Following a succession of recent brand introductions in the Iberian Peninsula, Hilton Worldwide has announced that its DoubleTree by Hilton brand is set to arrive in Portugal. The signing of a management agreement with Turismadeira SA will see Lisbon’s Fontana Park Hotel convert to DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park in summer 2013, as Hilton’s first hotel in the Portuguese capital.The agreement sees DoubleTree enter its thirteenth European country, having only recently opened its first Spanish property, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Emporda. In Portugal itself, the Lisbon property will join Conrad Algarve, which opened in autumn 2012, near to the existing Hilton Vilamoura as Cascatas Golf Resort and Spa, while Hilton Bom Sucesso Obidos Resort opens next winter.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “This is a major coup. Not only are we bringing one of Europe’s hottest hotel brands to Portugal for the first time, we are doing so in the capital city, while also demonstrating the strength of our portfolio with this becoming our third brand in the country.”
Fontana Park Hotel first opened in 2008 and its impressive design quickly won plaudits, including ‘Best Interior Design’ at the European Hotel Design Awards. The hotel has 139 rooms, seven meeting rooms, two restaurants and a bar.
John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton continues its rise as one of Europe’s most popular conversion brands and we are thrilled to be entering one of Europe’s most fascinating and historic capital cities, with what is a stunning property.”
Located on Rua Engenheiro Vieira da Silva, in the northern district of the city centre, the hotel benefits from excellent public transport links and is only 15 minutes from Lisbon Portela Airport. Its proximity to one of the city’s main roads connects it to the historical tourist and shopping districts of Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Avenida da Liberdade and Alfama.
As one of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon offers a variety of cultural, architectural and historical attractions. The Park of Nations, set out along the banks of the Tagus River, is an urban space that brings together contemporary architecture, theme gardens, exhibition centers, and is a venue for various shows and events. It also houses Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest marine mammal parks of its kind in Europe.
The coast to the west of Lisbon offers further leisure destinations, including the resorts of Estoril and Cascais, plus the historic and cultural town of Sintra.
Once converted, the hotel will feature the brand’s signature welcome with a warm chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services, and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.
Joaquim Justino, Chairman of Turismadeira SA, said, “This partnership provides a great opportunity for this excellent property to benefit from the global reach and operational expertise of one of the world`s most powerful hotel brands. Located in an exciting and increasingly vibrant area of Lisbon, the DoubleTree by Hilton Fontana Park is destined for popularity with both corporate and leisure guests alike and we strongly believe that Hilton Worldwide will be able to make our jewel shine even more in future.”
