Sneak Peek: First look at DoubleTree in Hull

DoubleTree by Hilton Hull
998 556 Daniel Fountain
  • 0

Hilton Worldwide has revealed plans to introduce its upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Hull, following an agreement with Brayford Hotels. Independent UK hotel Management Company, leaf HOSPITALITY will manage the forthcoming hotel when it opens.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hull is currently under development in Ferensway and is expected to open in late 2017 as Hull continues its 365 day transformative arts and culture programme as part of its UK City of Culture status. The new hotel will join more than 465 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in 40 countries and territories across the globe.

The hotel will incorporate a range of premium leisure and business facilities, including 165 upscale guestrooms, a branded destination restaurant and bar and a 1000-sqm pillar-free ballroom designed to attract large-scale conferences and events to the city.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hull

Richard Farrar, founder of leaf HOSPITALITY commented: “We are delighted to be working with the Brayford team again who I know will deliver a first class hotel for Hull. There’s a real buzz about Hull and a shortage of premium hotels in the city centre but the market is robust and continuing to develop. Now more than ever, the spotlight is on the city to accommodate a rise in business visits and a steady growth in leisure tourism anticipated as a result of Hull’s City of Culture status next year and we’re confident of its long term sustainability as a vibrant leisure and business destination.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Hull

The announcement comes on the back of news that leaf HOSPITALITY secured the management agreement to run the focused service Hampton by Hilton, currently under development at Humberside Airport. The company now has four management agreements in the UK, taking it another step closer to achieving its target of having 20 hotels under management by 2025. The new build hotel is located in Hull’s city centre, and marks leaf’s third contract with developer Brayford Hotels, having already worked with them to manage the DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln.

Leigh Hall, Director of Brayford Hotels, commented: “Having already established a great working relationship with leaf HOSPITALITY for previous developments, we know they are the ideal partner to bring this hotel to market and ensure its success. With the mix of accommodation, dining and banqueting facilities for up to 1,000 delegates, it was important for us to bring an established hotel management company on board. DoubleTree by Hilton’s appeal as a globally recognised brand, paired with leaf’s comprehensive knowledge of the full sales, revenue and marketing mix across both the leisure and corporate sectors will ensure an exceptional guest experience in Hull.”

Daniel Fountain / 24.10.2016

Editor, Hotel Designs

Share

  • 0

You might also like

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.