Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Brand Debuts in China

Business Wire, July 25, 2008

Doubletree by Hilton Beijing opens its doors in time for the Games

BEIJING, China -- Hilton Hotels Corporation today proudly announced the opening of its first Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Asia. The Doubletree by Hilton Beijing is an upscale, 547-room hotel located between the city's Central Office District and prestigious Financial District along the Southwest 2nd Ring Road in the new Lar Valley International mixed-use business complex. The hotel is centrally situated within 10 km/6 mi of the historic Dong Cheng District and Tian'anmen Square, the red-walled Forbidden City and Imperial Palace, Beijing Zoo, Panjia Yuan Antique Market and the Temple of Heaven.

"This exciting hotel opening in Beijing represents the launch of five Doubletree by Hilton hotel locations that are anticipated to welcome the world's travelers in major cities throughout China during the next three years," according to Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels.

The Doubletree by Hilton Experience

As one of the upscale hotel brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, Doubletree by Hilton will introduce business travelers and tourists in China to the brand's longstanding tradition of distinctively designed properties that reflect the destination and surrounding area. Other Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand's legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors[R] loyalty programme and a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate.

Doubletree by Hilton believes in a set of business values that make their hotels a desirable place for employees to work and a satisfying place for travelers to stay. "Our ultimate goal at Doubletree is to create positive, long-lasting memories for our guests so that they will develop a strong emotional bond and loyalty with our brand for their future travel," commented Horton.

According to hotel general manager, Justin Guo, "Hotels across Asia are respected around the world for their outstanding attention to detail and approach to service. The Doubletree by Hilton Beijing will differentiate itself even further through a unique combination of contemporary style and a refreshingly caring and relaxed approach to hospitality and service. Training programs developed by the Doubletree by Hilton brand encourage employees to deliver an exceptional guest experience where guests feel welcomed and appreciated. By bringing this level of energy to our business, we hope that we can help travelers get a little bit more out of their travel experiences. Based on initial feedback and research from both hotel guests and team members, we expect this new approach to hospitality is going to be well received by travelers to Beijing."

Worldwide Brand Expansion In Beijing and Beyond

Doubletree already features a collection of more than 45,000 rooms in more than 190 locations worldwide, predominantly in the United States to date. A rapid worldwide expansion of the Doubletree by Hilton brand has included an aggressive opening plan of upscale, full-service hotels and resorts in Canada, Costa Rica, Peru and the United Kingdom with additional hotels and resorts in Italy, Peru, Russia, Slovakia and Thailand anticipated to open during the next several months.

Horton added, "We are extremely proud to be launching our first Asian Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Beijing, a city that the world is will continue to watch with great excitement long after the upcoming Olympic Games. With a long-term commitment to growing our presence in China, we expect the Doubletree by Hilton Beijing and our upcoming Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao-Kunshan in November to lead the way in building our guests' perception and emotional affinity for the Doubletree brand as we continue to pursue aggressive hotel development growth in China."

A Refreshing Approach to Hotel Architecture and Design

The exterior and interior design of the newly built Doubletree by Hilton Beijing is centered on the core concept of a drop of water. This concept is unique as it reflects the Chinese association of water with wealth and good fortune. By combining the hotel's exterior water-inspired fa[?]ade with a meandering stream in a 3000-square-meter roof garden, the Doubletree by Hilton Beijing presents a refreshing oasis for business, pleasure and even the perfect wedding in the heart of the Capital City. An array of unique artwork from around the world has been specifically selected for the interior of the hotel to bring the outside architecture and design influences to the inside, as well.

Contemporary Accommodations

With an ultra modern design bathed in warm gold and earth tones, each of the guest rooms and executive floor accommodations at the Doubletree by Hilton Beijing feature contemporary style, modern conveniences and a range of amenities for in-room comfort. Each of the 30 square meter guestrooms is equipped with workspaces and seating areas, high-speed Internet access, a 32-inch flat panel LCD TV, an iron/ironing board, a personal safe and complimentary in-room coffee and tea service. The hotel also features the brand's signature Sweet Dreams[TM] by Doubletree sleep experience complete with high-thread-count linens and an abundance of pillows for a great night's sleep. Executive Floor rooms and suites include additional amenities, as well as access to the Executive Club lounge - which serves breakfast every morning and a manager's reception in the afternoon and evening.