TAMPA, Fla. - Jan. 20, 2006--Doubletree(R) Hotels (NYSE:HLT) proudly announces the opening of the Doubletree Beach Resort Tampa Bay / North Redington Beach, representing the first resort this year to join the brand's portfolio of more than 150 fine properties across North America. 

Situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico, just 30 minutes from all airports, business districts and tourist attractions in the Greater Tampa / St. Petersburg / Clearwater area, the upscale, full-service hotel has completed a $2.1 million renovation to reinvigorate its 125 guest rooms, 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event and meeting space, dining facilities, and much more. 

Formerly a Hilton hotel, the Doubletree Beach Resort Tampa Bay / North Redington Beach is owned by North Redington Beach Associates, Ltd., operated under a franchise agreement with Doubletree Hotel Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation and managed by American International Hotel Corporation. 

"The addition of the Doubletree Beach Resort provides a fantastic complement to our four properties now available in the Tampa Bay area and the nearly 20 resort and hotel offerings we provide to business and leisure travelers across the state of Florida," said Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels. "Doubletree continues to work with hotel development professionals in Florida and throughout North America who are seeking to position their hotels with a brand that has the passion to provide a warm, comfortable and personable hotel experience to their guests and the backing of one of the most respected and powerful sales, marketing and technology infrastructures in our industry that will bring their business success." 

"We are excited about our new relationship with Doubletree and look forward to sharing all of the new upgrades and enhancements at our resort with travelers and residents of the local community," said Terry Graber, hotel general manager. "Along with a $28 million shoreline re-nourishment project currently underway, the Doubletree Beach Resort and North Redington Beach are perfectly positioned to create one of the premier beach destinations in America." 

A true sense of place can be felt through the renovations just completed at the Doubletree Beach Resort Tampa Bay / North Redington Beach. From palm leaves and carved mahogany furnishings to unique sunburst applications and padded cane, a rich palette of colors and textures throughout the hotel incorporate a warm, contemporary Floridian style. Signed and numbered artwork by Neil Adamson, a longtime Florida resident and internationally renowned artist, illustrates a vibrant nostalgic look at the region. 

Each newly renovated guestroom at the Doubletree Beach Resort features a private balcony with a magnificent view of the white sand beaches and sparkling blue-green waters and spectacular sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico. Inviting, residential-style furnishings include padded cane lounge chairs and ottomans; cordless phones; wireless high-speed Internet access; personal refreshment centers - complete with refrigerator and complimentary tea and coffee service. The hotel also offers the Sweet Dreams(R) by Doubletree Sleep Experience - which includes a plentiful amount of pillows, a luxurious linen package of a down-filled duvet wrapped in triple sheeting and a specially designed plush-top mattress and box spring system that ensures a great night's sleep. Guest bathrooms have been redesigned to include upgraded lighting, new vanities with granite counters, a make-up mirror, executive ribbed towels, bathrobes and a curved shower rod that allows for 30% more space in the shower. 

Redington Beach is located two miles south of the intersection of Park and Gulf Boulevard at 17120 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach, Fla. 33708-1443. For more information or to make reservations, visit our website at www.doubletree.com, call l-800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada or contact the hotel directly at 800-447-SAND (7263). 

Doubletree Media Relations
Thomas Wingham, 310-205-4545
[email protected]
http://www.hiltonworldwide.com

Doubletree Beach Resort / N. Redington Beach
Kathi Hall, 727-369-7103
[email protected]