Hampton Hotels named Top Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for Third Consecutive Year

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hampton Hotels, the international brand of nearly 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced its number one ranking on Entrepreneur magazine's annual Franchise 500® list for the third year in a row. This prestigious list, known as the world's "first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking,” marks Hampton as the first hotel brand ever to achieve and also maintain the top spot. The announcement also follows the brand’s placement at the top of Entrepreneur’s annual global franchise list in October. “We are honored to have achieved this ranking once again and also grateful to our franchise partners for continuing to uphold the quality and personality of Hampton Hotels,” said Phil Cordell, global head, Focused Service Brands and Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide. “To have held the top ranking for three years in a row is a true testament to the trust and commitment our franchise owners have in the Hampton brand. Our strong business model, passionate corporate leadership and committed team members around the world are exactly why Hampton continues to be an award-winning brand.” Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, Global Brands, Hilton Worldwide, added, "Brands across the world aspire to receive this highly desirable endorsement from a credited and impartial source like Entrepreneur. It’s Hilton Worldwide’s mission to be the premier global hospitality company, and the executive leadership of Hampton Hotels as well as the brand’s incredible franchisees continue to have an impact on the company being the first choice of guests, team members and owners alike.” Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500® ranks franchises based on a variety of criteria, including financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. The 2013 rankings mark the 34th anniversary of the Franchise 500®. "This year’s Franchise 500® shows a strong upsurge,” said Amy Cosper, vice president and editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “Collective unit numbers from the listing almost doubled between 2011 and 2012, thanks to expanding opportunities like Hampton successfully growing their brands.” To maintain the top position, a brand like Hampton focuses on key factors. “Through our continued commitment to our franchisees, we have fostered a high level of loyalty and passion for the brand,” said Gina Valenti, vice president, Owner Services and Hampton Brand Culture & Internal Communications. “As we continue to grow, we always look for ways to better work with our owners. I’m proud that the current avenues for interaction and resources we offer have engaged our management partners with the brand’s global success and have also been recognized by the experts at Entrepreneur Magazine.”