http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080827/116320165.html
*Hilton chain opens first hotel in Russia * MOSCOW, August 27 (RIA Novosti) - A U.S.-based international resort chain has opened its first Hilton brand hotel in Russia, the company said in a statement. The 273-room Hilton *Moscow* Leningradskaya, owned by JSC Sadko and managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, is located in a landmark neoclassical building - one of seven Stalin-era skyscrapers - which dominates a square and main ring road in downtown Moscow. Hilton Hotels Europe President Wolfgang Newman said in a statement that it is a milestone event for Hilton as Moscow is one of the world's fastest growing cities and is a good springboard for projects elsewhere in Russia. Originally constructed in 1954, the 28-story Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya underwent a two-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. "The restoration has successfully blended the property's rich architectural heritage and today's latest technology and amenities," said Henry L. Ciaffone, president of international operations and development at the U.S.-based hotel investment and management company. "With its highly-desirable location just off Komsomolskaya Square and the power of the Hilton name, we expect Moscow's first Hilton brand hotel to become a magnet for international business and leisure travelers," he said. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
