Families in the Gulf looking for a break are being offered the perfect escape at the eight Hilton hotels in the region this summer.

The luxury hotel group has launched its "Great Family Escapes" promotion under which children can stay and eat absolutely free of charge at any Hilton across the Gulf.

"Our new promotion, 'Great Family Escapes', has been created especially for families with children to provide a memorable summer holiday in the Gulf that doesn't burn a hole in the pocket," said regional sales and marketing director for Arabian Gulf, Guy Epsom.

The special promotion, which runs until September 15, allows up to two children per family to be accommodated in their parents' room at no extra cost.

The family can also book an additional room and get a 50 per cent discount on the price of the first room. In addition, breakfast is complementary for the whole family and all children under 12 years old can eat free of charge at any restaurant when accompanied by at least one full-paying adult.

"Holidays are great occasions that bring the whole family together and we believe that 'Great Family Escapes' provides the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled break at fantastic value prices in a variety of great destinations across the region," said Epsom.

Holiday choices are many. Families keen on experiencing a true desert oasis atmosphere can escape to Hilton Al Ain.

The hotel is located close to the city centre and tourist sites and boasts extensive recreation facilities including a nine-hole golf course, tennis and squash courts, two swimming pools, as well as a gym equipped with Jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas. There is a choice of six restaurants offering Persian, Chinese and Italian cuisine.

The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah is set apart from the hustle and bustle of the city and has a recently opened beach club, providing a wide choice of water sports, a spectacular waterfall pool bar and an outdoor Mongolian Grill restaurant.

The Hilton Salalah is an ideal destination for those looking for a tropical beach holiday. The hotel in Oman provides an exclusive private beachfront with white sandy beaches plus extensive recreational activities.

Hilton is also expanding its popular "Hilton For Free" promotion offering Middle East travellers more holiday choices.

The promotion which will include exciting new destinations in Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, offers travellers the chance to get up to three additional nights stay for free at Hilton hotels in over 60 destinations.

"Hilton For Free" entitles guests who book a stay at nearly 100 participating hotels the chance to get an additional night free for every three consecutive nights booked, two nights free for every five nights booked and three extra nights free for a seven night booking.

Travellers can book their stays through a number of different booking channels including travel agents and Hilton's new Worldwide Reservations Centre in Dubai, which can be accessed through local toll-free numbers.

Hilton For Free, which runs until September 30, provides the benefit of getting free nights stay at most major city hotels in Europe, including a choice of 12 Hilton hotels in London, as well as centrally located hotels in vibrant European cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and Cannes on the French riviera.

The offer also applies to destinations such as Maldives as well as properties in the Asia Pacific including Australia, Singapore and Malaysia.