MCLEAN, Va. and MERIDA, Mexico – November 06, 2012 – Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of a DoubleTree by Hilton in Merida – the largest city and capital of Mexico’s state of Yucatan.  Built around an early 20th century mansion, the four-story DoubleTree by Hilton Merida welcomes guests to an experience inspired by the area’s history.

“This latest addition in the exciting city of Merida is a prime example of our efforts to bring the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands to new destinations, and provide travelers a Hilton Worldwide hotel wherever they may visit in the remarkable country of Mexico,” said Danny Hughes, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, for Hilton Worldwide.  “We are thrilled to offer guests a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Merida.  With its culturally impressive offering and the safe surroundings the Yucatan is known for, Merida is an ideal location for our newest hotel in Mexico.”

Located in the city’s business district, DoubleTree by Hilton Merida is just 10 minutes from the international airport, within walking distance to the U.S. Embassy, and five minutes from Merida’s most well known avenue “Paseo de Montejo.”  The 100-room DoubleTree by Hilton Merida is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.  The hotel’s surrounding area is home to many businesses and institutions, while the convention center is 15 minutes away.  Guests can visit Paseo de Montejo, a 19th century boulevard inspired by the Champs Elysées lined with lush trees and elegant mansions.  Ideal for a stroll back in time, the area offers dining, museums and colonial period architecture.

DoubleTree by Hilton Merida is the perfect starting point to experience the city’s culture and history.   Constructed within an elegant mansion built over 50 years ago, the hotel’s eclectic design, highlighted by a facade carved in marble and granite, reflects the thriving economy of the Yucatan peninsula’s late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The new DoubleTree by Hilton Merida’s 100 well-appointed guest rooms and suites feature the Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree Sleep Experience, refreshing Crabtree & Evelyn Citron® bath and body products, 42-inch HDTV flat screen television, in-room tea and coffee making service by Wolfgang Puck, spacious work desks with data ports, MP3-compatible clock radios, and wireless high-speed internet access.   Visitors will also have access to 3,000 square feet of function space, business center, fitness center and outdoor swimming pool.

Dining options feature the signature restaurant La Casona Colón, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and boasting a blend of local specialties and Caribbean cuisine prepared using French culinary techniques.   La Raspa bar provides exclusive cocktails and beverages in a hip and eclectic atmosphere.

Guests will also benefit from the characteristic qualities found at more than 300 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 23 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.

Rob Palleschi, global head of DoubleTree by Hilton for Hilton Worldwide said, “The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Merida not only reinforces our brand’s growing Latin American footprint, but adds yet another exciting leisure destination to our diverse portfolio of hotels in business and leisure destinations across 23 countries.”

Known as “The White City” due to the color of the city’s older colonial casonas (houses) and its cleanliness, Merida is the largest city and capital of Mexico’s state of Yucatan.   A cultural haven, Merida was designated an American capital of culture in 2000 and is home to an array of museums, art galleries, theaters, restaurants and shopping, complemented by the city’s colonial architecture and vibrant ambiance.   Visitors to Merida can also enjoy a day trip to the Chichen Itza ruins, one of the new seven wonders of the world and most visited archaeological sites of Mexico.

For reservations or further information, visit www.meridayucatan.doubletreebyhilton.com or call 1-800-222-TREE or +52 (999) 286-3333.

Hilton Worldwide currently has a portfolio of 28 hotels and resorts open and welcoming travelers in Mexico.  The company is actively pursuing additional Latin America growth opportunities with a robust development pipeline that includes properties in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay.

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations and more than 310 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 travelers. 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 program, each DoubleTree by Hilton guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them.  To find out information about any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers 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.  DoubleTree by Hilton is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a 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 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories 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.