Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the signing of three franchise agreements for its rapidly expanding DoubleTree by Hilton brand in three more UK cities. 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.This announcement begins a landmark year for DoubleTree by Hilton, which will see it open five new hotels in 2013, reaching a total of 25 hotels in operation across the UK. This marks a spectacular rise to prominence for the brand, having made its UK debut as recently as 2008 with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Cambridge.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Since launching DoubleTree by Hilton in the UK, the brand has built overwhelming momentum, particularly as a conversion proposition for existing properties. Beginning the year with the signing of these three outstanding hotels is testament to our aspirations to continue in the same vein throughout 2013.”
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre will become the brand’s first hotel in the Scottish capital, which saw the luxury Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria hotel complete its £24m restoration last year. 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.
The 139 guestroom property is located in the city’s historic old town, within easy walking distance of the famous tourist attractions and shopping hotspots of the Royal Mile and Princes Street. With a brasserie style restaurant, stylish bar and top floor penthouse offering spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, the upcoming renovation is set to establish the hotel as a sought after destination venue within one of Europe’s strongest performing markets for hotels.[1]
DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre is expected to open this spring under a franchise agreement with Focus Hotels Management Limited. Positioned just a quarter of a mile from Bristol Temple Meads rail station and a short drive from the M32, M4 and M5, its central location provides outstanding ease of access for visitors to the city.
After a multi-million pound renovation the former Jarvis hotel will join the DoubleTree by Hilton brand complete with 201 guestrooms over six storeys. Its range of facilities includes a health club complete with sauna, the Arts bar and Kiln restaurant, housed in an 18th century glass kiln style building. The conversion will see these features benefit from an upgrade prior to reopening its doors this spring.
DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway, located on the A610 which links Nottingham to the M1, is ideally positioned to appeal to both business and leisure guests en route to the East Midlands city. Under its former guise of The Nottingham Gateway Hotel the site is already an established meetings and events venue. Guests can enjoy its accessible location and facilities which include 582 sqm of events space and parking capacity of 250.
The franchise agreement signed with Exceptional Hotels & Resorts Ltd 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 in late 2013.
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.”
