Two new Hilton hotels in Lebanon 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, has entered Lebanon with the opening of two hotels in Beirut.

Owned by the UAE-based conglomerate Al-Habtoor Group, the 183-room Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace and its sister property, the 195-room Hilton Habtoor Grand are now officially operating as Hilton-branded hotels following a five month conversion program.

The two neighboring hotels are ideally located in the Sin El Fil district of Beirut, a prime residential and retail area of the city, with easy access to the Mediterranean coastline as well as to the popular skiing resorts in Lebanon's nearby mountain region.

The hotels are also close to the bustling streets of downtown Beirut and just a short drive to the city's main international airport.

"Bringing our brand to Beirut with the openings of these two hotels is an important milestone for us," said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "Guests at both landmark hotels will experience the very best in Lebanese hospitality coupled with the service standards that define Hilton."

The two hotels are well equipped to deal with the most discerning leisure or business traveler.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa said: "Beirut is a cosmopolitan melting pot of culture and attractions and I'm delighted Hilton Worldwide now has a presence in this dynamic, colorful city. The latest announcement underpins our confidence and commitment in the Middle East and is another step toward our goal of establishing a hotel in every key city in the region."

Both hotels will undergo moderate renovations to guest rooms, common areas and administrative offices until Autumn 2012 to bring them up to Hilton Hotels & Resorts standards.