Hilton Worldwide Launches DoubleTree by Hilton Brand in South Africa

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates & MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, with local operator Upper Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd. The hotel will be Hilton Worldwide’s fifth property in South Africa and its second in the ‘Mother City’ of Cape Town.

“We are thrilled to bring one of the world’s most recognised hotel brands to this area of Cape Town and look forward to introducing DoubleTree’s key success factors of exceptional service and distinctive style standards.”

The 183-room hotel, currently known as Upper Eastside, will make changes in the coming months to bring the hotel in line with DoubleTree brand standards and is expected to open as DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside in late 2012.

The property is ideally located in the redeveloped, bustling district of Woodstock in northern Cape Town. A former industrial area, Woodstock has undergone a radical transformation in recent years to become an attractive and popular metropolis of trendy boutiques, art galleries, music bars and upcoming restaurants.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton Worldwide Europe & Africa said: “We are excited to extend our presence in a city with such a strong business and tourism culture and with a hotel which perfectly complements our first Cape Town property.

Today’s signing represents Hilton Worldwide’s 20^th pipeline property in Africa and contributes perfectly to our multi-brand growth strategy dedicated to providing our guests with a range of choices in the most important cities in Africa.”

The newly branded hotel will boast a range of amenities including a business centre, fitness centre, eight meeting rooms and a 300-capacity function room. The property will also feature a bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop. Accommodation includes executive rooms and suites as well as a number of two-storey duplex loft rooms located on the top floor offering stunning views of some of the city’s best known landmarks.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside marks the brand’s sixth signed hotel in Africa and is another important step in our growing global footprint. We are proud to welcome this premium property into the DoubleTree brand family and delighted we can help meet the city’s growing international and domestic demand for first-class accommodation.”

Positioned at the Southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers to the Continent. Known as the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is a celebrated wine-making region and boasts world famous landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. The city also plays host to numerous festivals and events, including the upcoming World Design Capital exhibition due to take place in 2014. Cape Town was also honoured with Africa’s Leading Beach Destination award during the 19^th World Travel Awards held September 2012.

The converted hotel will operate as a franchise with owners Upper Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd, Chairman Mike Flax said: “We are thrilled to bring one of the world’s most recognised hotel brands to this area of Cape Town and look forward to introducing DoubleTree’s key success factors of exceptional service and distinctive style standards.”

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 91 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

About DoubleTree by Hilton

With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations and more than 300 hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations in 23 countries, DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travellers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest reward programme, each DoubleTree by Hilton guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them.

To find out information about any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travellers may visit our website at www.DoubleTree.com or contact their preferred travel professional. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels. For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Centre at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.