Raleigh-Durham, NC — (February 25, 2013) – DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park .  Known locally as the “Mansion on the Hill,” the former Hilton hotel converts to Hilton Worldwide’s fastest-growing full service brand following a dramatic seven-month $8 million renovation that includes unique design enhancements to the exterior and interior public spaces, guest room makeovers, and the introduction of a new locally-driven restaurant concept. General Manager Henry Naber, who joined the hotel’s seasoned management staff this month, leads the transformation.  The hotel is owned and operated by Driftwood Hospitality.

“With its genuine caring culture and commitment to a superior guest experience, the DoubleTree by Hilton brand is a natural fit with our authentic southern hospitality,” said Naber. “This transformation allows us to continue offering guests the exceptional level of service they have come to expect from the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, with the added signature touches of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand—starting with the iconic, warm, chocolate chip cookie welcome.”

Guests can now enjoy features exclusive to the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, including the Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast, a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn and an industry-recognized service culture which is built around the idea of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience for guests).  Guests who are members of the Hilton HHonors loyalty program continue to have the ability to earn and redeem points at the hotel, and Gold and Diamond level members will continue to receive a complimentary breakfast buffet and complimentary high speed internet access during their stay.

DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park‘s complete renovation commenced in July 2012 and includes updates and enhancements to the 248 guest rooms and suites, 9,300 square feet of flexible meeting space, and all public areas. Two covered porches, perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions, have been added to the 1,800 square feet of lush outdoor space. Guests continue to enjoy the grand veranda with wicker rocking chairs and porch swings, an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour state of the art Precor fitness center and a 24-hour business center.

As part of the renovation, the hotel also unveils a new restaurant, Vintage Carolina, featuring a menu of locally-grown food with local artisan partners.

“With its charm and reputation for southern hospitality, this hotel is perfectly suited to our brand,” said John Greenleaf, global head – DoubleTree by Hilton. “We look forward to bringing our signature DoubleTree by Hilton experience to even more guests with the opening of our fourth hotel in the Raleigh-Durham area.”

Conveniently located adjacent to Research Triangle Park, the DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport Hotel at Research Triangle Park provides a restful location in the heart of Durham’s business center. Situated just 2.5 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), the hotel is also close to some of the world’s largest companies, including IBM, GlaxoSmithKline and Quintiles. Nearby attractions include Duke University, Durham Performing Arts Center, RBC Entertainment Center, Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion and Duke Gardens. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle for guests traveling within a five mile radius.

Henry Naber brings more than 27 years of hospitality experience to the seasoned management team at DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park. Naber’s prior experience includes general manager roles for Holiday Inn hotels, Crown Plaza in Phoenix, Ariz., and most recently the Fiesta Resort Conference Center in Tempe, Ariz., where he served as general manager for the past five years. Naber began his career in hospitality in 1986, opening a restaurant and catering company in Washington, D.C., where he coordinated events for national news outlets and high profile politicians.

The hotel is featuring a special opening promotion, offering double Hilton HHonors points for travel completed between March 1 and April 30, 2013. For reservations or to inquire about hosting a meeting or event, visit www.doubletree.com, contact your preferred travel professional or call 919-941-6000.

About Driftwood Hospitality Management
Based in North Palm Beach, Fla., Driftwood Hospitality Management, LLC is a leader in providing solutions-based services for the domestic and international hotel industry. Guided by The Driftwood Difference – Flexibility, Diversity, Integrity, Accessibility, Originality, the company covers the full spectrum of lodging business needs. From full-service, upscale and upper-upscale hotels to mid-size extended-stay, select and limited-service properties, Driftwood’s portfolio represents virtually every segment of the hospitality industry. Focused on strategic acquisition, development, third-party management, asset management and receivership, Driftwood has extensive management experience and relationships with most major brands, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group, Inc., Carlson, Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Wyndham Worldwide. With offices in Costa Rica, Scottsdale, Ariz. and Miami, Fla., the company and its hotels have received more than 20 industry awards in the past three years.

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 325 upscale hotels in 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 65,000 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.