DoubleTree by Hilton to expand to 25 UK hotels in 2013
Hilton Worldwide will add hotels in Edinburgh, Bristol and Nottingham to its collection of upscale venues ahead of two further openings planned for this year.
Momentum
The brand was launched in the UK in Cambridge in 2008 and has enjoyed relatively rapid growth ever since.
"Since launching DoubleTree by Hilton in the UK, the brand has built overwhelming momentum, particularly as a conversion proposition for existing properties," said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa for Hilton Worldwide.
"Beginning the year with the signing of these three outstanding hotels is testament to our aspirations to continue in the same vein throughout 2013," he added.
The openings mark the debuts for the brand, famous for the chocolate cookie every guest receives on arrival, in Nottingham and Edinburgh - Hilton Worldwide already operates a DoubleTree property in Cadbury House, just outside Bristol.
The three UK DoubleTree by Hilton hotels announced today are:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre - The 139-bedroom former Point Hotel in the Scottish capital will be converted this autumn following a renovation project. The hotel will be managed by BDL Management - a franchise agreement has been signed with West Register Hotels.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre - The 201-bedroom former Jarvis hotel will join the brand in the spring under a franchise agreement with Focus Hotels Management. After a multi-million pound refurb, the hotel's health club, spa, bar and restaurant will be fully upgraded.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway - The 106-bedroom former Nottingham Gateway Hotel is expected to relaunch in late 2013 after a franchise agreement was signed with Exceptional Hotels & Resorts. A refurb will firmly position the property, which features extensive meeting facilities, in the upscale segment - a new swimming pool will be added to the hotel.
Hilton Worldwide currently operates 112 properties in the UK under six brands - there are a further 23 hotels in the pipeline.
John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said: "This announcement is a great start to what is set to be a landmark year for DoubleTree by Hilton in the UK. Following an outstanding year for British tourism in 2012, we are delighted to be at the forefront of expanding our brand in this market with new properties in three key cities, including our debuts in Nottingham and Edinburgh."
