VARNA, Bulgaria – (23 December 2010) – DoubleTree by Hilton proudly announces that its first hotel in Bulgaria, DoubleTree by Hilton, Varna-Golden Sands, is now accepting reservations for its official opening in Spring 2011.  Located on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast in the popular Golden Sands resort, the newly converted hotel is also DoubleTree by Hilton’s first hotel on the Black Sea coast, one of Europe’s most popular summertime destinations where visitors can enjoy sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The Black Sea separates Europe from western Asia with its coastline that stretches across Russia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
 
“DoubleTree by Hilton is truly honoured to introduce the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton, Varna-Golden Sands, which represents the first, internationally branded hotel in this prime leisure travel destination,” said Rob Palleschi, global head for DoubleTree by Hilton hotels.  “We hope that this hotel, along with many other hotel projects already under development for the brand in Romania, Poland, Russia and Turkey, will lead to continued successful growth and introduction of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the world’s travellers in Eastern Europe during the months to come.”

Occupying a prime elevated position, the DoubleTree by Hilton, Varna-Golden Sands is just a few minutes’ walk from the lively resort centre, between the protected forest of the Golden Sands Nature Park and the beautiful four-kilometre-long beach, which provides guests with many recreational options, including forest walks, beach sports and water activities.
 
The hotel offers 196 newly refurbished guest rooms and suites some with views across the Bay of Golden Sands; large private balconies; heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools; shuttle to a private beach; as well as Precor fitness centre and a luxury spa. The hotel also has a traditional Bulgarian restaurant, Demeter, offering freshly prepared local specialities; the Sun Terrace Cafe with views across the hotel’s well-kept gardens, and the lively Apollo nightclub.
 
Claudio Sturm, general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton, Varna-Golden Sands, said, “Along with my team, I am delighted to join the DoubleTree by Hilton family and we are looking forward to warmly welcoming the world’s travellers, offering first-class hospitality and exceptional service in the beautiful Golden Sands resort.”
 
The historic city of Varna is located just a short distance away from the hotel, perfect for a family day out or late night partying.  Sometimes referred to as the summer capital of Bulgaria, Varna is rich in history and culture with museums, buzzing nightlife, open-air theatre and also Roman Baths with mineral waters.
 
Making its debut in Bulgaria, guests of the new hotel can expect DoubleTree by Hilton characteristic qualities including the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; stylish interiors; full-service amenities; along with a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate.
 
DoubleTree by Hilton is a proud member of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands, with a fast-growing network that spans more than 240 hotel and resort locations across five continents.  The upscale, full-service hotel brand has seen remarkable growth since its European introduction in the spring of 2008 with 15 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels now open in eight countries across Europe.
 
Hilton Worldwide continues to grow its presence in Eastern Europe, with development resources dedicated across the region. Hilton Worldwide has already announced further Black Sea resort locations including Russia’s DoubleTree by Hilton Sochi-Adler and Hampton by Hilton Ordu in Turkey, both due to open in the next few years. Currently, Hilton Worldwide has one hotel operating in Bulgaria, Hilton Sofia, and will also be welcoming a neighbouring Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand hotel in Golden Sands – tripling the company’s presence in the country.
 
DoubleTree by Hilton, Varna-Golden Sands is located just 25 km from Varna International Airport (VAR) for easy transfer connection to and from international gateways. The hotel’s address is Golden Sands, Bulgaria, 9007. For more information about the DoubleTree by Hilton, Varna-Golden Sands, please contact your preferred travel professional, visit www.doubletree.com or contact the hotel directly at + 359 52 390 445.  

About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 240 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, 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.
 
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels.  For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering 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 3,600 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree, 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®.  For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.