Atlantic City Hilton to expand

Hilton, currently Atlantic City's smallest casino, is planning on spending as much as us$ 1.2 billion to add a 1,000-room hotel tower on land adjacent to the current casino, and double its casino space from 5,574 to 11,148 sqm.

The property also plans to add a 3,500-seat entertainment venue, and includes retail, restaurant and parking expansions in the plan. The Hilton also reportedly will redevelop three blocks adjacent to the property as part of the expansion.

Officials of Hilton parent Resorts International Holdings revealed details of the expansion plan at its license renewal hearing before the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Its five-year license was renewed by a unanimous vote.

The Hilton's last expansion was a us$ 50 million hotel addition in 1997. The new rooms will bring the property' room count to 1,800. Anthony Rodio, president of the Hilton and sister property Resorts Atlantic City, told the commission at the hearing that its expansion plans reflect management's confidence that the Atlantic City market is poised to continue growing despite challenges such as new racinos in Pennsylvania and last week's implementation of the city's smoking ban on 75 percent of casino floors.