Hilton officials held a flag-raising ceremony May 1 as the Marietta Conference Center & Resort, located at 500 Powder Springs Street, officially became a Hilton Hotel.

“We are celebrating a new era in Marietta in bringing the Hilton name to the city of Marietta,” General Manager of the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center Steven H. Davis said. “This will give the city a great brand in Hilton and really enhance the city.”

The Hilton name is known internationally because of service and quality, Davis said.

Beds, pillows, sheets and comforters in the hotel’s 199 rooms have already been changed to reflect the Hilton brand. The hotel rooms have received the Hilton amenities package, which includes a stainless steel ice bucket, new shower head and curtain, a coffee maker, MP3 alarm clock, terry cloth towels, and Crabtree & Evelyn grooming products.

Renovations to the rest of the hotel are tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2008 and be completed by the end of the year, Davis said. “These renovations will include new carpeting in rooms and hallways, new drapes, updated bathrooms and renovations to the lobby, bar and restaurant.”

The hotel and conference center will remain open during renovations.

Davis said Marietta is the ideal spot to bring the Hilton name because of the city’s historic Square and its many shops and restaurants conveniently within walking distance.

Hilton name tags and new uniforms were given to hotel employees at the ceremony, and customers can now use the Hilton reservations system to plan their stay at the hotel.