MCLEAN, Va. & MOLINE, Ill. - August 30, 2012--DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of the newly renovated, upscale, full-service 100-room DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport. Formerly a Radisson, the hotel is owned and operated by Heart of America Group under a franchise license agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “The DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport marks our brand’s entry into Iowa. Des Moines is a major business hub for the region as well as a robust market that provides a variety of leisure activities for all ages. We are confident the hotel is well-placed for success in the market and look forward to a long partnership with Heart of America.”

Heart of America Group’s in-house design team completed renovations in all areas of the hotel. Guest rooms feature new carpeting, window treatments, furniture and bedding. Guest room bathrooms were redone in their entirety. Bold patterned carpets, new lighting and window treatments are new elements in the function space which includes a 648 square foot meeting room. The lobby features modern and stylish furnishings, a fireplace, business center and new lobby lounge. Guests also will be treated to a heated indoor swimming pool with new deck furniture. Suite guests will enjoy extra space and special amenities, including a whirlpool bath and terrycloth bathrobes.

Heart of America Group Owner & CEO Mike Whalen said, “Hilton Worldwide is well respected and recognized the world over, and we believe the DoubleTree by Hilton brand is the ideal product for this marketplace. This brand caters to both business and leisure travelers who appreciate a relaxed hotel atmosphere.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport guests will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at the brand’s more than 300 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 24 countries, including the signature welcome with the legendary warm chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in, an array of upscale amenities and guest services, the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

The tastefully appointed guest rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport feature bright décor and modern comforts and conveniences. Rooms provide a single king size or two queen beds; granite bathrooms; mini-fridge; spacious work desks with ergonomic chairs; large screen, high-definition, LCD TVs; MP3-compatible alarm clocks; plush Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree Sleep Experience; Wolfgang Puck in-room gourmet coffee and tea service; and CITRON by Crabtree & Evelyn bath and body products. Complimentary high-speed internet access is available throughout the hotel.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport can accommodate intimate business and social events in a meeting room of 648 sq. ft. The hotel also has a 24-hour self-service business center and complimentary printing service that includes “print-from-your room” convenience. For guests who wish to keep up with their workout program while staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport, a newly renovated, state-of-the-art, fitness center and heated indoor swimming pool are available.

The hotel’s award-winning onsite restaurant, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is a steakhouse complimented with a strong Italian background featuring traditional and innovative items and a superior wine list. The restaurant serves the brand’s signature Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast, which includes hot entrees and healthy options to start the day right. At the end of a busy day, guests can unwind with a fine selection of refreshing cocktails in the restaurant’s stylish Blue Bar. Room service also is available during peak dining hours.

Located adjacent to the Des Moines International Airport and just minutes from downtown Des Moines, the hotel is accessible easily to Highway 5 and Interstates 35 and 80. The DoubleTree by Hilton is located at 6800 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50321. For more information, please visit www.doubletree.com, contact your preferred travel professional or call +1 800 222 TREE.

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.

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 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 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 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 Heart of America Group
Starting with one, 100-seat restaurant back in 1978, Heart of America Group has evolved into a premier Midwest design, construction, and management company with a 30 year history of developing award-winning properties across six Midwestern states. Operating 17 restaurants and 12 hotels, a few of the brands Heart of America Group developed are the Machine Shed Restaurant, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, Wildwood Lodge, and Thunder Bay Grille. They are known for building unique properties that bring value to the consumer and to the community in which they build.