Doubletree® Makes Its European Debut in Italy

Business Wire, Oct 21, 2008

Doubletree by Hilton Milan Opens Its Doors

MILAN, Italy and BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Doubletree by Hilton[TM], the upscale, full-service brand that is part of the Hilton Family of Hotels, has announced the debut of its first hotel in continental Europe with the opening of the Doubletree by Hilton Milan. This opening heralds the arrival of Hilton Hotels Corporation's 88th European hotel and the addition of a second Hilton Family hotel in the Italian fashion capital.

Situated in the heart of Viale Certosa, northern Milan's essential business district, the newly built Doubletree by Hilton Milan is located between the Fiera Milano Exhibition Center and Trade Fair Complex and the new Rho Fair Grounds - two of the main venues for Expo 2015. Milan's main cultural and leisure attractions such as Castello Sforzesco, Piazza Duomo, Via Monte Napoleone, Brera Arts District and La Scala Opera House are a convenient 10-minute drive from the hotel.

"We are honoured to open our first European Doubletree by Hilton in one of the most important business capitals on the continent. This exciting hotel opening in Milan truly demonstrates the momentum behind the Doubletree by Hilton brand and its fast-growing expansion of full-service hotels across Europe and around the world," commented Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels.

As one of the upscale hotel brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, Doubletree by Hilton will introduce business travellers and tourists in Italy to the brand's longstanding tradition of distinctively designed hotels 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.

Welcoming the announcement, Wolfgang Neumann, President of Hilton Hotels - Europe, said: "Today marks a historic occasion for us at Hilton, with the debut of our first-ever Doubletree by Hilton in continental Europe. Having identified Italy as one of our key strategic markets, the launch of this exciting new brand in one of the region's finest cities underscores our strategy to integrate our successful Hilton Family of Hotels brands into growth markets throughout Europe - enabling us to provide an incredible range and choice of quality accommodation to our customers wherever they travel."

21(st) Century Design for a 21(st) Century Milan

A modern, organic glass and wood exterior introduces arriving guests to the six-storey hotel's elegant design as they enter via a pathway of rich, travertine marble. The main reception area leads to an airy entertainment and dining space, incorporating a comfortable lounge area with plush chairs and relaxing sofas. Spacious public areas are infused with natural sunlight filtering through the rooftop skylights, along with floor to ceiling glass windows. The hotel's courtyard terrace with lush landscaping allows guests to enjoy informal al fresco drinks and dining and provides an ideal venue for unique, private outdoor receptions and events.

Contemporary Guestrooms and Residential Style Amenities

With an ultra-modern design bathed in complementary warm neutral tones, each of the 240 guest rooms at the Doubletree by Hilton Milan feature contemporary style, modern conveniences and a range of luxurious amenities for in-room comfort. Each of the 29sqm guestrooms is equipped with a comfortable workspace, as well as the very latest in-room technology, including LCD flat-panel televisions and wired and wireless high-speed internet access. Rooms also feature 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.

For recreation, Doubletree by Hilton Milan guests have complimentary access to the brand's signature Doubletree Fitness by Precor facility, fitted with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength-training equipment.

Catering for business and meetings

The hotel's conference and meetings facilities - which can accommodate up to 450 guests - are located on the ground floor of the hotel, and offer over 450 sqm of flexible function space and state-of-art audio-visual and communication technology that can be configured to offer up to eight function rooms - all featuring natural daylight. An on-site, 24-hour Business Centre provides a variety of essential support services.

Sumptuous Food and Beverage Offerings "Under Glass"

The Doubletree by Hilton Milan is proud to present Glass - an innovative bar and restaurant combination that features some of the finest in Milanese and international cuisine. Guests can select from a wide variety of light lunch items as well as delectable dinner offerings. For those looking to enjoy a gathering place at the end of a busy day, the Glass bar proudly presents the enjoyable Milanese tradition of aperitivo ('Happy Hour') each afternoon, offering a range of refreshments accompanied by an array of tantalizing, complimentary snacks.