LONDON—Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of three franchise agreements for its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in three more U.K. cities. Having opened 11 hotels in the U.K. in the last two years, the brand has reached agreement on additional sites in Bristol, Edinburgh and Nottingham.
Today’s announcement begins a landmark year for DoubleTree, which will see it open five new hotels in 2013, reaching a total of 25 hotels in operation across the U.K. This marks a spectacular rise to prominence for the brand, having made its U.K. 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 U.K., 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 Center will become the brand’s first hotel in the Scottish capital. 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 and offers a brasserie style restaurant, bar, and top floor penthouse offering views of Edinburgh Castle.
DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Center is expected to open this spring under a franchise agreement with Focus Hotels Management Limited. After a multi-million pound renovation the former Jarvis hotel will join the DoubleTree by Hilton brand complete with 201 guestrooms over six stories. 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 will include 582 square meters 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 hotel is 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.”
