STATEN ISLAND, NY Staten Island may be considered the outermost of New York City s outer boroughs, but Hilton Hotels is banking on it in 2001. HOTEL BUSINESS. has learned that a 150-room Hilton Garden Inn is scheduled to open in August/September at 1100 South Ave., near Routes 440 and 278, which connect to New Jersey.
Staten Island, accessible only by ferry from New York until the mid-1960s, has a dearth of branded hotels, despite rapid residential and commercial development. The Hilton Garden Inn will target business travelers, offering 15,000 square feet of meeting space, a 24-hour business center, two executive hospitality suites, full-service restaurant and complimentary outdoor parking.
Guestrooms will feature high-speed Internet access, two dual-phone lines with voice mail and data ports, large work desks with outlets and ergonomic chairs.
The property is situated within 20 minutes of Newark International Airport and is surrounded by some 1.5 million square feet of corporate office space that houses such businesses as American Express and Soloman Smith Barney, among others.
Another revenue generator is expected to be the New York Yankees new minor league club and stadium coming to the island. (2/21/01) Stefani C. O Connor