May 06--MANAMA -- Global hospitality company Hilton Worldwide (HWW) yesterday announced plans to open a five-star hotel in Bahrain by 2015.

It comes following the signing of a management agreement with Bahraini developer Tashyeed Properties Company.

The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bahrain is a 350-room five-star property in Juffair.

"HWW is expanding its presence across the Middle East with the addition of Bahrain to its portfolio of operating countries," the company's vice-president for development in the Middle East Carlos Khneisser told the GDN.

"This is a significant announcement... We will continue to look for new opportunities such as this in key markets and Bahrain is certainly a key market."

DoubleTree Suites will form part of an upscale, mixed-use development with offerings ranging from studio apartments to premium three-bedroom accommodations.

The hotel, which is expected to appeal to the long-stay corporate and leisure guests, will feature three restaurants, of which two will be speciality, a lobby lounge, two meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and 'his and hers' health clubs.

"We have the right partner, the right location and the right property to add value and presence to the Manama landscape and to the character of the city," HWW Middle East and Africa president Rudi Jagersbacher said.

Describing the Bahrain market as exciting, DoubleTree by Hilton global head John Greenleaf said the company was currently enjoying great success in the Middle East with 13 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels due to open in the region within the next three years.

"Bahrain has so much to offer the leisure and business guest and I am very pleased the new five-star property will bear the name of one of the Middle East's longest-serving and best recognised hotel brands," Tashyeed Properties Company and Mannai Holding chairman Salem Al Mannai said.

"Hilton Worldwide has a wealth of hospitality experience and, together, we will create an outstanding property with world-class facilities and service," he said.

"Once completed, this striking, iconic hotel will showcase the very best in hospitality and offer a unique proposition for guests and visitors to Bahrain," the developer's chief executive Anil Nair said.

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