PITTSBURGH (November 18, 2011) – DoubleTree by Hilton has announced the conversion and official opening of the 465-room DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree in Pittsburgh, Pa., now the largest Pittsburgh-area hotel currently available to travelers within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.  The property team, designers, builders, owners and investors celebrated the hotel’s new name and new direction during a brand dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony this week; while showcasing the features of an upcoming $16 million renovation, design and renderings with local civic and business leaders and invited guests. Located minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and area attractions, renovation is expected to be complete by the end of 2012.

“The opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree continues to reinforce a steady pace of outstanding hotel developments and expansion for our brand and its portfolio of more than 270 hotels and resorts across 22 countries. “With a multi-million-dollar hotelwide transformation set to take place with the rebranding and conversion of this hotel as well, DoubleTree by Hilton is delighted to introduce another rewarding hotel location for our loyal business and leisure customers in Western Pennsylvania,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.

RIDA Development Corporation, one of the country’s leading hotel developers, will direct the transformation of the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree with renowned interior design company, Looney & Associates. Formerly the Radisson Hotel Pittsburgh-Green Tree, the hotel will be operated under a franchise management agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide. Pittsburgh-based CAM Hospitality Management will oversee day-to-day hotel operations.

“With some of the most comprehensive event space in the city, this hotel has had an iconic presence in the Pittsburgh community for some of the city’s most prominent social gatherings and business conferences,” says Chris Mannino, president of CAM Hospitality Management. “Our owner’s commitment to the city of Pittsburgh continues to be demonstrated through the details they’re investing in the hotel to ensure its long-term success.  Our hotel team at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree is just as committed to bring a refreshing, renewed hotel experience to visitors and residents of Pittsburgh alike.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree guests will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at the brand’s more than 270 DoubleTree by Hilton locations around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonorsâ guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

Once the renovation is complete, the guestrooms at the newly renamed Doubletree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree will feature essential in-room amenities, including MP3-compatible stereo clock radios; generous work desks with dataports; Wolfgang Puck gourmet coffee service; wireless, high-speed Internet access; and refreshing Crabtree & Evelyn Citron® bath products.

Once renovations are complete, the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree will welcome guests with a warm and welcoming new lobby design evoking the feel of a grand mountain lodge.  The interior design palate for the hotel renovation is inspired by the four seasons -- incorporating infusions of color with varying tones of taupe with natural prints and patterns of outdoor elements from the Pittsburgh area.

As part of the renovation, plush seating and inviting social spaces will abound throughout the hotel’s public areas.  A signature dining experience, Seasons The Restaurant, and an upscale sports bar, Champions Club, will create the perfect ambiance for guests staying in the “City of Champions,” while on-the-go food options will be available at Bistro Marketplace with a fresh European styled menu and coffee bar.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree provides some of the most comprehensive event space in the city.  More than 40,000 square feet of meeting space is available for meetings, conferences and social gatherings.  All event space will be upgraded with the latest in audiovisual and communications technology, along with a fully-equipped, self-service business center.

For guests who wish to keep up with their workout program while traveling at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree, a state-of-the-art fitness facility will be equipped with the latest in weight training and cardio equipment is available 24 hours a day along with a indoor/outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool.

“We are very proud to be able to take such a landmark hotel and return it into its original splendor as a leading hotel in the Pittsburgh community. We also are incredibly excited to work with DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide on this property,” says Ira Mitzner, president, RIDA Development Corporation. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree becomes a premiere Pittsburgh hotel for group, business and leisure travelers.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree is located between Pittsburgh International Airport and downtown Pittsburgh, a central location with easy accessibility to downtown Pittsburgh attractions like sports stadiums, the Andy Warhol Museum and David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The hotel also provides free scheduled transportation to many downtown attractions, shuttles to and from the airport, and complimentary guest parking.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit the hotel’s website at www.pittsburghgreentree.doubletree.com, or call 1-800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada, or contact the hotel directly at 412-922-8400.

About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels
With a fast-growing global collection of contemporary, upscale hotels in more than 270 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve.  Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 60,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.

To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com.  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 Center at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.

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 93 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 3,750 hotels and timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 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. For more information about the company, visit www.HiltonWorldwide.com or connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.HiltonWorldwide.com/media.