DUBLIN, Ireland—Hilton Worldwide announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with Martinez Hotels & Resorts to bring its upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Ireland. Since opening its first European hotel in 2008, DoubleTree by Hilton now has almost 60 properties trading or under development across the region.
The deal will see Dublin’s renowned Morrison Hotel reopen as The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in early February, following an extensive $9.3 million refurbishment featuring a new interior design from Dublin-based Nikki O’Donnell Architects (NODA).
“DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the fastest growing upscale hotel brands in Europe, and we are confident it will be a hit here in Ireland,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide. “We’ve been eager to secure the right opportunity and believe we’ve found it in The Morrison. This deal also is indicative of a renewed buoyancy in the Irish hospitality market, visible both in the strong performance of our other Hilton brands and the confidence of owners and developers to invest.”
The hotel will feature two restaurants and a bar. Guests will also enjoy access to a 24-hour business zone and split level fitness center. Event space totaling 4,400 square feet will be available with a range of capacities capable of hosting from 2 to 240 guests.
Recently appointed general manager Patrick Joyce will oversee the running of the hotel, having joined from his previous position as general manager of the Lyrath Estate Hotel in County Kilkenny. Patrick’s hospitality career spans more than 15 years with experience in the U.K., Thailand, and the Maldives.
“We are delighted to be working with Hilton Worldwide to bring the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Irish shores for the first time,” said Stephen Mulligan, UK & Ireland director, Martinez Hotels & Resorts. “There were many aspects of The Morrison’s identity we wanted to maintain when making the decision to convert to a branded hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton hugely impressed us with its track record of converting established properties to its globally recognized brand, while ensuring a real sense of individual flavor in every location.”
Hilton Worldwide currently operates four hotels in the Republic of Ireland, all located in the capital city of Dublin. Its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand has a strong presence in the city and its surrounds with three hotels, whilst the luxury Conrad Dublin completes the portfolio.
