DoubleTree by Hilton announced a range of new additions to its portfolio of 325 hotels in Q1 of this year – emphasising the brand’s growing expansion on a global scale. Here is a few of the highlights:
UK and Ireland
The signing of three franchise agreements for DoubleTree by Hilton in three UK cities have been announced. Having opened 11 hotels in the UK in the last two years, the brand has reached agreement on additional sites in Bristol, Edinburgh and Nottingham.
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre will become the brand’s first hotel in the Scottish capital. In a franchise agreement with West Register Hotels, the former Point Hotel will convert to the DoubleTree by Hilton brand this summer following a period of significant investment and refurbishment, operated by BDL Management.
DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre is expected to open this spring under a franchise agreement with Focus Hotels Management. Following a multi-million pound renovation, the former Jarvis hotel will join the DoubleTree by Hilton brand complete with 201 guestrooms over six storeys.
DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway is ideally positioned to appeal to both business and leisure guests en route to the East Midlands city. The franchise agreement – signed with Exceptional Hotels & Resorts – will see a comprehensive upgrade of the hotel’s 106 guestrooms, meeting rooms, public areas and leisure facilities – including the addition of a new swimming pool. The refurbishment will fully position the hotel within the upscale segment ahead of its expected relaunch later this year.
Ireland’s first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel opened in February. The contemporary renovation of the Morrison hotel – in partnership with operator Martinez Hotels & Resorts – has seen the Dublin property’s 138 rooms and suites completely redesigned with a new concept centred on Irish music.
Simon Vincent, president at EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, comments: “We are delighted to be introducing one of Europe’s fastest-growing hotel brands to Ireland. Building on the hotel’s excellent reputation, we believe the renovation – combined with DoubleTree by Hilton’s famous warm welcome – will make the hotel a popular destination in its own right.”
Europe
DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi, Turkey, has been opened in a prime location next to the resort’s marina, overlooking Kusadasi Bay and the Aegean Sea. More than 21 new properties will open across the country in the next few years, joining the portfolio of the 24 already trading – including the upscale Hilton resorts in Bodrum and Dalaman, as well as hotels in much-visited leisure destinations such as Istanbul, Bursa, Cappadocia and Konya.
Simon Vincent, president at EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, says: “With increasing tourism arrivals over the last few years, Turkey remains one of the most dynamic and exciting markets we operate in. As Turkey evolves as a destination, we continue to offer more reasons for people to visit, with superb properties such as this latest opening in the coastal resort of Kusadasi.”
US and Canada
DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park in North Carolina opened in February. Known locally as the Mansion on the Hill, the former Hilton hotel has converted to the DoubleTree by Hilton brand following a dramatic seven-month US$8m renovation, which includes design enhancements to the exterior and interior public spaces and guest room makeovers, as well as the introduction of a new locally-driven restaurant concept. The hotel is owned and operated by Driftwood Hospitality.
The Hilton Cleveland East Beachwood hotel in Ohio has been rebranded into a DoubleTree by Hilton property. The rebrand marks the pinnacle of a four-year hotel renovation, and as part of the ongoing transformation, a new general manager, Robert Trammell, and new director of sales and marketing, Brenda Goodnight, has join the hotel’s seasoned management team.
The Atlanta Marriott Downtown hotel’s rebranding into a DoubleTree by Hilton commenced at the beginning of this month. The opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Downtown marks the brand’s first hotel offering in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Following the conversion, the hotel will commence a property-wide renovation, which will conclude in late 2013. The hotel continues to be operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts.
Bayview Hospitality Group (BHG) announced that the landmark Metropolitan Hotel Toronto – which BHG recently acquired along with the hotel’s two restaurants – will become downtown Toronto’s first DoubleTree by Hilton. BHG will continue to operate the hotel when it converts to a DoubleTree by Hilton later this year. The repositioning strategy includes an extensive refurbishment of the full-service hotel, resulting in a heightened level of comfort and a sophisticated, urban aesthetic.
“We are truly excited to introduce the first DoubleTree by Hilton to the world class city of Toronto,” says Alnoor Gulamani, president of BHG. “BHG has a relationship with Hilton Worldwide that goes back many years over multiple hotel projects in the Greater Toronto Area. The Doubletree by Hilton brand is the perfect fit for this central, cosmopolitan location.”
Middle East
Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Hamad Abdulaziz Almousa Trading Group to develop a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)’s commercial heartland of Al Khobar, located in the country’s Eastern Province. The 158-room DoubleTree by Hilton Al Khobar Corniche is the third Hilton Worldwide pipeline hotel planned for Al Khobar and the 17th in Saudi Arabia, making it Hilton Worldwide’s largest development market in the Middle East.
Rudi Jagersbacher, president at Hilton Worldwide, Middle East and Africa comments: “Saudi Arabia is a powerhouse of activity for Hilton Worldwide. We are opening 17 new hotels over the next three years and working to solidify our position as the leading hospitality company in KSA. Al Khobar is a growing, vibrant community, and I am delighted we are expanding our presence in a city which offers so much potential.”
John Greenleaf, global head at DoubleTree by Hilton adds: “DoubleTree by Hilton is currently enjoying a period of exciting growth in the Middle East and Africa, as increasing numbers of hotel owners experience the benefits of the brand’s upscale, distinctive characteristics. DoubleTree by Hilton Al Khobar Corniche is set to become an excellent addition to this growing collection, and we’re looking forward to bringing the brand’s signature attributes of warm and welcoming hospitality, high standards and quality accommodation to KSA’s Eastern Province.”
