PHOENIX--June 6, 1997-- Doubletree Hotels Corp. Friday announced the
simultaneous reflagging of 36 Red Lion hotels, the largest one-day brand
conversion in full-service hotel industry history.
The conversions bring to 56 the number of new DoubleTree Hotels added in the last six months.
Guests visiting any Doubletree hotels nationwide during the week of
June 9 will be greeted by a variety of
celebrations, special events and receptions. In addition, the company
used the occasion of its
unprecedented growth to announce its commitment to fund ``Room to Grow,''
an innovative school-to-work
program.
Richard M. Kelleher, president and chief executive officer of Doubletree
Hotels, said the Red Lion
acquisition proved a perfect match for Doubletree. ``The converted
hotels will benefit from greater name
recognition associated with a national brand, a stronger reservation
system and a national sales force, while
bolstering our presence in the Western U.S.''
Kelleher explained the decision to accelerate the conversion process.
``Feedback from guests and employees
has been very positive at the four Red Lion hotels converted in March.
We realized that our fast-track
program could be readily duplicated at all properties at once rather
than converting 15 hotels a quarter
through the end of the year as originally planned.''
Doubletree is making several changes to bring the new properties into
full compliance with the company's
high standards. The most noticeable changes include new hotel signage
as well as giving guests the
signature Doubletree chocolate chip cookie upon arrival. Other improvements
include upgraded amenities,
intensive employee training programs and property renovations.
These changes will ensure that the hotels meet both the service
and facility expectations of Doubletree
guests nationwide.
``Our success is largely attributed to the support of our employees
and the communities in which we
operate,'' Kelleher explained. ``Today's high school students are tomorrow's
hospitality industry leaders.
Room to Grow will not only motivate and excite these young people,
but it will also provide them with the
training and education they need to succeed in the fast-growing hospitality
industry.''
In commemoration of the company's rapid expansion efforts, Doubletree
hotels nationwide will be offering
greatly reduced ``Celebration Rates,'' starting at $49. ``This is our
way of thanking our guests for their
continued loyalty and welcoming our new friends to service that is
distinctively Doubletree,'' said Thomas
W. Storey, executive vice president, sales and marketing.
``Celebration Rates'' represent savings ranging up to 40 percent off
regular room rates, depending on
location. Guests must book their room between June 8 and July 11, and
stay at the hotel between June 9 and
Sept. 1. Rates are subject to availability.
Doubletree Hotels, with headquarters in Phoenix, is one of the largest
U.S. hotel management companies
with more than 240 hotels and approximately 57,000 rooms in 39 states,
the District of Columbia, Mexico and
the Caribbean.
Doubletree properties currently extend into three markets: Doubletree
Hotels -- upscale, first-class,
full-service hotels; Doubletree Guests Suites -- first-class, all-suite
hotels; and Club Hotels by Doubletree --
mid-market hotels targeted to the frequent business traveler.
For reservations for all Doubletree hotels, call 800/222-TREE.
Visit the company on the World Wide Web at www.doubletreehotels.com
June 9 Conversions
Arizona
March 10 Conversions:
California: