The Enduring Legacy of DoubleTree by Hilton: From Arizona Inn to Global Hospitality Leader
DoubleTree by Hilton stands as a prominent name in the hotel industry, a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide, competing in the full-service category alongside its sister chain, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. From its humble beginnings in Scottsdale, Arizona, to its current global presence, the history of DoubleTree is a story of innovation, strategic growth, and a commitment to providing a welcoming experience for travelers.
The Genesis of DoubleTree: A Vision Takes Root in Arizona
The story of DoubleTree begins with Samuel F. Kitchell, a visionary who sought to expand beyond the traditional construction business. Recognizing the opportunities in a rapidly changing America of the early 1960s, Kitchell began exploring new avenues. His initial foray into the hospitality sector involved becoming a regional franchisee for Rodeway Inns, a burgeoning motel chain based in Phoenix.
In January 1969, Kitchell's vision culminated in the opening of the very first DoubleTree Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. Situated on the grounds of Scottsdale Fashion Square, this inaugural property marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine the hospitality landscape. By 1979, DoubleTree Inns had expanded to encompass a portfolio of over 2,300 rooms, a testament to the brand's early success and growing popularity.
Strategic Expansion: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Flag Conversions
DoubleTree's growth trajectory has been shaped by strategic mergers, acquisitions, and a unique approach to brand expansion. In December 1993, DoubleTree Hotels Corporation merged with the Guest Quarters Hotels Partnership of Boston. This merger brought together two established players in the hospitality industry, expanding DoubleTree's portfolio and diversifying its offerings. The acquired all-suite hotels were subsequently rebranded as DoubleTree Guest Suites hotels, catering to travelers seeking more spacious accommodations.
Unlike brands like Marriott or Sheraton, which historically relied on new construction to expand their footprint, DoubleTree adopted a strategy of convincing operators of other brands to switch flags. This approach allowed DoubleTree to rapidly grow its presence in key markets, leveraging existing infrastructure and established locations.
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Iconic Properties: A Diverse Collection of Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton boasts a diverse collection of hotels, each with its own unique character and history. From landmark buildings to modern skyscrapers, these properties reflect the brand's commitment to providing exceptional experiences in a variety of settings.
Americas:
- Billings, United States: The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Billings stands as the second-tallest building in the northern Rocky Mountains region.
- Denver, United States: The Curtis, a skyscraper in Downtown Denver, has been affiliated with DoubleTree since 2010.
- Hilo, United States: The Grand Naniloa Hotel is the oldest hotel on Hawaii island.
- Las Vegas, United States: The Tropicana Las Vegas casino hotel borders the Tropicana - Las Vegas Boulevard intersection, an area renowned for having the highest concentration of hotel rooms in the world. Hilton has returned to the Vegas Strip with the Tropicana deal.
- Los Angeles, United States: The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown is located in Little Tokyo and was developed by Kajima. The original Palace Theatre at Broadway was partly demolished to make way for a DoubleTree Suites hotel (originally branded an Embassy Suites), which opened in 1991. The theater reopened inside the DoubleTree building.
- New York City, United States: The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Metropolitan New York City is a designated New York City landmark. Originally a Loews theater, the hotel first opened in 1961 and was Manhattan's first new short-term accommodation in thirty years. It was rebranded a DoubleTree in 2005. The TSX Broadway's Tempo By Hilton Prepares For Late-Summer Opening At 1568 Broadway In Times Square, Manhattan.
- Pittsburgh, United States: The Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh, located near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, opened as a Vista Hotel, a Hilton International brand for properties it operated in the United States, before DoubleTree took over between 1995 and 2001.
- Portland, United States: The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland first opened as a Sheraton in 1959. The Holiday Inn Portland-Columbia Riverfront was opened as a DoubleTree in 1978 before it was sold away in the 1990s.
- Roanoke, United States: Hotel Roanoke, which dates back to 1882, is owned by Virginia Tech. In February 2016, Hotel Roanoke officially becomes a "Curio."
- Seattle, United States: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport.
- San Antonio, United States: The Emily Morgan Hotel is located across the street from the Alamo.
- Springfield, United States: The President Abraham Lincoln Hotel opened in 1985 as a Ramada Renaissance. DoubleTree assumed management in 2013. Hotel to get DoubleTree brand - President Lincoln to be Hilton franchisee
- Tucson, AZ, United States: The DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson Reid Park was built in 1976 and is the longest continuously operating DoubleTree property in the United States.
Europe:
- Brighton, United Kingdom: The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole was built in 1890 by Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed the University College London.
- Cheltenham, United Kingdom: The DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham occupies a Regency era building called Lilleybrook. Historic Cheltenham Park Hotel Joins DoubleTree by Hilton.
- Harrogate, United Kingdom: Hilton assumed management of the historic Majestic Hotel as a DoubleTree property in 2019. Name change for historic Harrogate hotel after £15m refurb.
- London, United Kingdom: The 100 Queen's Gate Hotel London was operated as DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Kensington from 2015 to 2019, when it was moved to the Curio Collection. Kensington DoubleTree by Hilton to relaunch as Curio.
- Zagreb, Croatia: Located in downtown of Zagreb's core in a Green Gold business complex.
Middle East:
- Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: Initial construction started in 2014, completed and opened in 2021 costing 232,300,000 AED. The hotel has a capacity of having 254 guests and cater over 65,000 diners. Al Marwan Builds The DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah.
Labor Relations
Like many businesses in the hospitality industry, DoubleTree hotels have experienced labor disputes. For example, in San Jose, a failed contract prompted a hotel worker strike. Similarly, workers at four Boston Hilton hotels engaged in a strike before reaching a new contract agreement. In SeaTac, Doubletree and Hilton workers ratified a landmark labor contract. These instances highlight the ongoing dialogue between hotel management and employees regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.
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A Warm Welcome: The Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie
No discussion of DoubleTree would be complete without mentioning its signature chocolate chip cookie. This warm, freshly baked treat has become synonymous with the DoubleTree brand, serving as a symbol of hospitality and a welcoming gesture for arriving guests. In a rare move, DoubleTree released its official chocolate chip cookie recipe, allowing bakers to recreate the iconic treat at home.
Current Status
Today, DoubleTree operates 692 properties with more than 155,000 rooms across five continents.
Read also: Our detailed experience at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Raleigh - Brownstone - University.
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