mayo (add 160 calories per 6-inch sub), and some of the toasted subs, like the Meatball Marinara, contain hefty doses of calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
Survival strategy: Cornell researchers have discovered a "health halo" at Subway, which refers to the tendency to reward yourself or your kid with chips, cookies, and large soft drinks because the entrée is healthy. Avoid the halo, and all will be well.

Jamba Juice: A-
Jamba offers a viable and tasty solution to the dearth of fresh fruits and vegetables in the American diet: Stick it all in a blender and let us slurp it up. But make this your rule: If it includes syrup or added sugar, it ceases to be a smoothie. Jamba Juice makes plenty of real-deal smoothies, but their menu is sullied with more than a few faux-fruit blends. Just make sure you choose the right one.
Survival strategy: For a perfectly guilt-free treat, opt for a Jamba Light or All Fruit Smoothie in a 16-ounce cup. And unless you're looking to put on weight for your new acting career, don't touch the Peanut Butter Moo'd, which has more sugar than an entire bag of chocolate chips!

Au Bon Pain: A-
Sure the menu has its pitfalls, but what menu doesn't? The bottom line is that Au Bon Pain combines an extensive inventory of healthy items with an unrivaled standard of nutritional transparency. Each store has an on-site nutritional kiosk to help customers find a meal to meet their expectations, and the variety of ordering options provides dozens of paths to a sensible meal.
Survival strategy: Most of the café sandwiches are in the 650-calorie range, so make a lean meal instead by combining a hot soup with one of the many low-calorie options on the Portions menu. And if you must indulge, eschew the baked goods in favor of a cup of fruit and yogurt, or serving of chocolate-covered almonds.

Boston Market: B+
With more than a dozen healthy vegetable sides and lean meats like turkey and roast sirloin on the menu, the low-cal, high-nutrient possibilities at Boston Market are endless. But with nearly a dozen calorie-packed sides and fatty meats like dark meat chicken and meat loaf, it's almost as easy to construct a lousy meal.
Survival strategy: There are three simple steps to nutritional salvation: 1) Start with turkey, sirloin, or rotisserie chicken. 2) Add two non-creamy, non-starchy vegetable sides. 3) Ignore all special items, such as pot pie and nearly all of the sandwiches.

Cici's Pizza Buffet: B+
Cici's began in Texas in 1985 and now boasts more than 600 locations, proving definitively that Americans love a good buffet. The good news for our waistlines is that the crust is moderately sized, and the pizza comes in varieties beyond simple sausage and pepperoni. But if you check your willpower at the door, you're probably better off skipping the pizza buffet entirely.
Survival strategy: It takes 20 minutes for your brain to tell your body it's full, so start with a salad and then proceed slowly to the pizza. Limit yourself to the healthier slices like the Zesty Vegetable, Alfredo, and the Olé, which is a Mexican-inspired pie with only 108 calories per slice.

McDonald’s: B+
The world-famous burger baron has come a long way since the days of Fast Food Nation—at least nutritionally speaking. The trans fats are mostly gone, the number of gut-wrecking calorie bombs are now fewer than ever, and the menu holds plenty of healthy options such as salads and yogurt parfaits. Don't cut loose at the counter just yet, though. Too many of the breakfast and lunch sandwiches still top the 500-calorie mark, and the dessert menu is fodder for some major belly-building.
Survival strategy: The Egg McMuffin remains one of the best ways to start your day in the fast-food world. As for the later hours, you can splurge on a Big Mac or a Quarter Pounder, but only if you skip the fries and soda, which add an average of 590 calories onto any meal.

Taco Bell: B+
Taco Bell combines two things with bad nutritional reputations: Mexican food and fast food. The result should be horrendous, yet somehow it works out so that a little prudence at the ordering window can bag you a meal with fewer than 500 calories. The potential for belly-building is still there, but the calorie bombs are generally easy to spot. And to limit the chances of a mistake, Taco Bell reengineered some of its classic items and listed them under the Fresco Menu for a savings of up to 10 grams of fat per item.
Survival strategy: Grilled Stuft Burritos, anything served in a bowl, and anything prepared with multiple "layers" are your worst options. Instead, order any combination of two of the following: crunchy tacos, bean burritos, or anything on the Fresco menu.

Wendy's: B+
Scoring a decent meal at Wendy's is just about as easy as scoring a bad one, and that's a big compliment for a burger joint. Options such as chili and baked potatoes offer the side-order variety that's missing from less-evolved fast-food chains like Dairy Queen and Carl's Jr. Plus they offer a handful of Jr. Burgers that don't stray far over 300 calories. And for our money, the 1/4-pound single is one of the best substantial burgers in the industry. Where they err is in their recently expanded line of desserts and a lackluster selection of beverages. But you're happy just drinking water, right?
Survival strategy: The grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps don't have more than 320 calories, which is less than even a small order of French fries. Choose the chicken or a small burger and pair it with a healthy side, and then hit the door before you receive the 500-calorie penalty for giving in to your Frosty hankering.
You can check out the complete Eat This, Not That! Restaurant Report Card here. Finally, sign up for your FREE Eat This, Not That! weekly newsletter or subscribe to the new Eat This, Not That! premium Web site. You'll get thousands of useful tips, tricks, and secret insights into everything going on in the world of food and nutrition, so you can stay lean for life while still enjoying all of your favorite foods. It's like having a personal nutritionist on call 24 hours a day!

America's Worst Lunches—And What You Should Eat Instead

2009-03-25T17:03:00.000-04:00

Hits and misses in the drive-through lane.
By Dave Zinczenko and Matt Goulding, Men's Health

If you're like two-thirds of working Americans, you pick up lunch from a fast-food joint or restaurant at least once a week. Sure, it's not as healthy as packing your own celery sticks, but eating out every once in a while can't hurt, right?
Not so fast: There might be trouble in the drive-through lane.
Not only could the window worker pile an entire day's worth of calories through your car window, but you might also be sapping your energy and productivity: Carb overloads lead to energy spikes and crashes, and studies have shown that the bigger your waistline, the lower your cognitive functioning and the more sick days you take. Kind of ironic, considering "convenience" is the most common reason people give for buying lunch during the workday. In this economy, it's hardly convenient to snore through the 2 o'clock meeting, or miss a few crucial days when the boss is looking for you.
A healthy lunch can help you maximize your afternoon performance, but if you're in a hurry to grab and go, you might not take the time to sort through the menu hits and misses. Let the Eat This, Not That! folks be your efficiency experts: DON'T order the items ew warn you about, below. Opt instead for less outrageous alternatives (also below), and reap the benefits at bonus time.
QUIZNO'S
Large Prime Rib Cheesesteak Sub
• 1,490 calories
• 92 g fat (22.5 g saturated, 2 g trans)
• 2,620 mg sodium
Fat equivalent: Like eating four Dunkin Donuts cheese danishes!
It's hard enough to make the argument for one cheese Danish, but four? And we're just talking fat, here—with more than 800 calories of the stuff in just one sandwich. You're also be filling up with more than a day's worth of sodium and saturated fat. While this is one of the worst items you could choose, the rest of the Quizno's menu has hazards, as well. But if your co-workers insist on eating there, order this instead:
Small Turkey Ranch and Swiss Sub
• 410 calories
• 17 g fat (2.5 g saturated)
• 1,230 mg sodium
CHILI'S
• Crispy Sweet Chile Glazed Chicken Crispers
• 1,930 calories
• 112 g fat (17 g saturated)
• 4,190 mg sodium
Calorie equivalent: Like eating an entire medium Pizza Hut 12" pepperoni pizza!
If you have the time for a sit-down meal, you have the time to think this through. Chicken Crispers are fun, but account for almost a whole day's worth of calories and almost two days' worth of sodium. Your smarter choice is to eat this instead:
Classic Chicken Fajitas
• 370 calories
• 11 g fat (1.5 saturated)
• 2,000 mg sodium
And another hint for a healthy sit-down lunch: forgo the appetizers. Chili's Texas Cheese Fries with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing made the top of our list when we rounded up the worst appetizers money can buy. Check out the other appetizer land-mines here. You'll be shocked.
ARBY'S
Roast Turkey Ranch and Bacon Sandwich
• 817 calories
• 37 g fat (11 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
• 2,146 mg sodium
Calorie equivalent: Like eating 23 Thin Mints (one whole sleeve)!
Just because you could prepare it at home doesn't mean it’s good for you when you order it away from home—the Roast Turkey Ranch and Bacon Sandwich packs nearly half of your daily allowance of calories and almost an entire day’s dose of sodium. Doesn't leave much room for anything else, does it?
Eat this instead:
Sourdough Roast Beef Melt
• 351 calories
• 14 g fat (4 g saturated)
• 1,048 mg of sodium
DAIRY QUEEN
Chicken Strip Basket with Country Gravy (6 piece)
• 1,640 calories
• 74 g fat (12 g saturated, 1 g trans)
• 3,690 mg sodium
Sodium equivalent: Like eating 11 large orders of McDonald's French fries!

Talk about a value meal: One Chicken Strip Basket gives you almost two days' payload of sodium! If thinking about it doesn't elevate your blood pressure, eating it might. Don't become a statistic.
Eat this instead:
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
• 560 calories
• 28 g fat (3.5 g saturated)
• 980 mg sodium
PANERA
• Italian Combo on Ciabatta sandwich
• 1,050 calories
• 47 g fat (18 g saturated, 1 g trans)
• 3,050 mg of sodium
Fat equivalent: Like eating 6 slices of Papa John's cheese pizza!
You were on the right track in choosing Panera, but don't be sidelined by the allure of the Italian Combo. Ciabatta bread may sound sophisticated, but you won't look so refined when you're lugging that spare Pirelli around your midsection.
Eat this instead:
Smoked Turkey Breast on Sourdough sandwich
• 470 calories
• 17 g fat (2.5 g saturated)
• 1,680 mg sodium
CHIPOTLE
• 13” tortilla with steak, black beans, rice, cheese, sour cream and lettuce
• 955 calories
• 38 g fat (18 g saturated)
• 1,600 mg sodium
Calorie equivalent: Like eating 37 Hershey’s Kisses!
The good news about this tortilla is that it contains 56 grams of protein, but that's hardly worth the outrageous calorie and carbohydrate load—with 94 grams of carbs, you've already covered a third of your recommended daily intake, plus you're taking in nearly a day's worth of sodium and saturated fat. Downsize to drop pounds.
Eat this instead:
Three hard tacos with steak, pinto beans, sour cream and lettuce
• 615 calories
• 24 g fat (11 g saturated)
• 710 mg sodium
(Another hint: When it comes to Chipotle chips, just say "no." They add an outrageous 570 calories and 73 extra grams of carbs.)
HARDEE'S
2/3-lb Monster Thickburger
• 1,420 calories
• 108 g fat (43 g saturated)
• 2,770 mg sodium
Saturated fat equivalent: Like eating 43 strips of Oscar Mayer bacon!
It's called Monster for a reason. It's a monster load of saturated fat (more than two days' worth). The good news is that it has a friendlier, healthier cousin in the 1/3-lb Low-Carb Thickburger, with 1,000 fewer calories and a third the amount of fat. Even better, the Low-Carb Thickburger is true to its name—it only has 5 grams of quick-burning carbohydrates, compared to 46 grams in the Monster.
Eat this instead:
1/3-lb Low-Carb Thickburger
• 420 calories
• 32 g fat (12 g saturated)
• 1,010 mg sodium
BURGER KING
Triple Whopper Sandwich with cheese and mayo
• 1,250 calories
• 84 g fat (32 g saturated, 2.5 g trans)
• 1,600 mg sodium
Fat equivalent: Like eating 10 slices of Papa John's cheese pizza!
You should know by now not to order a triple anything. In this case you're getting egregious calorie, fat, and sodium overloads. It's not bad, though, compared to the shockers on our list of the trans-fattiest foods in America. Choose a regular cheeseburger instead and slash 920 calories, 68 g of fat, and save yourself from the judgmental stares of your co-workers, who are three times as likely to be grossed out!
Eat this instead:
Cheeseburger
• 330 calories
• 16 g fat (7 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
• 780 mg sodium

By: Gissel Ansari

The Story Of One Little Boy

2009-03-23T14:32:00.001-04:00

(Created: Friday, March 20, 2009 11:08 AM EDT)

A good deal of space is devoted in this week's issue to highlight a fraction of the contributions Frank Raflo made to our community. Most recollections depict the actions of a confident, capable, well-connected and well-liked adult whose long list of accomplishments cement a lasting legacy. However, the commitment to public service is not the only facet of Mr. Raflo's life deserving of emulation.

As he recalled in an April, 12, 2003, column published in these pages, he overcame significant obstacles growing up as a smart, smallish Jewish boy in a 1920s Leesburg community where brawn was championed and Jews were little known. We reprint that column in this space to inspire reflection of the possibilities of all youth.

This is the story of one little boy and how he grew up.

As a baby he was sick a lot. He lived in a small town with parents, who ran a business there. His mother was very busy with the store, so a nanny was hired to look after him.

He spent two years under the attention of the nanny. It wasn't that his mother did not love him. It was just that she was so busy and felt that the lady could look after him better.

He was a frail child and underweight. He never got to play games with the other kids in the neighborhood. He started school when he was only 5 years old and was put in the first grade ahead of schedule.

At school, he found few special activities he could do. He was afraid of the teachers and fearful that he would do something wrong. He studied hard and was at or near the head of his class.

At school they played catch. You would run across the field to the other side. Several of the fellows would be in the middle and try to catch you. If you were caught then you would stay in the middle and try to catch some of the others. Many times he ran across the field, but no one ever tried to catch him. He never knew why. It might have been the way he was dressed. His mother insisted that he wear knickers and an overcoat in the cold weather. Most of the other kids wore jackets. He found that you cannot run very fast wearing an overcoat.

Every day after school, he would come home and stand in front of the store that his parents owned. He rarely went to play with the other kids. He was just not any good at sports and games that involved running. So he went to the playground where the other kids were and just stood there and watched.

He finally found a way to get in the game. If he brought his bat, glove, mitt and two balls, the other kids would use all of this stuff and then let him play. He was always assigned a spot in deep right field where few balls ever landed.

He complained to his mother but she always answered with, "I know, son, but you are so small. You will grow up to be a big man someday. So don't worry about not playing with the other kids now."

When he was in the sixth grade he was run over by a car. He remembers that it was a Model T Ford. The man who hit him took him to the hospital but never came back to see him. As a result of the accident, he was unconscious from Saturday morning until the following Thursday morning. He recovered rapidly and in four weeks was back in school.

He remembers that first day back at school. One of his "buddies" came up behind him and gave him a sharp slap on the back, which knocked him down. When he didn't get up right away all the other fellows just stood there and laughed. Those were the grade school years. The teachers liked him because he did all of his homework and was so attentive in class. They never seemed to notice his not being involved with the other kids on the playground.

When he got to high school things changed somewhat. There were things he could do. Activities that could use his talent and brains, as well as his arms and legs.

He continued to stay at the head of his class. The teachers continued to like him because of his work in the classroom. They asked him, "Are you going to go to college?"

"College?" He had never really thought about college. He knew that college cost a lot of money and he didn't think his mom would put up the money for him to go to college. Despite not knowing where the money would come from he applied to one state college. To his surprise he got a notice back stating that not only did they want him but they offered him a small scholarship.

In many ways college was a repeat of high school. He worked hard at his studies and made excellent grades but his other activities were limited. He never seemed to be able to make it with the girls. Not that he asked for dates and was turned down. He just never seemed to get around to asking. In his own mind, he felt the justification was that he was too busy with his schoolwork.

He graduated cum laude. He had been an English major and he felt that he should teach English. Those were hard times when he got out of college and there were not many teaching jobs.

His dad suggested, "Why don't you get a job working on a newspaper?"

"Working on a newspaper." He had never thought of that. There was a newspaper in his town. He went there and asked about getting a job.

"So you want to work on my paper?" the editor asked. "You have a good school record but do you know much about your own town? Can you meet people and cover the events? You think you can? So I will give you a try. The starting salary is $20 a week and you will have to furnish your own car." He took the job and went to work for the newspaper.

And that is how Frank Raflo became a journalist.

By: Gissel Ansari

County schools to receive nearly $200,000

2009-03-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

On Monday, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced $4.1 million in refinancing savings would be distributed to 31 Virginia school divisions.

Of this funding, Loudoun County Public Schools would receive $192,307.

The savings result from the issuance by the Virginia Public School Authority of $114.2 million in School Financing Refunding Bonds, Series 2009, which was completed March 12.

Loudoun can expect its funds around mid-July.

"I am delighted that we have been able to provide some additional budget relief for these localities in 2010," Kaine said.

Localities receiving the savings were participants in four earlier VPSA bond issues that were refunded by the 2009 bonds.

By: Gissel Ansari

Officials to Formalize Funding for Dulles Metro Extension

2009-03-17T17:26:00.001-04:00

By Amy Gardner
Originally published at 12:00 a.m., March 10, 2009
Updated at 8:19 a.m., March 10, 2009

U.S. transportation officials will seal their commitment to a long-planned extension of Metro to Dulles International Airport at a ceremony today in which Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is to sign a formal agreement to provide $900 million in funding considered crucial to the project's success.

But the real action will start in a matter of days about 15 miles to the west, where demolition of roads and bridges and heavy construction of overhead piers will become an unwelcome fact of life during the next six years for commuters and residents of McLean, Tysons Corner, Vienna and beyond. The result, boosters say, will be worth it: a public transit system serving the region's primary international airport and Virginia's most prosperous jobs corridor.

Today's ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Department of Transportation's headquarters near the Washington Navy Yard, will feature a roster of local, state and federal luminaries seeking to revel in -- and take credit for -- the project's success. Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.) and Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), are among those expected to attend.

These and other project boosters fought skeptical federal transit regulators for much of the past year after it became clear that the Federal Transit Administration, citing cost and schedule overruns and poor management, was inclined to reject Virginia's application for federal assistance. The $5.2 billion Silver Line, which will extend from northwest Arlington to the airport and into Loudoun County, has doubled in cost in recent years.

But supporters pressed for the project to move forward. They cited the overwhelming need for congestion relief along Northern Virginia's Dulles corridor and the imperative to provide an alternative to highway travel to help reduce regional carbon emissions. A bonus, leaders have said, is the hope that the 23-mile rail line will trigger an urban-style development renaissance, particularly around four planned stations in Tysons Corner.

The Bush administration's transportation team agreed to approve Dulles rail in January, two weeks before leaving office, and President Obama's administration has embraced the project. Today's signing ceremony marks the end of a mandatory 60-day congressional comment period following approval of the project.

The project's first phase, estimated to cost about $2.6 billion and to be finished by 2013, will extend from just past the East Falls Church Metro station on the Orange Line, through Tysons and along the median of the Dulles Access Road to Wiehle Avenue in Reston. The second phase, expected to cost about the same and to be completed by 2015, will extend to the airport and beyond into Loudoun County.

The Silver Line will run along the median of the Dulles Access Road for most of its journey, with an aerial track carrying it through Tysons Corner despite a strong grassroots push to build underground. Regulators and politicians alike said a tunnel would have been prohibitively expensive and would have set the regulatory process back at least a year, imperiling the entire project. The extension will run underground for a short distance in Tysons, at the intersection of Routes 7 and 123.

By: Gissel Ansari

Virginia Is For Lovers

2009-03-16T10:22:00.004-04:00

“Virginia Is for Lovers” has become a much-imitated part of the national language, even in other states’ travel promotions. The “I (heart) New York” slogan, for example, appeared later in the mid-’70s.

The Year was 1969

The timing was right in 1969 when the Virginia State Travel Service (now the Virginia Tourism Corporation) adopted what would become its world-renowned “Virginia Is for Lovers” slogan. The Travel Service could not have known that the Yippies would become Yuppies — and later, Boomers — or that the Volkswagen microbus with the peace sign on the dashboard would give way to the station wagon as the official car of a generation, but they knew where the future was in tourism: a new generation of visitors.

A favorite book in 1969 was Erich Segal’s Love Story. Jacqueline Susann’s The Love Machine was a best seller. Henry Mancini scored with Love Theme from “Romeo and Juliet.” The Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969 drew more than 300,000 young people for a weekend of peace, music and mud. Given the tenor of the times, the roll-out of “Virginia Is For Lovers” appealed to younger consumers who were the market of the future.

The Ad Agency

The phrase came from a creative team headed by George Woltz of Martin & Woltz Inc., the Richmond advertising agency that won the Virginia State Travel Service account in 1968. According to Martin, a $100-a-week copywriter named Robin McLaughlin came up with an advertising concept that read, “Virginia is for history lovers.” For a beach-oriented ad, the headline would have read, “Virginia is for beach lovers”; for a mountains ad, “Virginia is for mountain lovers,” and so on. Martin thought the approach might be too limiting. Woltz agreed, and the agency dropped the modifier and made it simply “Virginia Is For Lovers.” The first ad mentioning the new slogan ran in the March 1969 issue of "Modern Bride."

The phrase was considered bold and provocative, but it was also just plain smart from a marketing perspective. It planted a seed — a new image of a more exciting Virginia — with a generation that would become the most sought-after group of spenders ever to wield a credit card.

Virginia is For Lovers of . . .

No one knows exactly why “Virginia Is for Lovers” has been so durable, but part of the mystique of the slogan is that it has meant many things to different people. Today, a new generation is discovering love for Virginia’s mountains, beaches, history, theme parks, vibrant cities, outdoor activities, sports and hospitality.

And the love story continues.

Region: Northern Virginia
Locality: Loudoun County

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

224000 Flagstaff Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20148

Located less than five miles from Dulles International Airport, the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North hotel features 135 guestrooms (including 12 Junior Suites, 4 One-Bedroom Suites and 4 King Whirlpool Rooms).

Our restaurant, Great American Grill®, offers breakfast cooked-to-order from 6am to 10am and a full dinner menu, including room service, from 5pm to 10pm. You can also enjoy a cocktail in the Pavilion Lounge or grab a snack from the 24-hour Pavillion Pantry®, featuring snacks, beverages, and microwaveable items.

It is easy to keep up your workout regime in our complimentary workout facility at the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Virginia hotel featuring state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment or check-out a Stay Fit Kit® from the front desk to work out in the comfort of your own guestroom.

Call for current pricing.

Amenities: Refrigerator, Microwave, Exercise Room, Guest Laundry, Jacuzzi, Indoor Pool, Business Center, High Speed Internet

Accessibility:
Children Welcome

Telephone:
Phone: (703) 723-8989

Website:
hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?moreDesc=true&ctyhocn=IADDNGI

By: Gissel Ansari

World's Billionaire List Reduced By 30 Percent

2009-03-13T09:20:00.001-04:00

March 12, 2009 10:45 a.m. EST.
AHN Staff

New York, NY (AHN) - The global financial crisis has caused 373 people to be stricken off from the Forbes' Magazine's list of the World's Billionaires. The roster was whittled down by 30 percent from the 1,125 billionaires listed the previous year.
Of the 373 taken off the list, 18 passed away, while 355 became poorer. However, 38 newcomers were added and three returned to the roster.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates, even if he lost $18 billion, got back his title as the world's richest man as he dethroned Warren Buffet, whose wealth dipped by $25 billion following the 50 percent reduction of stock value of Berkshire Hathaway.
Buffet is now on the second spot.
Mexican telecom giant Carlos Slim Helu similarly lost $25 billion, which caused him to drop from second to third place.
The remaining 793 billionaires on the list had a collective net worth of $2.4 trillion.

By: Gissel Ansari

Ashburn, Virginia

2009-03-12T10:09:00.002-04:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ashburn, Virginia is an unincorporated area located in Loudoun County, Virginia, 30 miles (48 km) west of Washington, D.C., and is part of the Washington Metropolitan Area. The area serves as headquarters for the internet service provider Verizon Business, Old Dominion Brewing Company, and the Janelia Farm Research Campus (HHMI). "Redskins Park", the headquarters for the Washington Redskins football team of the National Football League, is also located in Ashburn.
Ashburn is located between Washington Dulles International Airport and Leesburg, the county seat of Loudoun County. Located within the Dulles Technology Corridor, Ashburn is home to many high-tech businesses. World Trade Center Dulles Airport is currently under construction and will be the second World Trade Center in the state. George Washington University and Strayer University have campuses in Ashburn.
Ashburn is home to four landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places: Belmont Manor House (1799), the Broad Run Bridge and Toll House (1820), the sanctuary of Ashburn Presbyterian Church (1878), and Janelia Farm (1936).[1]

History
Ashburn was originally called Farmwell (variant names include Old Farmwell and Farmwell Station) after a nearby mansion of that name owned by George Lee III. The name Farmwell first appeared in George Lee's October 1802 will and was used to describe the 1,236 acre (5.0 km²) plantation he inherited from his father, Thomas Ludwell Lee II. A section of Farmwell plantation west of Ashburn Road, a 580 acre (2.3 km²) tract, was purchased in 1841 by lawyer and almost vice-president John Janney, a Quaker, as a summer home. John Janney called the property Ashburn Farm (first known written use is 1870 when he sold the property). It is likely he named the farm after family friends named Ashburn.[1]
In 1895, Ashburn Farm was purchased by Senator William Morris Stewart. Local legend has it that the village, known until then as Farmwell or Farmwell Station, got its new name after lightning struck an ash tree on Senator Stewart's farm in 1896. The ash tree is rumored to have burned and smoldered for a week and attracted spectators from miles around. Since the Post Office had been pressing for a new name for the village (to avoid confusion with Farmville in Prince Edward County, Virginia), and the Senator was the area's leading citizen, the villagers renamed the village after the burning ash tree.[1]
Ashburn was also the vacation destination of many Presidents, like Woodrow Wilson, as well as many of Washington's other politicians. They would take the only Washington and Old Dominion Railroad line out to Ashburn, which contained some upscale hotels and restaurants. Most of these hotels and restaurants have long since been destroyed or dismantled, but a few can still be seen along the main street of Ashburn Road.

Demographics
Today, Ashburn's population is slightly over 73,000 as of 2006 and is one of the largest unincorporated areas of Loudoun County. Many of its residents commute into Washington, D.C. and the surrounding suburbs such as Tysons Corner and Reston to their places of employment.
The Ashburn area consists of many major and minor subdivisons; Ashbrook, Ashburn Farm, Ashburn Village, Brambleton, Broadlands, Farmwell, The Courts and Ridges at Ashburn, Belmont Greene, Belmont Country Club and the Village of Waxpool among them. The area is served by Briar Woods High School, Broad Run High School and Stone Bridge High School. It also has 4 middle schools and several elementary schools that serve the fast growing population.
Ashburn's Fire and EMS services are provided by a combination of the volunteers of Ashburn Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department and The Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management. The two fire companies that serve Ashburn are the "Ashburn Fire and Rescue" and the "Moorefield Fire and Rescue". The Ashburn area is served by the "Inova Loudoun Hospital", located less than two miles (3 km) from Ashburn in neighboring Lansdowne, Virginia, and by larger hospitals in the Washington, DC, suburbs and city.

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is located right in the middle of Ashburn, VA. Please visit our website to get more information about our brand new hotel: www.dullesnorth.hgi.com.

By: Gissel Ansari

Registration Open For Ashburn Village Race

2009-03-11T13:52:00.000-04:00

Registration is underway for the 2009 Ashburn Village 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run April 26 at Ashburn Elementary School.

The Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion and Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department join forces to sponsor the event in hopes of raising money for the AVFD. All collected fees will directly benefit the department.

Those who register before April 10 enjoy reduced rates of $30 per Ashburn Village resident and $35 per non-resident runner for the 10K race; $25 per Ashburn Village resident and $30 per non-resident runner for the 5K race; and $8 per Ashburn Village resident and $12 per non-resident runner for the Fun Run. After April 10, all fees increase to $40 per person for the 10K race; $35 per person for the 5K race; and $15 per person for the Fun Run. Online registration ends April 22.

Races will start and end in front of the school, and participants in the 5K and 10K races will run on newly certified courses looping down Ashburn Village Boulevard and through Ashburn Village. The 10K, 5K and Fun Run Races will begin at 8 a.m., 8:10 a.m. and 8:20 a.m., respectively. Race packet and T-shirt pick up, as well as late registration will take place between 5 and 8 p.m. April 24 and from 2 to 5 p.m. April 25 at AVSP, located at 20585 Ashburn Village Boulevard. Race day registration will take place from 7 to 7:45 a.m., and runners are encouraged to queue up early to avoid a long wait.

Athletes will not only enjoy racing with the knowledge the fruit of their efforts is going to a worthy cause, but also for the glory of awards and bragging rights. The top three male and female finishers, as well as the top male and female finisher in selected age groups will be eligible to receive exciting prizes. Awards will be given to all runners age 12 and younger.

The 2009 race will be timed and scored by Capital Running Company using the ChronoTrack Timing System, which uses a computer "tag" for precise measurements. Overall awards will be based on clock time and age group honors will be awarded based on transponder tag times.

To learn more or to register for the race, visit www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1689246 or www.ashburnsportspavilion.org.

Please remember Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is located at: 22400 Flagstaff Plaza Ashburn, VA 20148.
If you would like to join the race and coming to Ashburn, VA from out of town we would love to be at your service. You just need to pick up the phone and call: 703-723-8989 and we’ll take care of the rest for you. Thank you!

By: Gissel Ansari

'Rush of the stage' inspires Ashburn teen

2009-03-10T10:02:00.000-04:00

By Elizabeth Coe
Source: Loudoun Times-Mirror
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 2009

At Briar Woods High School, senior Laura Manzer is known for her music and singing talent.

Laura, 17, recently released her first CD, "November." Her original, contemporary country songs can be heard on her classmates' iPods all over the Ashburn school.

"People come up to me all the time and tell me they are listening to my music," Laura said. "It's modern country, like a mix of Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift."

Laura has been singing for as long as she can remember. As a toddler, she auditioned for an Oscar Mayer hot dog commercial. Although she didn't get the part, that did not discourage her from pursuing her dream.

"Every year at St. Theresa [School in Ashburn] I'd sing in the talent show," she said. "I've always been singing. I memorize lyrics all the time and sing in the car."

Laura's thirst for performing grew stronger two years ago when she auditioned for the U.S.A. World Showcase at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Out of 180,000 who tried out over the phone, only 180 performers were chosen to compete. She was one of them.

There were about 15 people in Laura's teen singing portion of the competition, she said. The show was the first time she sang onstage in front of an audience of thousands.

"I loved the rush of the stage," she said. "It made me realize that singing is what I want to do. It's who I want to be."

Laura didn't win the competition, but she came away with the knowledge that singing would always be an important part of her life.

That fall, Laura and her mom, Donna Manzer, traveled to Charleston, S.C., to audition for the seventh season of “American Idol.”

Laura made it through several rounds of auditions, but was cut just before she got the chance to sing for judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Last year, Laura again tried out for the show in Louisville, Ky., but was cut in the first round.

Laura and her mom returned to Ashburn, determined to make music. They went to Cue Recording Studios in Falls Church and spent eight months writing and recording the 10 songs that make up "November."

The CD was completed Dec. 5 and is on sale on iTunes and from Laura directly for $10.

Laura plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College next year and will keep singing, playing the piano and guitar, and writing songs.

She hopes to release another CD soon.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/lauramusic08.

By: Gissel Ansari

Visit Loudoun

2009-03-09T09:32:00.004-04:00

1. DC's Wine Country
If fine wine is an art, that would make us the gallery.
No visit to Loudoun is complete without a visit to our wine country. Four clusters of boutique wineries are sprinkled throughout our bucolic countryside. Discover perfectly balanced varietals, surprising blends, and dessert wines.
Savor the aroma of years of winemaking expertise, all while admiring the breathtaking backdrop of vineyards set against beautiful rolling hills.
2. Heritage
Our story is America’s story.
Loudoun’s historic attractions are only part of Loudoun’s story. John Mosby, Jackie Kennedy, George C. Marshall, and F. Scott Fitzgerald are just a few who lived and visited our historic place. You’ll discover charming towns centuries old, including the circa 1758 Leesburg, and Middleburg, the capital of horse country. Explore heritage areas and civil war battlefields, luxurious horse farms that bred Derby and Belmont winners, old-fashioned country stores, and the last cable operated ferry on the East Coast. And Loudoun is at the heart of The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, a 175-mile corridor between Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia.
3. Towns and Villages
Loudoun’s towns and villages. Explore authentic American places.
Experience authentic small-town America. Each of Loudoun’s seven towns and numerous villages offers a taste of Americana, a glimpse into days past, and a welcome respite from “Everyplace, USA.” From Leesburg’s charming streetscapes to Middleburg’s horse and hunt tradition, and from Philomont’s quaint country store to Waterford’s renowned fair, Loudoun’s towns and villages each have a unique story to tell.
4. Horse Country
The Old Dominion in riding breeches.
Loudoun County is horse country. In fact, there are more horses here than any other county in Virginia. Olympic riders live and train here. Derby winners were born and groomed here. The Kennedys rode here. And there are plenty of ways to experience our horse country for yourself.
• Experience a thrilling steeplechase race.
• Take a leisurely horseback ride along scenic trails.
• Get an exclusive insider’s look at some of the country’s most elegant and luxurious horse farms.
• Visit a carriage museum showcasing more than 100 historic and antique carriages.
• Attend the oldest horse show in the country.
5. Golf
Challenge yourself.
Loudoun is known for its scenic beauty. And nowhere is Loudoun's picturesque character more manifest than on our golf courses. Discover a links course designed by Gary Player, where pot bunkers with names like "the devil's foxhole" swallows players whole. Make the turn as you explore the layout of Greg Norman, overlooking the nearby Potomac River. Indeed, Loudoun offers courses to challenge any skill level. After all, Ben Hogan shot 59 here, along the banks of the historic Goose Creek.
Please keep Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North in mind when you come to visit Loudoun County. We are located in heart of Ashburn, we are a brand new hotel with 5 different styles of rooms: I king, 2 queens, suite, I bedroom suite, and a Jacuzzi room. Please visit our website to find out more about us: www.dullesnorth.hgi.com or call us at 703-840-1624. We are looking forward to meeting you in our hotel.

By: Gissel Ansari

'Green' Energy Plant Proposed for Loudoun

2009-03-06T16:25:00.001-05:00

By Tara Bahrampour

Loudoun County would be powered by electricity generated in its back yard under a proposal to build an $813 million plant using natural gas, steam and solar energy.

Green Energy Partners is proposing to build the facility on 80 acres just east of Leesburg, on property with two existing natural gas lines. To create the steam, the plant would use up to 5 million gallons a day of treated wastewater it would purchase from Leesburg. The treated water is now discharged into the Potomac River.

John Andrews, who co-owns the company with his father, said it plans to sell the energy wholesale to Dominion Virginia Power and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, the two utilities that provide service to Loudoun consumers.

Company officials said that if the project is approved by federal, state and county officials, Loudoun will be consuming electricity that is produced within the county for the first time.

"There is no energy production of any sort in Loudoun County that I'm aware of, except for individuals with solar panels on their homes," said Charlie Jackson, a spokesman for Green Energy Partners. The plant would use no diesel fuel, he said.

Andrews said the hybrid facility would be "the lowest emitting plant in the state of Virginia."

Green Energy Partners applied to the county Friday for permission to build the plant. It is part of a larger project that includes a business park the company hopes to open on adjacent property.

The plant would generate 300 megawatts of energy from natural gas, 300 megawatts from steam and one megawatt from solar energy. Two gas turbines could produce an additional 300 megawatts during peak demand times, company officials said.

Andrews said he expects the plant would produce enough energy to power Loudoun County and possibly enough to sell to neighboring counties.

Judi Birkitt, the senior county planner assigned to review the project, said the review has not begun. But Andrews said the idea, which is similar to models used in some European countries, has drawn positive reactions in informal discussions with county and town officials.

"We need energy, and either you import it or you produce it — and we believe the best way is to produce it," he said, adding that the proposed hybrid system is less polluting than coal and more realistic than other "clean energy" solutions.

"We didn't see Loudoun County agreeing to windmill farms, and the sun doesn't shine enough for us to be able to run our energy on solar, so this is the next best alternative," he said.

Najib Salehi, energy manager for the county, hailed the idea, saying it would probably save money for the county and Leesburg.

"I think it's a very good proposal," he said, adding that the county is constantly looking for ways to cut energy costs, down to the level of turning off computers and vending machines at night.

Leesburg Town Manager John Wells said he had not had a chance to study the proposal. Andrews said that if town officials decide not to sell wastewater for the project, he would look at other options.

If the county approves the project, the company would need to apply for state and federal permits. The approval process is expected to take a year, followed by two to three years for construction of the plant, company officials said.

By: Gissel Ansari

Priceline.com

2009-03-05T09:13:00.004-05:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is offering special rates on Priceline.com. Be sure to check the "name your own price savings page" for the best deals.

What's Happening

2009-02-26T09:58:00.005-05:00

Thursday, February 26, 2009; washingtonpost.com
article by: Kathleen Hom

The annual Capital Home & Garden Show starts today and runs through Sunday. More than 750 exhibitors will offer workshops, demonstrations and expert advice. Along with such usual subjects as lawn care and landscaping, the event will cover cost-efficient home improvements, such as when to tackle a DIY project, when to call in an expert and how to shop for energy-efficient appliances.

The show is at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly. Hours vary. Tickets for adults are $9 online, $12 at the box office. For more information, call 716-631-2266 or visit http://www.capitalhomeshow.com. For hotel accommodations please visit: www.dullesnorth.hgi.com

By: Gissel Ansari

The President's Priorities

2009-02-25T12:46:00.002-05:00

Mr. Obama lays out a bold agenda. But the economic crisis has to come first.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009; Page A18

FACING AN economic crisis, a banking crisis, a housing crisis and an auto industry crisis, President Obama used the opportunity of his address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night to load his plate with even more. Mr. Obama said he would press ahead with plans to overhaul the nation's health-care system, bolster education and lead the transition to new forms of energy -- all while curing cancer and getting the deficit under control.

We understand the president's instinct not to let short-term demands obscure the need to meet the country's long-term challenges. His priorities for fundamental reform, the causes that animated his campaign, are admirable ones. Yet we cannot help wondering: Isn't the most critical task to ensure a swift and effective response to the stomach-churning downturn? Does a new, understaffed administration have the capacity to try so much so fast? And does the political system have the bandwidth to accommodate all that Mr. Obama is asking from it?

"The recovery plan and the financial stability plan are the immediate steps we're taking to revive our economy in the short-term," Mr. Obama said. "But the only way to fully restore America's economic strength is to make the long-term investments that will lead to new jobs, new industries and a renewed ability to compete with the rest of the world. The only way this century will be another American century is if we confront at last the price of our dependence on oil and the high cost of health care; the schools that aren't preparing our children and the mountain of debt they stand to inherit."

Mr. Obama said the budget he will submit tomorrow will reflect "the stark reality of what we've inherited -- a trillion-dollar deficit, a financial crisis and a costly recession," and that "worthy priorities" will have to be sacrificed. But his message was more about what could be done than what would have to be left out. Mr. Obama said his administration has "already identified two trillion dollars in savings over the next decade," but about half of that involves his long-promised rollback of tax cuts from the previous administration.

In this economic emergency, the most important goal for Mr. Obama is one he laid out near the beginning of his speech: "We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before." As he acknowledged last night, to enable that recovery the administration may well need to go back to Congress to seek more money for ailing banks. Given the public mood and lawmakers who feel burned by the handling of the first $350 billion infusion, that will be a hard enough lift in and of itself. As Mr. Obama also noted, the American public is understandably skeptical about whether the money Washington has already committed to spend will be wasted. Even the political capital of the popular Mr. Obama is not unlimited. We hope he does not spread it so broadly that he is left without the means to extinguish the fires raging now.

By: Gissel Ansari

Operation Homefront

2009-02-18T10:32:00.004-05:00

About Operation Homefront

Mission Statement

Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also operates an online magazine for military wives and women in uniform. Through this community, we reach the newest and youngest military families, instantly alerting them about our programs and other information to help them succeed in military life.

How we Help

Operation Homefront provides aid to families struggling not only with emergencies, but also with the problems of everyday life. Existing programs include:
• Emergency Aid — Provides food, baby care items, vehicle donation and repair.
• Computer Program — Allows children and spouses to stay in touch with their loved ones.
• Financial Assistance Program — Addresses crises such as illness, homelessness and death.
• Furniture Program — Donates household and baby furniture; working-order appliances.
• Moving — Provides physical labor for families when a service member is deployed.
• Social Outreach — Offers Adopt-a-family opportunities, Thanksgiving/holiday baskets, back-to-school supplies.
• Community — Rebuilds the challenged social network of the military community by bringing it to our online magazine where it is convenient to everyone, no matter the time or location.
Some of our most outstanding accomplishments are:
• We received the prestigious Charity Navigator’s 4-Star rating for conscientious stewardship.
• We donated more than $5 million to military families in crisis.
• We provided goods and services valued at more than $6.5 million to assist military families.
• We delivered more than 20,000 care packages to soldiers abroad.
• We delivered more than 2,500 packages to military families at home.
• We helped more than 3,000 families receive vehicle donations or repairs.
• We delivered more than 20,000 backpacks to military children headed back to school.
• We operate only on 8 percent overhead; 92 cents of every dollar raised directly supports those in need.

Operation Homefront charity has a chapter in Sterling, Virgina. Please contact Vivian Dietrich if you would like to donate your time or money at 1-800-779-5903.

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is proud to be in a partnership with Operation Homefront. Please remember that part of your room rate will be donated to Operation Homefront. The more you stay with us, the more we can donate!

Top 10 Things to Do in the Washington, DC Capital Region

2009-02-13T15:59:00.011-05:00

Top 10 Things to Do in the Washington, DC Capital Region
Must Sees of Washington, DC
By Rachel Cooper, About.com
See More About:washington dc attractionsnational malldc entertainmentwashington dc sightseeingdc outdoor recreationThere is so much to see and do in Washington, DC that you can’t see it all in just one visit. A well-rounded trip should include exploring the National Mall and some other activities too! Here are some tips to help you get around the popular attractions and some suggestions of fun and more relaxing things to do in the region.

1. Visit the Smithsonian

InstitutionStart at the Smithsonian Institution Building where you can pick up a map and information on all of the museums. These national treasures cover a wide range of subjects from art to space exploration. Plan to explore those you are most interested in, but don’t try to see everything at once. Be sure to save time to see an IMAX movie at the Natural History Museum or the National Air and Space Museum.
More Info
2. Tour the National Monuments and Memorials

Our national monuments are truly spectacular. The best time to see them is at night when they are illuminated, less crowded and parking is easier. During daytime visits, take a tour bus. Listen to informative park ranger talks and you won’t have to negotiate congested city traffic.
More Info
3. Tour the Three Houses of Government

Capitol Building, the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court and you will gain a fuller understanding of the division of power within our democratic government. Plan ahead and note that some tours must be scheduled in advance through your Congressional Representative.
More Info
4. Take a Walk Through Georgetown

Georgetown is the capital’s historic waterfront that today is bustling with activity. The area is a shopper’s paradise and the streets are lined with restaurants of every nationality. Take a tour of historic sites, do some shopping and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
More Info
5. Ride a Bike Along the C & O Canal

The Washington DC region is lucky to have wonderful bike trails. Jump on a bicycle and you’ll quickly feel a relief from hectic city life. Take the whole family and explore the historic C & O Canal.
More Info
6. See a Show or Concert at the Kennedy Center

PrattLive theatrical productions at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts are entertainment at its finest. Purchase tickets in advance for performances ranging from musicals to concerts by the National Symphony or see a free show at the Millennium Stage.
More Info
7. Attend a Concert at Wolftrap Farm Park

Wolf Trap Farm ParkListen to all types of music at this national park dedicated to the performing arts. Outdoor concerts are featured in the summer and indoor performances are held the rest of the year. The park is located in Vienna, Virginia, just 20 minutes from Washington, DC.
More Info
8. Take a Hike at Great Falls Park

Take a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River at this 800 acre park, located just 14 miles from Washington DC.
More Info
9. Explore Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon Ladies AssociationWith the recent addition of the new museum and education center, Mount Vernon is now a full day excursion. Explore the state of the art galleries and theaters, visit the 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family, tour the 14-room mansion that is beautifully restored and furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740's. Be sure to plan enough time to tour the outbuildings, including the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house and stables. The estate is located in Northern Virginia, just minutes from Washington, DC.

10. Take a Walking Tour of Old Town, Alexandria

City of AlexandriaExplore a quaint historic town just over the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Visit colonial houses, churches, and museums and shop for antiques.

More About Washington, DC
Please keep staying at Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North in mind while you are in DC, we are only 6 miles away from IAD Airport and about 40 min away from downtown DC. We would love to see you in our hotel.

Today in History

2009-02-02T15:52:00.003-05:00

Go to Google NewsToday in History - Feb. 2
By The Associated Press – 16 hours ago

Today is Monday, Feb. 2, the 33rd day of 2009. There are 332 days left in the year. This is Groundhog Day.

Today's Highlight in History:
On Feb. 2, 1943, the remainder of Nazi forces from the Battle of Stalingrad surrendered in a major victory for the Soviets in World War II.

On this date:

In 1536, present-day Buenos Aires, Argentina, was founded by Pedro de Mendoza of Spain.

In 1653, New Amsterdam — now New York City — was incorporated.

In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War, was signed.

In 1870, the "Cardiff Giant," supposedly the petrified remains of a human discovered in Cardiff, N.Y., was revealed to be nothing more than carved gypsum.

In 1876, the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs was formed in New York.

In 1897, fire destroyed the Pennsylvania state capitol in Harrisburg. (A new statehouse was dedicated on the same site in 1906.)

In 1948, President Harry S. Truman sent a 10-point civil rights program to Congress, where the proposals ran into fierce opposition from southern lawmakers.

In 1959, public schools in Arlington and Norfolk, Va., were racially desegregated without incident.

In 1969, actor Boris Karloff died in Midhurst, England, at age 81.

In 1988, in a speech the broadcast television networks declined to carry live, President Ronald Reagan pressed his case for aid to the Nicaraguan Contras.

Ten years ago: A federal jury in Portland, Ore., ordered abortion foes who had created "wanted" posters and a Web site listing the names and addresses of "baby butchers" to pay $107 million in damages. (Courts later reduced the judgment to more than $16 million; the U.S. Supreme Court has refused three times to hear an appeal by the defendants.)

Five years ago: President George W. Bush unveiled a $2.4 trillion budget featuring a record deficit, as well as big increases for defense and homeland security. Deadly ricin was discovered in offices used by Senate majority leader Bill Frist. Israel killed a leader of Islamic Jihad and three other militants in a Gaza raid. An 11-story apartment building collapsed in Konya, Turkey, killing 92 people.

One year ago: A gunman killed five women at a Lane Bryant store in Tinley Park, Ill., in an apparent botched robbery attempt. (The case remains unsolved.) French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former supermodel Carla Bruni were married at the presidential Elysee Palace. Former Washington Redskins players Art Monk and Darrell Green were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with New England linebacker Andre Tippett, San Diego/San Francisco defensive end Fred Dean, Minnesota/Denver tackle Gary Zimmerman and senior committee choice, Kansas City cornerback Emmitt Thomas. Former Agriculture Secretary Earl L. Butz died in Washington, D.C., at age 98. Actor Barry Morse died in London at age 89.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Elaine Stritch is 84. Actor Robert Mandan is 77. Comedian Tom Smothers is 72. Rock singer-guitarist Graham Nash is 67. Actor Bo Hopkins is 67. Television executive Barry Diller is 67. Country singer Howard Bellamy (The Bellamy Brothers) is 63. Actress Farrah Fawcett is 62. Actor Jack McGee is 60. Actor Brent Spiner is 60. Rock musician Ross Valory (Journey) is 60. Model Christie Brinkley is 55. Actor Michael Talbott is 54. Actress Kim Zimmer is 54. Rock musician Robert DeLeo (Army of Anyone; Stone Temple Pilots) is 43. Actress Jennifer Westfeldt is 39. Rock musician Ben Mize (Counting Crows) is 38. Rapper T-Mo is 37. Actress Marissa Jaret Winokur is 36. Actress Lori Beth Denberg is 33. Singer Shakira is 32. Country singer Blaine Larsen is 23.

Thought for Today: "Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it inflames the great." — Bussy-Rabutin, French soldier and writer (1618-1693).
Hosted by Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Super Bowl Party @ Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

2009-01-28T10:49:00.000-05:00

Hilton Hotels to move HQ to D.C. area

2009-01-26T12:28:00.001-05:00

Washington Business Journal - by Missy Frederick Staff Reporter

Hilton Hotels Corp. will move its headquarters from Beverly Hills, Calif., to the D.C. area, a major boon for a region that has lost many of its homegrown corporate headquarters in recent years.

The company, bought by publicly traded Blackstone Group in 2007, announced the move to corporate employees Wednesday before a formal announcement was made by the company late in the afternoon.

Hilton Hotels is scouting locations in Maryland and Virginia. The move will likely occur in the third quarter of 2009, according to the statement. The company, which operates 3,200 hotels under eight brands, has not said how much space it will need or how many jobs the move will generate. The amount of space the company occupies in Beverly Hills was not immediately available.

Hilton would not say whether it is working with a real estate firm, but at least one local county confirmed it has been in discussions with the company.

“Montgomery County has been in discussion with the company for several weeks,” said Kristina Ellis, spokeswoman for Montgomery County’s Department of Economic Development. “They are considering Montgomery County.”

She would not elaborate on what areas Hilton is interested in but said the county would be delighted to be known as a cluster for biotech and beds, as it already has the headquarters of three hoteliers, including Bethesda-based hospitality behemoth Marriott International Inc. (NYSE: MAR).

Other local economic development officials are eager to meet those scouts.

“We’d love to be on their short list, or even long list,” said Larry Rosenstrauch, director of Loudoun County’s Department of Economic Development. Loudoun has lots of greenfield sites already zoned, or in beginning stages of development. But it also has several large, completed office buildings that could be chosen for this quick timetable.

“We like to think of Loudoun as one of the emerging headquarters sites in the region,” Rosenstrauch said. Companies that choose Loudoun arrive there by thinking “where is my work force, not just now, but in the next 10 to 15 years?”

Karen Vasquez, spokeswoman for Arlington Economic Development, said: “We always love to have a corporate headquarters, of course.” She said Hilton could apply for grants from the state to help underwrite infrastructure improvements, for instance, if the company chooses to lease in a planned-but-stalled building in Rosslyn that is due to have a Metro entrance just below it.

Given the tight timetable, Alexandria might be more attractive, as it has two buildings in the Carlyle neighborhood, near Metro, that just delivered. Combined, those buildings could house 650 employees, said Stephanie Landrum, senior vice president for Alexandria’s economic development partnership. “Alexandria has the lowest commercial tax rate in Northern Virginia,” she said she’d tell Hilton scouts.

The move is part of a greater corporate reorganization. In July 2007, Blackstone Group, the New York-based private equity firm, announced it would buy Hilton for $26 billion, a 40 percent premium on the hotel chain's closing price before the deal.

D.C. was chosen because of its strong hospitality talent pool, cheaper cost of living compared to Beverly Hills, and geographic location, said Lisa Cole, a spokeswoman for the company. The move is expected to provide an overall cost savings for the firm.

“This is a more central location for us to operate a global business from,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer Christopher Nassetta, an Arlington native who joined Hilton in October 2007, said in a statement: “We understand this as major change for our organization, and we will do our best to minimize disruptions to employees and operations.”

The D.C. area is somewhat of a hub for hospitality companies. Marriott, which opertates 3,100 properites in 67 countries worldwide, was founded in the region in 1927 as the Hot Shoppes Inc. and went public in 1953. In acquired luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton in 1995 and three years later moved Ritz-Carlton's 130 corporate employees from Atlanta to Chevy Chase in 2003. Marriott employs more than 14,000 people in the region.

Another major hotelier, Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), is located in Silver Spring, and Host Hotels & Resorts, DiamondRock Hospitality and Interstate Hotels & Resorts call the D.C. area home.

The region has lost many major corporate citizens in recent years to mergers and acquisitions, including AOL, Riggs Bank, Sprint Nextel, MCI WorldCom, Mobil, Hecht's and USAirways. Some good news came in 2007 when Volkswagen announced it would move its U.S. operation from the Detroit area to Herndon.

The announcement comes a day after D.C. was in the national spotlight for the presidential inauguration.

“If last week was any indication, we may now have more star power than Beverly Hills,” said Jim Dinegar, CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

Dinegar said D.C. stands out as a hospitality town for the high number of highly-skilled hospitality employees.

“These are people who graduated hospitality schools, worked in back offices for years,” Dinegar said. “We do the service sectors very well as they relate to accounting, business management, sales and marketing, and advertising.”

D.C.’s large number of college graduates in the work force could have also been a factor, said Emily Durso, president of the Hotel Association of Washington D.C.

“We’ve always said that we are the tourism center of the region,” Durso said. “This almost makes us the tourism center of the country.”

Staff Reporter Mara Lee contributed to this story.

Local Getaway at Bluemont Vineyard

2009-01-26T12:15:00.002-05:00

Spend a weekend at Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North and visit a local winery. Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North offers special weekend packages. Click header to view rates and hotel information.

Fruit Wine Special
Sat, Jan 24, 2009 – Sun, Feb 08, 2009
They're back! A fresh bottling of our popular strawberry and blackberry wines are now available. Last summer's strawberry crop (8 acres of organically grown fruit) was our largest ever and has produced a beautiful wine. Our blackberries, plump and juicy from the frequent rains, allowed us to harvest 1700 lbs. of fruit! These wines are wonderful alone or make a lovely pairing with dark chocolate. Stock up and save: 10% off 3 bottles or more and 20% off case sales.
Event Time: Sat-Sun 12-5pm
Admission Fee/Ticket Price: $5 tasting fee waived with bottle purchase
Bluemont Vineyard
18755 Foggy Bottom Rd
Bluemont, VA 20135
540-554-8439
Information provided by: http://www.bluemontvineyard.com

Enjoy complimentary high-speed internet access in every guest room and secure remote printing to the 24-hour business center.

2009-01-22T17:46:00.004-05:00

The latest in technology is available at the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North:

Audio/Visual Equipment Rental
Business Center
Express Mail
Fax
Meeting Rooms
Modem
Notary Public
Paging Equipment Rental
Photo Copying Service
Printer
Secretarial Service
Video Messaging
Video Phone

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North - NOW OPEN!

2009-01-19T12:36:00.002-05:00

The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is now open. The hotel opened with much fanfare and excitement as guests and visitors expressed their delight with the newest hotel in the Washington Dulles International Airport Corridor. Call for information on services provided by the hotel that may suit the needs for your Big Day!

Recent Hilton News

2008-12-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

December 22, 2008 06:00 AM Eastern Time

Homewood Suites by Hilton® and Embassy Suites Hotels® Named Top Chains for Best Value in Zagat’s 2009 Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts & Spas Survey
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hilton Family of Hotels has announced that Homewood Suites by Hilton and Embassy Suites Hotels have been recognized as the top two best value hotel chains” in Zagat’s 2009 Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts & Spas Survey. The 2009 guide covers 1,001 hotels, resorts and spas nationwide based on input from 14,049 frequent travelers and travel professionals, such as meeting planners and travel agents.

“We are delighted that Zagat enthusiasts have recognized Homewood Suites by Hilton and Embassy Suites hotels as offering superior value,” said Paul Brown, president, global brands and shared services, Hilton Hotels Corporation. “These two hotel brands contributes to memorable travel experiences and enables guests to stretch their travel dollar by providing value-oriented features and amenities.”

Homewood Suites by Hilton

This marks the third consecutive year that Homewood Suites has claimed the highest rating in the value category. Whether traveling for business, for leisure, or with the entire family, Homewood Suites guests are made to feel at home with standard amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, complimentary, high-speed wireless Internet access, and separate living and sleeping areas. Most of the brand’s hotels offer studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. Additional guest amenities include a daily complimentary Suite Start® hot breakfast in the hotel’s hospitality center—the “Lodge”—a Welcome Home® reception featuring a complimentary light meal and beverages Monday-Thursday evenings, an executive business center, and a 24-hour on-site pantry. Most hotels also offer a swimming pool and/or recreational area, as well as flexible meeting space.

Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has more than 255 hotels open with approximately 140 in the development pipeline. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, additional guest features include an on-site Suite Shop® convenience store, complimentary grocery shopping services*, a complete business center, and laundry services at most locations.

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®. For more information on consumer programs, visit the brand’s guest portal at SuiteLiving.com. Homewood Suites by Hilton participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & Miles® and No Blackout Dates.

Embassy Suites Hotels

Guests of Embassy Suites Hotels could win the chance for a little rest and relaxation when they enter the “Wish I Was Here” sweepstakes on www.embassysuitesresorts.com through January 31, 2009. Registered guests must stay at any Embassy Suites Hotel during the promotion period, making them eligible to win a week-long vacation at any of Embassy Suites’ nine resort locations (including ski, beach and golf resorts throughout the U.S. or Latin America.

Founded in 1984, Embassy Suites Hotels defines the upscale, all-suite segment and today has 196 hotels, with an additional 70 in the pipeline. Embassy Suites Hotels provide a strong value proposition to both business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel brand features spacious, two-room suites – all offering a separate living area with a sofa bed and desk, private bedroom and bath, two televisions, wired and wireless complimentary high-speed Internet access, refrigerator, microwave oven, and coffeemaker. Each hotel is equipped with a full Precor® fitness center, swimming pool, and EmbassyLink Business Center. A beautiful open-air atrium, complete with greenery and water feature, complimentary full cooked-to-order breakfast and complimentary nightly Manager’s Reception** complete the full Embassy Suites experience.

To learn more, visit www.embassysuites.com.

About Hilton Family of Hotels

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,000 hotels and 500,000 rooms in 74 countries and territories, with more than 135,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations®, Homewood Suites by Hilton® and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™.

*Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

2008-12-18T18:14:00.002-05:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is Opening in January 2009. Hotel is opening on schedule and can now be booked online or by calling 1-877-STAY-HGI. See the latest in Hilton Garden Inn Fashion. Book now at http://www.dullesnorth.hgi.com.

Hilton HHonors® - Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

2008-11-16T22:10:00.002-05:00

Earn Your Way With Hilton HHonors

Hilton HHonors is the only hotel guest reward program that lets you decide how you want to earn hotel points and/or airline miles with more than 50 participating airline partners at more than 3,000 Hilton Family hotels worldwide.

You can choose your personal Double Dip® Earnings Style from three rewarding options: HHonors Points and Variable Miles, HHonors Points and Fixed Miles, or HHonors Points and HHonors Points.* Simply sign into your HHonors Account, choose your Earnings Style option and present your HHonors and airline frequent flyer numbers at time of reservation and at check-in. Maximize your earnings by changing your Earnings Style option at any time — even with every HHonors stay! For complete details, visit hiltonhhonors.com/myway.

Hilton Hotels Corporation - News

2008-11-13T13:24:00.000-05:00

Beverly Hills, CA – November 13, 2008 – Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton) today announced the appointment of Paul J. Brown as President, Global Brands and Shared Services. Mr. Brown will report to Hilton’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher J. Nassetta, and will be responsible for leading Hilton’s brands and shared services platform. Mr. Brown joins Hilton from Expedia Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world's leading online travel company, where he served as President of both Expedia North America and of the Partner Services Group. He will be based in Beverly Hills and assume his position on December 8, 2008.

Hotel near Washington Dulles Airport/IAD

2008-11-10T18:07:00.012-05:00

From:Washington Dulles International Airport
To: Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Hotel

Distance from hotel: 5.77 mi.

Drive time: 7 min.

Directions: From Washington Dulles International Airport - Follow signs for Airport Exit. Take Rt. 28 N towards Sterling. Take VA-267 W/Dulles Greenway W (toll road). Take exit 7 to Loudon County Parkway and turn Left. The hotel is on your right.

Rooms for Inauguration

2008-11-07T07:56:00.003-05:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North has a limited number of rooms with King beds available. There are upgraded King rooms with Jacuzzis'. There are 3 remaining Jr. Ste's. rates start at $369.00 There is a 3 night minimum, full deposit for stay required at booking. Opening on January 9, 2009; The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North knows how important big days are. Whether you are meeting an important customer; attending the Presidential Inauguration; interviewing for a new job, reconnecting with family or conducting a training seminar. Having everything you need the night before is critical to being your best. That's why Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North hotel located in beautiful Ashburn, Virginia is an ideal choice. We are less than six miles from Washington Dulles International Airport and 30 minutes to Washington DC. This hotel is situated near Northern Virginia's High Tech Corridor. Families can relax at the nearby Wolf Trap Center for Performing Arts or explore local Virginia Wineries, Civil War battlefields, or Leesburg Corner Outlet Mall, the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum, the Dulles Expo Center and Sully Plantation. At Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North we can accommodate various meetings and social events. We also offer a wide range of delicious food in our banquet menus and the convenience of audio visual equipment rental. Book your next event at Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North.

Dulles Airport Hotels - IAD Hotels Near Dulles Airport Washington

2008-11-04T18:12:00.004-05:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is located at:

22400 Flagstaff Plaza
Ashburn, Virginia 20148

Hotel Direct:(703)723-8989
Fax: (703)723-9104

Directions: From Washington Dulles International Airport-Follow signs for Airport Exit. Take Rt. 28 North towards Sterling. Take VA-267 W/Dulles Greenway West (toll rd). Take exit 7 to Loudon County Parkway and turn Left. Hotel is on your Right.

Washington Dulles Airport Hotels - Hotels near Washington Dulles

2008-11-03T12:44:00.002-05:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is located 5.77 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport. Our hotel offers a quiet location to work and easy access to and from the airport. Our guest rooms are designed for comfort and are maintained by an impeccable housekeeeing team. Pofessionalism, cleaniliness and prompt service will be the hallmark to your perfect stay. Now accepting reservations for March 1, 2009 and beyond. Hilton HHonors Reward Category : 3(25,000 points per night).

Hotel Guests Believe in Taking it With Them

2008-10-31T09:33:00.001-04:00

You won't believe what hotel guests try to steal

Wash cloths, towels, chandeliers and even duvet covers? Nothing unusual about hotel guests walking off with those relatively inexpensive items, says Karen Lampert, general manager of the upscale Whitelaw Hotel in fashionable South Beach, Florida

“That happens all the time, but they usually don’t take a 42-inch plasma TV. They just walked out with it, which was shocking to me,” she says.

Surveillance cameras caught the culprit, who eventually reimbursed the hotel at least part of the $1,000 cost of the TV, which had recently been installed.

But hotel thefts, sometimes of outrageous items, are nothing new.

And no hotels are immune; stealing happens in the big chains, roadside hotels, boutique outlets and even luxury resorts.

Televisions have been reported stolen more than once, even in broad daylight. Hotel manager Marcus Roberts remembers watching a man walk out the front door of an unnamed hotel carrying a television set.

“We didn’t stop him at the time. Pretty soon we realized, ‘Hey, that TV belongs to us,’” he says. In this case, the man was arrested and charged with theft.

A study of British hoteliers found that women are more likely to steal from hotels than men. Two out of three women confessed they had walked out with usually inexpensive items. Only 59 percent of the men said the same. But sometimes guests have creative ways of stealing, at least when it comes to smaller items. A majority of the women in the survey who admitted to stealing said they would refill mini-bar liquor bottles with tea or water to make them look untouched.

That same survey of 1,000 hoteliers found towels were the most commonly stolen item. Bathrobes were in second place. Toilet paper is not worth much but it is also popular with pilferers.

The Sagamore, the Art Hotel in Miami Beach, is very popular with bachelor parties. But here, where guests are typically paying $900 a night, thefts are also not unheard of.

“We sometimes have DVD players missing or clock radios,” says Henry Schaeffer, general manager. He says the hotel’s policy is always to have guests reimburse the hotel, though the hotel apparently winks at small items such as missing towels.

Hotel guests steal up to $100 million of goods a year, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

The Today Show’s travel detective Peter Greenberg tells this story, which is hard to believe:

A general manager at a Holiday Inn told Greenberg that a couple once requested a room near the parking lot because they were moving and wanted their U-haul to be close to the room. The next day when housekeeping went to clean the room, every single item was missing. The couple had loaded up their U-haul with furniture and other items and disappeared. Their home is presumably decorated in all-Holiday Inn style.

Greenberg reported another man made off with an entire marble fireplace from the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel in California.

Other hoteliers report thefts of everything from live koi fish to heavy statues.

Perennially popular with rock ‘n roll bands, the Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco will not be checking in one reggae singer who took one of the koi fish from the courtyard fishpond. Not only did he take the fish but hotel personnel noticing a strange odor found the guest had cooked the fish on a hot plate in his room.
A thief at the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon, chiseled out and stole a statue built into the wall of a suite. Guests are usually associated with stolen items but in this case, a former assistant manager was found to be the culprit. He admitted it took close to an hour to chisel out the statue.
One of two 250-pound iron statues resembling greyhound dogs who kept watch in the garden of the Broadmoor Hotel and Resort in Colorado Springs “took a walk” with an unknown guest. The missing statue was later found in an un-booked hotel room apparently because the thief could not complete the job.
Another guest at the same hotel once stripped an entire room. He or she took a television, artwork, even a mini-bar, by using an exit stairway.
The most popular item for guests to steal is far more mundane: washcloths. Holiday Inn loses about 100,000 a year.

Guests can also take items that turn out to be useless. Guests were so persistently stealing the remote controls at the Grand Hyatt in Dallas that the hotel started selling them for $14. The only problem: the remotes only worked in the hotel.

What can hotels do about thefts? Typically, hotel managers attempt to get reimbursement for expensive items and often just write off inexpensive amenities such as wash clothes.

In most cases, hotels do little or nothing because the smaller items are not worth the trouble. Some hotel managers also point out that Holiday Inn towels and Marriott drinking glasses with the hotel’s name on them are a form of free advertising. At least one unnamed chain prepares for thefts by factoring them into their operating budgets.

Some hotels have tried to turn negative stealing into positives. The Holiday Inn chain in 2003, for example, issued a “Towel Amnesty Day” saying they “did not want to hear your towel’s story,” but simply a returned, distinctively green-striped Holiday Inn towel.

Some hotels have tried to use thefts as a promotion. The Doral Golf
Resort & Spa celebrated its 45th anniversary last year by searching for what it called “Pieces of the Past.” The hotel asked guests to turn in hotel items such as room keys, menus, towels and anything else. Participants who sent items to the hotel received 15 percent discounts for their next stay.

Roger Gerard, who teaches at Shasta College and writes often about hospitality issues, says all these thefts add up to substantial sums and probably even lead to higher hotel prices.

“Having worked in hotels over the years, I’ve often been told by my supervisors that the high rate of theft by guests leads directly to higher room prices,” he says.
Lampert at the Whitelaw, where rooms are in the $200-$300 range, also manages the Metropole Hotel Miami, which is even more upscale - suites can push the $1,000 mark.

“The most curious part of stealing is that it happens in even higher priced hotels,” she says.

But not televisions, at least not at Metropole, where they have been so solidly bolted to the wall that potential TV thieves would have to take part of the room’s structure with them.

“I’ve learned my lesson,” says Lampert.

A Halloween Treat

2008-10-31T08:06:00.001-04:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Hotel/Service & Amenities

2008-10-28T10:57:00.007-04:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North located in beautiful Asburn Virgina offers exceptional quality and great location at a reasonable price. Service & amenities you expect are at your fingertips while a gracious staff attends to your needs. At Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Hotel we have "Everything. Right Where You Need It".

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

2008-10-27T16:30:00.002-04:00

Visualize your meeting. Will it include a PowerPoint presentation, slide show, stage, handouts, music, etc? If so, Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North can provide all the equipment necessary to put on your catering event. Visualizing the end result with our team at HGI is the best way to start preparing for your Big Day!

Nervous groom held for blaze at wedding hotel (Japan Times, Tokyo)

2008-10-27T14:59:00.001-04:00

By Reiji Yoshida, Japan Times, TokyoMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News

Oct. 27--It's only natural for brides and grooms to get nervous before the big day, but Tatsuhiko Kawata of Yamanashi may have gone too far.

Kawata, 39, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of setting fire Saturday to a hotel in Hokuto, northern Yamanashi Prefecture, where he and his fiancee were supposed to get married later in the day, a spokesman at the local police station said. No one was injured.

Police started questioning Kawata after learning he had suddenly notified the Risonare Hotel of his intention to cancel the ceremony, the police spokesman said.

Kawata was quoted as telling police he set the fire "because there were definite reasons I could not get married."

Kawata allegedly started the fire around 2:20 a.m. after spreading a flammable liquid, possibly kerosene, in a corridor behind the hotel's concert hall, the police said.

hotel amenities that should be done away with! Please comment.

2008-10-24T15:49:00.004-04:00

These are a few of my own observations, would you like to share yours? Please comment:

. I don't like the idea of having a phone in the crapper! What mental pygmy came up with adding this annoyance. No blacklight in the world could convince me to use it. No phone call in the world could be so important that I could not call them back.

. Have you seen the little linen mats some of the pricier hotels use next to the beds so you don't step on the carpet. Are my smelly feet that precious?

. Or the cheap slippers in the plastic wrap? I'd rather use two pieces of my USA Today and a couple of rubber bands.

. Here is an amenity I can do without - bad attitude - I'm tired of checking into a hotel and feeling like the staff is doing me a favor for allowing me to spend $200 a night at their hotel.

. One of favorite amenities is the new friend I make when the hotel sends someone to my room by mistake. I love showing off my new boxers this way.

At Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Hotel the amenities are standard, pratical and technologically sound. We want to be your hotel of choice.

Hotel near Dulles/ HGI Dulles North

2008-10-22T15:53:00.003-04:00

The best hotels excel at small but important details. The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Hotel features amenities that are standard at most properties, our hotel distinguishes itslef by focusing on outstanding service. Rooms and suites at The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Hotel in Ashburn, Virginia will be equipped with cutting-edge technology. Call 1-877-STAY HGI today.

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Area Attractions:

2008-10-22T09:39:00.001-04:00

The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is located near companies such as America Online (AOL) – 3.0 miles * MCI – 3.9 miles * Orbital Sciences – 5.3 miles * Airbus – 3.8 miles * SAIC – 9.4 miles * Exxon Mobil – 2.5 miles * AT&T – 2.1 miles * Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) – 7.0 miles * Freddie Mac – 3.2 miles * Verizon – .2 miles, and more. The hotel is also close to area attractions like the Arlington National Cemetery – 25 miles * Ashburn Ice House – 4 miles * Bull Run National Park/Manassas Battlefield – 15 miles * Capital Expo Center – 6 miles * Charlestown West Virginia – 43 miles * Dulles Indoor Sportsplex – 7 miles * Dulles Town Center – 5 miles * Harpers Ferry West Virginia – 43 miles * Kennedy Center – 30 miles * Leesburg Corner Outlets – 19 miles * Linden Vineyards – 50 miles * Loudoun County Wine Trail – 4 miles * Luray Caverns and Skyline Drive – 65 miles * Middleburg Winery – 27 miles * Mount Vernon – 45 miles * National Air and Space Museum – 8 miles * National Monuments – 30 miles * National Zoo – 35 miles * Nissan Pavilion – 18 miles * Reston Town Center – 5 miles * Smithsonian Museums – 30 miles * Sully Plantation – 5 miles * Tarara Winery – 27 miles * Tyson’s Corner Mall and Tyson’s I/II – 12 miles * Union Station/Amtrak – 33 miles * United States Capitol Building – 31 miles * Washington DC – 30 miles * White House – 31 miles * Wolf Trap Cultural Center – 9 miles * Thirteen championship golf courses, and more.

Virginia Green Lodging/Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Hotel

2008-10-21T15:54:00.002-04:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is a facility committed to minimizing its enviromental impacts by preventing pollution wherever feasible in its operations. This hotel is committed to Virginia Green program's Core Activities for Lodging:

. Optional Linen Service
. Recycling Opportunities for Guests
. Water Efficiency
. Energy Conversation
. Green Events

Preparing to Travel?

2008-10-20T17:19:00.010-04:00

A traveler logs on to the Internet and searches for the right hotel in the right location. What other things do you look for? You look for a proven product with all the amenities you have come to know and love over the years. Traveling to Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C. and landing at IAD/Washington Dulles International Airport? Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North opening in January 2009 is located just 5.77 miles from the airport. Ride our complimentary shuttle to and from the airport and enjoy the comfort of home. At Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North receive the service you expect from Hilton Brand Hotels.

SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS' NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

2008-10-20T17:19:00.007-04:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is located just a 12 minute drive from The SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS' NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (SMACNA). HGI Dulles North features both King and Queen/Queen rooms and Suites. Enjoy a night out at Old Dominion Brewing Company and be only minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport in the morning. Located at 22400 Flagstaff Plaza, Ashburn, Virginia 20148. Call (703)723-8989 for individual or group reservations.

Job Opportunites at Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

2008-10-17T09:40:00.014-04:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is Now Hiring. We will provide you with an opportunity in which your talents are utilized and grown. We will recognize, appreciate and reward you for your contributions to the HGI Dulles North family.

At Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North, we are successful because of our associates. Our associates are successful because of the culture we have created - a culture of values that include integrity, inclusion, commitment to excellence, and one that sustains a family atmosphere. We provide a workplace environment where "The Difference is Night and Day".

Our associates create the enjoyable experience of true hospitality for our guests. Our guests return to our hotels and recommend us to others, because they can count on exceptional service and accommodations. The value created by the relationship between our associates and our guests assures a solid future for all of us at HGI Dulles North.

At Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North we value our people, our products and our ability to be profitable.

Get to know us. Join our family. We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Your Big Day. Your way! At HGI Dulles North

2008-10-17T09:40:00.011-04:00

Don’t try to please everyone on your big day. Allow us. It’s easy to take care
of out-of-town friends & family when they stay with us. Reasonably priced rooms
feature great amenities like a fridge and microwave. And, our pool, workout facility,
casual restaurant and cozy lobby lounge are great places to unwind after all the
wedding festivities. We’ll focus on your guests so you can stay focused on your big
day. Everything. Right where you need it.® When tomorrow’s a big day, stay HGI Dulles North. YOUR BIG DAY.YOURWAY!

Welcome to IAD/Washington Dulles International Airport/HGI Dulles North

2008-10-15T13:55:00.014-04:00

Are you flying in or out of IAD/Washington Dulles International Airport? Visit the latest in hotel fashion at Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North. Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North has complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Unwind in our spacious rooms after a long flight before your important day. Relax after you have taken care of business in our heated pool and spa. Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North is only 7 minutes from IAD/Washington Dulles International Airport in a beautiful, suburban setting. Now taking reservations!

Office Invaders

2008-10-15T13:55:00.012-04:00

It’s time to work your way up the corporate ladder! Buckle down to reach the 20th floor Executive Suite and claim your rightful place in the corporation. Fire rubber bands at those enemy Office Invaders to steal the show! Click Header/play some games/3rd page/Office Invaders. Have Fun.

Mr. Bean - No Hotel

2008-10-09T08:28:00.001-04:00

Hilton Hotels Corporation

2008-10-09T07:55:00.001-04:00

Hilton Hotels Corporation
NYSE: HLT

9336 Civic Center Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
USA

Website: www.hilton.com
Phone: (310) 205-7676
Fax: (310) 205-7800

Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,800 hotels and 495,000 rooms in more than 80 countries, including 150,000 team members worldwide.

The More than 2,300 hotels are owned, managed or franchised in North America withcompany owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, Scandic and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection®.

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton's philosophy that, "It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality." The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable®. The philosophy is shared by all 10 brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.

HGI Dulles North - General Managers Travel Notes

2008-10-08T17:30:00.005-04:00

On a recent trip to California it was important to me to be able to work comfortably and handle my tasks in a hotel enviroment that made it easy for me to deal with. When I travel I always have a laptop, cell phone, phone charger and MP3 player. It is important for a hotel to have the things I need to get the job done on the road.

First, I like plenty of power outlets. I hate looking around a hotel room for an outlet just to find out I have to unplug a task light, floor lamp or alarm clock to use it.

Secondly, I need my coffee. I expect a clean coffee pot with at least enough coffee to make 2 cups. Now that I have found sources of electricity for my electronics and a source of caffiene for myself I like to settle into a comfortable work desk and a workable chair. These items are a must, I often spend more time at the desk than I do in the bed. Many hotels are getting it right with the bed and are missing it with the desk and chair. Funtionality of the workspace area are paramount to any business travelers needs.

Even though I usually bring enough technology with me it is rare that I don't step into a Business Center to fit some need. Whether it is to quickly check an email or print a boarding pass the Business Center is something no hotel should go without it.

Finally, committing to a fitness program and sticking with it is easy when I have access to a Fitness Center on the road. Along with excercise; having the ability to choose from a healthy hotel menu keeps my daily routine on track even when I am not at home.

Some of the other amenities you find in a hotel are nice but none are more important than the items I mentioned above. If these are some of the things you look for in a hotel then I am sure you will feel right at home at the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North. Please stay with us and slip into homemade comfort that you will enjoy time and time again.

TripWatch

2008-10-07T13:36:00.002-04:00

Top 10: Fall Destinations:

Magical places to visit this fall:

1. New York City, N.Y.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.
3. Munich, Germany
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn.
5. Niagara Falls, N.Y.
6. Las Vegas, Nev.
7. San Francisco, Calif.
8. Aspen, Colo.
9. Paris, France
10. Venice, Italy

LCVA Earns State Promotion Award

2008-10-06T15:39:00.003-04:00

Article provided by Leesburg2day.com

The Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association has won the Virginia Tourism Corporation "Passionate about Spreading the Word" award for its community awareness program, according to a press release from the LCVA.

Virginia Tourism Corporation President Alisa Bailey presented the award to LCVA President and CEO Cheryl Kilday at the recent VA-1 Conference in Roanoke.

Bailey congratulated Kilday and her staff for "an outstanding job of marketing the Loudoun area, not only to outside visitors but to local residents as well," calling the Loudoun agency "an integral part of the greater tourism team of Virginia."

The community awareness campaign sought as its major initiative to make Loudoun's residents and businesses aware of the benefits of tourism to their quality of life and to the local economy. By introducing residents to the LCVA, the association endeavored to show them how to utilize the many services available to help increase visitation through visiting friends and relatives, as well as meetings and events.

Key messages focusing on the agency's mission were incorporated into a direct mail campaign targeting every household in the county. The messages included "Tourism Works For You," "Loudoun County Thrives On Tourism," and "Loudoun County: Where We meet." Additionally, three six-inch by nine-inch, four-page color mailings with Loudoun scenes were sent to 110,000 Loudoun households at regular intervals over four weeks in the late spring. A business focus mailing also was sent to more than 9,000 businesses in the county. To top the effort, full-page, four-color print advertisements reflecting the design qualities of the direct mail campaign were placed in seven Loudoun newspapers, also over a one-month period in the late spring.

The campaign encouraged recipients to phone the LCVA or visit its Web site at www.VisitLoudoun.org for information and free planning assistance.

Kilday said the response to the campaign has been positive, with increased Web site traffic and more enquiries at the LCVA office in Leesburg.

For more information, contact Kilday at 703-771-2170, ext. 15, or e-mail her at kilday@visitloudoun.org.

Historic bailout bill passes Congress; Bush signs

2008-10-03T19:36:00.006-04:00

By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - With the economy on the brink of meltdown and elections looming, a reluctant Congress abruptly reversed course and approved a historic $700 billion government bailout of the battered financial industry on Friday. President Bush swiftly signed it.

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The 263-171 vote capped two weeks of tumult in Congress and on Wall Street, punctuated by urgent warnings from Bush that the country confronted the gravest economic disaster since the Great Depression if lawmakers failed to act.

"We have acted boldly to help prevent the crisis on Wall Street from becoming a crisis in communities across our country," Bush said shortly after the plan cleared Congress, although he conceded, "our economy continues to face serious challenges."

His somber warning was underscored on Wall Street, where enthusiasm over the rescue gave way to worries about obstacles still facing the economy, and the Dow Jones industrials dropped 157 points. The Labor Department said earlier in the day that employers had slashed 159,000 jobs in September, the largest cut in five years.

The historic vote was a striking turnaround from the measure's spectacular failure earlier in the week, which had triggered a massive stock sell-off and prompted jittery lawmakers — fearing a crushing economic contagion that was spreading to their constituents — to reconsider.

"Let's not kid ourselves: We're in the midst of a recession. It's going to be a rough ride, but it will be a whole lot rougher ride" without the rescue plan, said Rep. John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, the minority leader, as he prepared to cast his vote for the most sweeping federal intervention in markets in decades.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson pledged quick action to get the program up and operating.

The bailout, which gives the government broad authority to buy up toxic mortgage-related investments and other distressed assets from tottering financial institutions, is designed to ease a credit crunch that began on Wall Street but is engulfing businesses around the nation.

"In these past two weeks, we've seen things we never thought we would see before in terms of the economic insecurity of our own country," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. She said the measure would "begin to shape the financial stability of our country and the economic security of our people."

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the Financial Services Committee chairman, said the rescue bill was just the beginning of a much larger task Congress will tackle next year: overhauling housing policy and financial regulation in a legislative effort he compared to the New Deal.

"We were the EMTs rushing to the rescue of an economy that suddenly found itself choking, but now we have to perform more serious reform," Frank said.

Just four days earlier, the previous version of the bill was sent down to defeat, largely at the hands of angry conservative Republicans. On Friday, a total of 33 Democrats and 25 Republicans switched from opposition to support. In all, 91 Republicans joined 172 Democrats to support the measure while 108 Republicans and 63 Democrats voted "no."

The reversal reflected a high-stakes political environment just four weeks before Election Day. Some lawmakers were worried about their own jobs, but others — mostly Democrats — focused on the prospect that a new president could have a far more significant effect on the economy than any one piece of legislation.

Several of the Democratic switchers were members of the Congressional Black Caucus who said they changed course after securing commitments from presidential candidate Barack Obama that he would back legislation to help struggling consumers and homeowners facing foreclosures if he wins the White House.

"It's not too often you get the future president telling you that his priority matches your priority," said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., one of 13 black lawmakers who switched from "no" to "yes."

Republican presidential candidate John McCain also lobbied for the measure, according to aides who declined to say whom he called.

Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., the party vote-counter, said McCain phoned Rep. John Shadegg, a fellow Arizonan who switched to "yes."

The legislation's roller-coaster ride through Congress began at a somber meeting in Pelosi's office in mid-September, where Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke frightened senior Democrats and Republicans with their warnings of an impending economic collapse without quick legislative action.

As lawmakers scrambled to draft a bill, they were barraged by angry calls from constituents to reject what many saw as a huge giveaway to the very financial institutions that helped cause the subprime mortgage meltdown at the root of the economic crisis — with nothing to help its ordinary victims.

"Pray for our republic," intoned Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, a leading opponent of the measure. "She's being placed in very uncaring and greedy hands."

Supporters said the prospect of economic disaster superseded their political fears.

"I may lose this race over this vote, but that's OK with me," said Republican Rep. Sue Myrick of North Carolina, who switched her vote to favor the measure. "This is the right vote for the country."

After the breathtaking House defeat on Monday, Senate leaders took custody of the rescue, adding on $110 billion in tax breaks designed to attract additional support. They attached the overall measure to a popular bill mandating broader mental health coverage in the insurance industry.

The rescue measure was changed to lift, from $100,000 to $250,000, the cap on government bank deposit insurance — a key priority for Republicans. Also key to winning GOP support was a decision by the Securities and Exchange Commission to ease accounting rules that require financial institutions to show the deflated value of assets on their balance sheets.

The revised measure won Senate approval Wednesday night, 74-25, setting up a furious round of lobbying in the House as the administration, congressional leaders, the presidential candidates and outside groups joined forces behind the measure.

The maneuvers worked — augmented by a shift in public opinion that occurred after the stock market took its largest-ever one-day dive on Monday.

The plan — initially a three-page request from the Bush administration for unlimited power to use $700 billion any way it saw fit to stabilize markets — swelled to more than 450 pages as negotiators added restrictions for the administration and sweeteners for anxious members of Congress.

Lawmakers added greater supervision over the $700 billion — including a process where Congress could vote to block half the money — measures to protect taxpayers, and steps to crack down on "golden parachutes" for corporate executives whose companies benefit from the bailout.

Marriott Plans Cutbacks After Profit Slump

2008-10-03T19:36:00.004-04:00

By Michael S. Rosenwald
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 3,2008; Page D3

Marriott International's third-quarter profit plunged 28 percent, and executives at the Bethesda firm said yesterday that the credit crisis and deteriorating economy would force them to reduce staffing, slash share repurchases and watch projects be canceled or delayed.

Chief Financial Officer Arne Sorenson used the beginning of a conference call with analysts to urge the federal government to pass the comprehensive bailout being considered today by the House of Representatives, saying it was "important the plan be big and enacted very, very soon."

"Without action, the resulting credit squeeze could threaten business in our industry and many others," Sorenson said. "There are thousands, maybe tens of thousands of jobs at stake in our company alone, and we are typical."

Marriott, one of the largest employers in the region, said it could not yet provide details on plans for staff reductions, and Sorenson told analysts only that "we'll have some severance expenses in the fourth quarter." Marriott has already consolidated some jobs and made spending cuts in several areas of its operations.

For the third quarter, Marriott had a profit of $94 million (26 cents a share), down from $131 million (33 cents) in the corresponding period a year ago. The company lowered its 2008 full-year earnings projections from a best-case scenario of $1.88 per share to $1.68 a share. Analysts had previously been expecting $1.78 a share. Marriott expects worldwide revenue per available room, a key measure of lodging business strength, to decline 1 to 3 percent for the year.

The company predicted that 2009 would "remain unusually challenging."

"It's pretty bleak," said Robert LaFleur, an analyst with Susquehanna Financial Group. "I can't say I'm surprised at the outlook given what's going on in the economy. It came across as bleaker than anyone was expecting."

Marriott has seen weakness in leisure travel all year and is now seeing that weakness extend to corporate bookings. "I don't think there is a category of business that we can look at and say is strong at the moment," Sorenson said.

That is especially true for Marriott's timeshare business, in which contract sales fell 13 percent in the quarter. Marriott, which finances timeshare purchases and then sells the loans to Wall Street as securities, said it was having difficulty satisfactorily selling those notes.

The company, like many other large businesses in the United States, has encountered a tightened financing environment for its operations. It has a $2.4 billion revolving loan, and Sorenson said the firm has drawn down about $900 million. It is the second time Marriott has tapped the loan since the early 1990s. The other: after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

"As we wait for improved liquidity in the marketplace, we have ample cushion under the $2.4 billion revolver, which is effective until 2012," Sorenson said.

LaFleur said Marriott has a solid balance sheet, with $117 million in cash at the end of the third quarter. "They have plenty of money to pay their debt service," he said. "The balance sheet isn't an issue."

Shares of Marriott closed at $23.74, down 5.3 percent, or $1.34.

Hilton Hotels Corporation Appoints New Development Team for the Caribbean and Latin America

2008-10-01T15:09:00.001-04:00

Seeks to Quadruple Management and Franchise Business - Oct. 1, 2008

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. | Hilton Hotels Corporation today announces expansion plans to quadruple its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America by adding 150 new hotels to the portfolio over the next five years. The company also reveals a new development structure, made up of six dedicated staff, to lead the efforts in achieving this objective. This news underscores the company’s stated goal to add 1,000 hotels to its international portfolio in ten years.

Steve Goldman, president, global development & real estate, for Hilton Hotels Corporation, explained, “Expanding our global platform is a strategic priority for Hilton. We are focusing on accelerating the growth of our international management and franchise business by securing strategic development agreements and employing resources in international markets. This is the most exciting time in the company’s history and there are tremendous opportunities which we are acting on to accomplish our ambitious plans.”

Hilton Hotels Corporation currently has 42 properties in the Caribbean and Latin America development pipeline and has identified a number of strategic markets in gateway cities and resort destinations for further growth of selected Hilton Family brands. With an existing portfolio of 51 hotels throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, this expansion will bring the company’s total presence in the regions to more than 200 properties.

The team, led by Ted Middleton, senior vice president, development, The Americas, for Hilton Hotels Corporation, will include:

Gregory Rockett, vice president development, Caribbean and Southeast U.S.
George Massa, senior director of development, Mexico
Luis Alvarado, director of development, Mexico
Simón Suarez, chief development representative, Central America
Cristiano Gonçalves, vice president development, South America
Paula Muniz, director of development, South America

Daniel Hughes, senior vice president of operations, Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America, for Hilton Hotels Corporation, commented, “This is a momentous time for Hilton as we announce efforts to quadruple our portfolio to 200 hotels and resorts. Our success will be a result of the perfect combination of exciting brands, a dedicated professional development team, and targeted markets with great potential for growth.”

Caribbean

The Caribbean development efforts will be led by Gregory Rockett, vice president, development, Caribbean and Southeast U.S. The company currently has 13 hotels in the region and anticipates bringing an additional 17 hotels to the Caribbean over the next five years.

The goal of Hilton’s development efforts in the Caribbean will be to add focused-service hotels, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn, to commercial centers such as San Juan, Trinidad, and Nassau. Another area of growth will be developing luxury branded hotels and residences in high-end mixed use developments in markets such as Turks & Caicos, the Lesser Antilles, and The Bahamas.

Hilton Hotels Corporation has already announced eight properties under development in the Caribbean: Conrad Bimini Bay Resort & Casino in The Bahamas; Hilton Bonaire; Hilton St. Maarten; Doubletree by Hilton San Juan in Puerto Rico; Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Providenciales; and the planned conversion of three existing LXR resorts in Puerto Rico.

Mexico

With two developers dedicated to development in Mexico, the company is set for significant growth in the country. The existing portfolio of 19 properties in Mexico spans most of the Hilton Family of brands. George Massa, sr. director of development, Mexico, and Luis Alvarado, director of development, Mexico, will focus future development efforts in all regions of the country by adding 60 hotels in the next five years.

Growth is expected throughout Mexico’s border cities, as well as the central and southern regions, covering all 31 states and its Federal District. The Hilton Family of Brands will expand in prime resort areas, capital and large industrial cities, as well as develop focused-service brands, such as Hampton by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton, in border locations, interior commercial cities, and resort areas.

The company has 20 hotels in the Mexico pipeline including Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels in Puebla and Monterrey, as well as Hampton by Hilton properties in Guadalajara, Ciudad Victoria, Centro Historico Ciudad de Mexico, Toluca, Querétaro, Los Cabos, Cancun, Guadalajara, and Tulum.

Central America

Simón Suarez, chief development representative, Central America, will be responsible for expansion in Central America and adding 23 properties to the current collection of seven hotels. One component of this plan is to grow by forging several multi-unit development alliances concentrating on the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton focused-service brands.

The company’s growth is expected in all of the region’s capitals, as well as secondary markets such as Liberia, Costa Rica; David, Panama; and Leon, Nicaragua. This will be complemented by active pursuit of opportunities in the principal resort destinations of Guanacaste, Costa Rica; Antigua, Guatemala; Atlantic coast of Honduras and Belize; and Pacific coast of El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Hilton Hotels Corporation recently debuted three hotels and resorts in Costa Rica and has six approved deals in the Central America pipeline. Opened in January 2008, the company welcomed three hotels to Costa Rica: Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa; Doubletree Resort by Hilton Costa Rica – Puntarenas; and Doubletree Cariari by Hilton San Jose. Six recently approved transactions include: Conrad Los Micos in Tela Bay, Honduras; Hilton San Jose, Costa Rica; Hilton Panama; Doubletree by Hilton Panama; Embassy Suites by Hilton San Jose, Costa Rica; Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City, Panama; and Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport, Costa Rica which opens later this year.

South America

The newest additions to the development team will support expansion in South America, where the company currently has 12 properties. Cristiano Gonçalves, vice president development, South America and Paula Muniz, director of development, South America, will be based in Hilton’s South America development headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil as they lead the company in achieving 50 new hotels throughout South America over the next five years.

Due to the size and strength of the Brazilian economy, Brazil will be a key focus of Hilton’s development activities in the region. Hilton’s growth plans include not only Brazil’s largest cities, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, but also a number of secondary cities such as Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Manaus, Recife, and Goiania, among others. Additionally, Hilton will focus on developing properties in gateway and strategic markets such as Buenos Aires, Argentina; Santiago, Chile; Lima, Peru; Caracas, Venezuela; and Bogota, Colombia.

The company currently has seven signed projects in South America: Hilton Bariloche, Hilton Iguazu Resort and Hilton Ushuaia in Argentina; Hilton Salvador da Bahia, Brazil; Hilton Bogota, Colombia; Doubletree Guest Suites by Hilton, Paracas, Peru; and Embassy Suites by Hilton Valencia, Venezuela.

“Hilton Hotels Corporation is placing significant emphasis on growth in the Caribbean and Latin America, supported by a development team made up of six of some of the industry’s most qualified professionals,” said Ted Middleton, senior vice president, development, the Americas, for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “We have set rigorous goals and have no doubt we have the best team in the industry working to achieve them.”

In addition to the Hilton brand, the company will focus on introducing and expanding the Hilton Family of brands in these strategic markets as each brand delivers unique features to fit each market need (Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree by Hilton®, Embassy Suites by Hilton®, Hampton by Hilton®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations™, Homewood Suites by Hilton® and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection®).

Initially, development focus has been placed on the Hilton Garden Inn and Doubletree by Hilton brands for mid-market and conversion opportunities respectively. This year, the company introduced the first Doubletree by Hilton in Central America and later this year, will bring the first Hilton Garden Inn property to the region. The company continues to develop its luxury strategy with the planned addition of selected LXR hotels into its portfolio, as well as expansion of the Waldorf=Astoria Collection and Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

HGI Dulles North

2008-09-30T20:18:00.003-04:00

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North has everything right where you need it!

The Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North hotel in Virginia is in close proximity to:
• Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum
• Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
• Ashburn Ice House
• Old Dominion Brewing Company
• Dulles Indoor Sportsplex
• Dulles Town Center
• Tysons Corner
• Washington Redskins Park
• AOL Corporate Headquarters
• Verizon Business Corporate Headquarters
• Airbus Corporate Headquarters
• Orbital Sciences Corporate Headquarters

Families can relax at the nearby Wolf Trap Center for Performing Arts or explore local Virginia Wineries, Civil War battlefields, or Leesburg Corner Outlet Mall. Other Washington D.C. area attractions close to the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Virginia hotel include:
• The White House
• Capitol Building
• National Zoo
• World War II Memorial
• International Spy Museum
• Holocaust Museum
• Virginia Wine Trail
• Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
• Manassas (Civil War) Battlefield Park
• Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology
• Reston Towne Center
• Nissan Pavilion
• George Mason University
• George Washington University
• Georgetown University
• Washington D.C. Convention Center
• Great Meadows

While staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Virginia hotel come play a round of golf at three nearby courses: Pleasant Valley Golfer's Club (Chantilly, VA), South Riding Golfer's Club or Reston National Golf Club.

Hilton Hotels Corporation Celebrates European Debut of the Legendary Waldorf=Astoria Brand

2008-09-30T18:02:00.004-04:00

Rome Cavalieri Joins the Waldorf=Astoria Collection™

ROME, LONDON & BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. | Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) today welcomed the former Rome Cavalieri Hilton to the prestigious Waldorf=Astoria Collection. The landmark property, which will be known as the Rome Cavalieri, marks the debut of HHC’s luxury brand in Europe.

“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to strengthen and grow our portfolio of one-of-a-kind indigenous properties in a variety of destinations across the globe,” said Ross Klein, HHC’s Global Head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands. “The introduction of The Waldorf=Astoria Collection in continental Europe marks the beginning of an aggressive growth strategy which will bring these authentic and unique products and guest experiences into markets where we believe there is significant growth potential in the luxury and lifestyle sectors. Rome Cavalieri brings the core values of The Collection to life through its distinct character, location and charm.”

“Located in the heart of one of the World’s greatest cities, for decades Rome Cavalieri has been synonymous with style and opulence, offering its guests a truly world-class hospitality experience—a testament to the world-renowned Hilton brand,” said Wolfgang M. Neumann, Hilton Hotels, Area President - Europe. “It is therefore very fitting that this magnificent and unique hotel is reborn as a Waldorf=Astoria Collection property, and as our first in Europe, continues to set the standard for luxury properties across the region.”

A legend in the Italian hospitality industry, Rome Cavalieri opened its doors to international travellers some 45 years ago and has gained an enviable reputation as one of the Eternal City’s leading hotels. Uniquely situated in an elevated position within a 15-acre private Mediterranean park, the 370-room property affords stunning panoramic views across Rome’s historic centre and Vatican City.

Following re-branding, Rome Cavalieri will add a number of enhancements to its stunning facilities and services, while still providing the outstanding service for which it is recognised. As part of a multi-million dollar investment, the hotel will offer a third outdoor swimming pool within its extensive grounds as well as a completely renovated state-of-the-art Congress Centre, with its own separate entrance.

Guest rooms and amenities

Each of the 370 guest rooms and suites open onto private balconies with the majority having views of Rome or the private park surrounding the hotel. The spacious and well appointed 50 m² deluxe rooms are sumptuously furnished with the finest fabrics and complementary artwork. Designed with guests’ comfort and rest in mind, rooms feature a “floating feather bed,” as well as luxurious marble bathrooms. All rooms are equipped with the very latest in-room technology, including LCD flat screen televisions and high-speed internet access and wireless connectivity, which is also available throughout the hotel.

Rome Cavalieri also features 25 luxurious suites ranging from 80 - 450m² in size, individually decorated and styled to showcase valuable antique furniture and paintings. The hotel’s Penthouse and Planetarium Suites are among the most lavish accommodations in Italy and offer private 200m² terraces with breathtaking views of St Peter’s Basilica. For those staying in the hotel’s suites or Imperial rooms, the exclusive Imperial Lounge can be accessed via a private elevator and offers complimentary breakfast, light lunch and afternoon tea as well as refreshments throughout the day.

The hotel is also acclaimed for its highly prized collection of paintings, period furniture, statues and artefacts which are exhibited throughout its public areas and suites. Three of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s most important paintings take pride of place in the Tiepolo Lounge & Terrace in the hotel lobby.

Italy’s largest, most lavish spa and fitness facility

Throughout the hotel, guests can enjoy a wealth of facilities and experiences designed for leisure and active pursuits. Rome Cavalieri is home to the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club, encompassing over 2200m² of pampering, relaxation and fitness. Comprised of ten treatment rooms, the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club offers a wide menu of treatments ranging from La Prairie facials to traditional massage, as well as two saunas, whirlpool and a Turkish bath. For the more energetic, a fully equipped gym and fitness class programme is available in addition to indoor and outdoor pools, floodlit tennis courts and an 800m fitness trail within the hotel’s spacious grounds.

Award-winning dining with an Italian flavour

The property is home to the acclaimed “La Pergola” and is the only hotel in Italy to boast a Michelin-rated three star restaurant. Under the direction of celebrated chef Heinz Beck, it is situated on the hotel’s top floor roof garden, combining an unforgettable gourmet experience with spectacular sweeping views of the city. The hotel also features a variety of dining and entertainment options - inside and out - for guests to choose from.

One of Europe’s conference and meetings hot spots

Whether it is a large conference event, business meeting or incentive trip, the Rome Cavalieri’s unique location and architecture, combined with first class facilities and professional service allows the hotel to offer a flexible venue of more than 8,700m² - catering for up to 2200 guests - that is not only one of the largest and most modern in Europe, but also truly unique to this magical location. For smaller events the hotel offers 30 meeting rooms and breakout areas equipped with state-of-the-art technology and serviced by dedicated Events Managers.

Ideally located

Rome Cavalieri enjoys sweeping views of the city and is just a short drive from the Vatican and city centre. Rome’s numerous cultural and historical attractions are close by and the city’s Fiumicino international airport is a 32km drive away. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus for guests to and from the Spanish Steps in the city centre, and can also arrange a private chauffeur service.

In addition to the Rome Cavalieri, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™ also operates five other properties - four in the United States, comprising the inspiration for the brand, the legendary Waldorf=Astoria® in New York; Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona; Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui, Hawaii; and La Quinta Resort & Club in Southern California. In addition, it also operates the 46-suite Qasr Al Sharq or “Palace of the Orient” in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Today’s news also reflects The Waldorf=Astoria Collection’s fast moving international expansion, having recently announced plans to introduce the first Waldorf=Astoria Collection hotel in Israel. Situated close to the historic Old City, The Palace Jerusalem - The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, is anticipated to open in 2010 following an extensive renovation and interior rebuilding programme.

The company is also developing brand new Waldorf=Astoria hotels and residences in key cities around the world including, The Waldorf=Astoria Orlando in Florida and Dakota Mountain Lodge in Park City, Utah, both due to open in 2009, as well as The Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota in Florida and the proposed The Waldorf=Astoria Beverly Hills in California, which are scheduled to open in 2010.

For additional information visit www.romecavalieri.com or call +39 06 35091

About The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™ | The Waldorf=Astoria Collection is a world-class group of hotels in spectacular locations. Inspired by New York’s legendary landmark, each hotel has its own unique style and sense of place. From luxury spas, legendary meetings, championship golf to unforgettable events, every experience is flawlessly executed with graciousness. Current properties include: Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, La Quinta Resort & Club, Rome Cavalieri (Fall 2008), Qasr Al Sharq and The Waldorf=Astoria®. The Waldorf=Astoria Collection is growing rapidly with future openings planned: Dakota Mountain Lodge (2009), The Roosevelt (2009), Waldorf=Astoria Orlando (2009), The Palace Jerusalem (2010), Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota (2010), Waldorf=Astoria Montreal (2011) and the proposed Waldorf=Astoria Beverly Hills (2011). For more information, please visit: www.waldorfastoriacollection.com.

CONTACT
Nicola McShane
Director of Communications Europe
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)207 856 8077
Email: nicola.mcshane@hilton.com

ORGANIZATION
Hilton Hotels Corporation
http://hiltonfamily.com
9336 Civic Center Drive
USA - Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 310-278-4321

RECENT NEWS
Hilton Garden Inn® Makes Innovative Employee Training Program Available on PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Handheld Entertainment System
Tuesday 30 September 2008

Hilton Hotels Announces Grand Opening of Hilton Baltimore Adjacent to Convention Center
Tuesday 26 August 2008

All Articles from Hilton Hotels Corporation

Hilton Garden Inn® Makes Innovative Employee Training Program Available on PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Handheld Entertainment System

2008-09-30T18:01:00.004-04:00

Article supplied by Hospitality Net

"HGI Ultimate Team Play for PSP” Program Provides New Platform to Create the First Immersive Player Experience in Hotel Industry

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. | Hilton Garden Inn® today announced that it will become the world’s first hotel brand to offer an intensive, interactive employee training program designed and created specifically for use on Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.’s PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and its vibrant widescreen LCD. Now, when Hilton Garden Inn team members are caught playing with a PSP system on the job, they are met with smiles and words of encouragement.

Hilton Garden Inn, the award-winning mid-priced hotel brand with locations throughout North America and Europe, will establish itself as the hospitality leader in employee training thanks to its use of an interactive game-based technology training called Ultimate Team Play, representing their ongoing commitment to understanding the special needs of their guests.

The result is a benchmark in interactive training in the hospitality industry created especially for Hilton Garden Inn by Virtual Heroes, Inc -- a graphically-intense, 3-D, first-person video game built featuring an immersive player experience. In addition to providing employees with one of the most realistic guest simulation experiences in the industry, Hilton Garden Inn will use the new program to aggressively recruit next-generation team members grounded in technology, the Internet, entertainment and video games.

“We’re thrilled to take our game-based employee training program to a whole new level, or, in this case, a whole new gaming platform that is also portable, to create some of the most advanced, realistic and interactive training anywhere,” said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president – brand management for Hilton Garden Inn, who credits David Kervella, head of Hilton Garden Inn training, for spearheading the enhanced program. “Ultimate Team Play is part of our ongoing commitment to making employee training compelling and relevant, which are our two most important criteria for ensuring long-term customer service success.”

The overall goal of the new program, titled HGI Ultimate Team Play for PSP®, is to show hotel team members how their actions have an impact on the hotel and on the guest's mood, which in turn drives the brand’s Satisfaction and Loyalty Tracking (SALT) scores higher or lower. The game puts team members in a 3-D, graphically-intensive virtual Hilton Garden Inn hotel where they must respond to a number of different guest-related requests by a specific deadline. The appropriateness, level and speed of their response directly affect the simulated guest’s satisfaction as well as the hotel’s SALT scores.

SALT is the real-world survey tool used by Hilton Garden Inn to measure and track guest loyalty, satisfaction and overall experience at a particular hotel, as well as guest thoughts on the brand in general. Surveys are sent via e-mail to guests who have recently stayed at a hotel and the results of the surveys generate the SALT scores. Each survey asks the guest to rank their satisfaction on a variety of amenities and aspects of their stay.

The initial interactive training game has already been beta-tested in select Hilton Garden Inn locations in which team members have played the role of a front desk service agent. The full interactive game version is set to launch at all Hilton Garden Inn locations in January 2009 and will include positions in housekeeping, food and beverage, engineering/maintenance as well as front desk.

About Hilton Garden Inn | Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, mid-priced brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travelers have everything they need to be most productive on the road — from complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms and remote printing to the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour business center to one of the most comfortable beds you will ever experience with the Garden Sleep System®. So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well, work smart and treat themselves while away from home. To find out more about Hilton Garden Inn locations across North America and Europe or to find your next getaway, visit www.HGI.com.

About Hilton Hotels Corporation | Hilton Garden Inn is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, a leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,000 hotels and 500,000 rooms in 74 countries, with more than 135,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations®, Homewood Suites by Hilton® and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection®.

“PlayStation” and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.

Redskins' Secondary Gets Job Done vs. Dallas

2008-09-29T21:36:00.004-04:00

By Gary Fitzgerald
Redskins.com
Posted: September 28, 2008

Shawn Springs began Dallas Week challenging himself to a track meet with Terrell ‘Usain Bolt’ Owens.

Owens, of course, had compared himself to Olympic champion Bolt in a touchdown celebration earlier this season.

Springs was able to keep up with Owens in the first half of the Redskins’ 26-24 win at Texas Stadium, but he suffered a calf injury midway through the third quarter. He remained on the sidelines the rest of the game.

Springs vs. Owens was the matchup to watch heading into the game. They have been competing against each other since 1997, when Springs was in Seattle and Owens was in San Francisco.

It turned out that the entire Redskins’ secondary stepped up to cover Owens. Carlos Rogers had solid coverage on Owens on three consecutive plays in a key fourth-quarter series.

There would be no four touchdown performances by Owens this time at Texas Stadium.

The Redskins had bottled up the Cowboys’ run game all day, limiting running back Marion Barber to just 26 yards on eight carries.

So it was up to the Redskins’ secondary to shut down quarterback Tony Romo and company.

On the game’s first play, Romo went to Owens on a 7-yard pass completion. Springs appeared to have solid coverage, but Owens made the grab on a curl pattern and was pushed out of bounds.

If the intent was to send a message to Springs, it didn’t work.

Springs would go on to shadow Owens all over the field in the first half. He finished with four tackles and two passes defended in the game.

In the second quarter, Springs made a nice play by breaking up a third-down pass to Owens and forcing the Cowboys to punt.

Romo tried Owens again later in the second quarter, and Springs batted the pass away for another incompletion.

Owens logged just two catches for 11 yards in the first half.

In the second half, it was apparent that Dallas wanted to get wide receiver Terrell Owens more involved in the passing game.

On the Cowboys’ first drive, Romo threw to Owens twice for gains of 18 yards and 11 yards to move into scoring range.

One play later, Romo went back to Owens on a crossing pattern. Owens grabbed the ball at the 5-yard line and weaved his way through tacklers. He angled his body into the end zone for a touchdown just as he was tackled by three Redskins defenders.

In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys continued to look toward Owens.

With Springs sidelined due to his calf injury, it was Carlos Rogers who was assigned to Owens.

On three consecutive plays, Rogers broke up passes to Owens, frustrating the Pro Bowl receiver and forcing the Cowboys to punt.

With the Redskins leading 26-17 in the fourth quarter, defensive coordinator Greg Blache used five and six defensive backs to slow the Dallas offense.

Rogers, who led the defense with seven tackles in the game. and Leigh Torrence were the primary cornerbacks. Fred Smoot aggravated a hip injury, but he came back into the game.

LaRon Landry played deep free safety, and Chris Horton and Reed Doughty were also on the field to help prevent big plays.

The Cowboys mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, and Romo threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin to narrow the score to 26-24.

Dallas could get no closer, though.

“What a major issue we had when we have these high-powered wide receivers and Shawn goes down with a little calf sprain,” head coach Jim Zorn said. “I can’t say enough about our young defensive backs. Our safeties played like nickel backs. They had a big challenge and they got the job done.”

Added Smoot: ““We have different guys stepping up and making plays each week.”

Owens finished with seven catches for 71 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Patrick Crayton added seven catches for 87 yards and tight end Jason Witten had seven grabs for 90 yards and one touchdown.

Romo passed for 300 yards on 28-of-47 completions, but 82 of those yards came in the Cowboys’ final drive of the game.

“Dallas has one of the premiere offenses that I have seen in all of my years,’ Blache said. “I compare them to the Patriots offense last year when they were on their run. We had our hands full.

For us, it’s not just about devising a scheme, it’s executing. A lot of things look good on the board, but you have to execute the. We did that, and then we went out and played with great intensity and passion. We played physical.”

Ashburn Festival Draws Thousands

2008-09-29T21:34:00.002-04:00

Article provided by Ashburn Today

What was supposed to be a weekend full of rain turned into a hot and sunny Saturday, drawing thousands of residents to the Ashburn VillageFest, the community's annual fall festival. Held on the grounds of the Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion, this year's event attracted between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees.

Residents were entertained Saturday by musical groups like the Hunt Family Fiddlers and entertainment from Fairfax's The Jim Moyer Circus Club. In addition, beginning Friday night, children and adults alike were treated to rides on a carousel, Expo wheel, flying swings and highflying rides Skymaster and Paratrooper. There were also opportunities for face painting, to scale the rock climbing walls and jump on the moonbounce.

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North - The Garden Sleep System

2008-09-28T09:38:00.005-04:00

Better Sleep Without Pressure!

The Garden Sleep System
One of the most comfortable beds you will ever experience - providing the perfect balance between comfort and support.
• This revolutionary bed is created from a system of air baffles and flexible wooden slats.
• The system contours to your body by displacing air based upon your weight and shape.
• On each side of the mattress we have provided a dial so that you can adjust the firmness of your mattress to be the most comfortable for you.
• This allows your Sleep System to be customized just for you.

All rooms at Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North are equipped with the Garden Sleep System

Diversity at Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

2008-09-27T23:59:00.003-04:00

The Hilton Family of Hotels appreciates the unique perspective and talent that each and every individual brings to the organization. Our diversity reflects and values the contributions of all team members.

We take special pride in the diversity of our workforce. In fact, more than half of the Hilton Family of Hotels workforce are minorities and women. Close to half of our management positions are filled by minorities and women. As an international hospitality leader, we provide proprietary diversity training programs at all levels of hotel operations from introduction of diversity at orientation to line level team members, to general management-specific training. We are also focused on identifying top performers in the field and nurturing internal line level talent within the organization.

The Hilton Family of Hotels has a history of supporting various causes and community-based organizations. Our Corporate Diversity programs include charitable and in-kind giving to minority and women's groups, as well as to the disabled, the elderly and other communities in need.

Johnny's Late For Work

2008-09-26T12:54:00.002-04:00

Joke provided by funniestjokes.net

Johnny Jones came into the office an hour late for the third time in one week and found the boss waiting for him. "What's the story this time, Jones?" he asked sarcastically. "Let's hear a good excuse for a change."

Jones sighed, "Everything went wrong this morning, boss. The wife decided to drive me to the train station. She got ready in ten minutes, but then the drawbridge got stuck. Rather than let you down, I swam across the river. Look, my suit is still damp. Then I ran out to the airport, got a ride on Mr. Thompson's helicopter, landed on top of Radio City Music Hall, and was carried here piggyback by one of the Rockettes."

"You'll have to do better than that, Jones," said the boss, obviously disappointed. "No woman can get ready in ten minutes."

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North

2008-09-24T14:30:00.004-04:00

At Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North our staff will deliver service in a friendly, courteous and helpful manner in an enviroment that provides our guest with a superior hotel product. HHonors members are welcome. Call ahead for upgrades or if traveling at the last minute inquire at the front desk.

Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North Virginia Hotel

2008-09-23T08:20:00.001-04:00

Guest Accommodations

Guestroom featuring 1 king-size or 2 Queen-size Garden Sleep System beds. All rooms include 32" HD LCD televisions, a large work area equipped with oversized desk, Herman Miller desk chair, complimentary high-speed internet access, two-line speakerphone, adjustable lighting, desk-level electrical outlets, alarm clock radio, iron and ironing board, and hospitality center equipped with refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and complimentary coffee and tea.