LOS ANGELES - (October 11, 2011) – DoubleTree by Hilton has officially announced the signing of a franchise license agreement with 120 South Los Angeles Street Hotel Operator LLC for a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Currently the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens, an extensive, multi-phase hotel renovation program is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the 430-room property becoming the DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown in spring 2012.  The hotel will be managed by Southern California-based Rim Hospitality and will be the largest hotel in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio serving the city’s downtown district.

“From London to New York and Chicago to Kuala Lumpur, DoubleTree by Hilton continues to introduce the world’s travellers to a fast-growing portfolio of outstanding city center hotel locations.  By next spring, the new name, look and energy behind the DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown will be rewarding for hotel team members, guests and the community alike,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.  “We are proud to work together with hotel owners and Rim Hospitality on this exciting hotel development in the heart of the City of Angels.”

Situated one block from city hall in the Little Tokyo district, the location of the soon-to-be DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown is within moments of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Olvera Street and a dynamically diverse downtown district in California’s largest city.  Towering 21 stories above downtown Los Angeles, the full-service hotel will offer 15,000 square feet of meetings and events space for up to 650 guests, a business center, a fitness center and multiple food and beverage outlets.  A lushly landscaped, half-acre rooftop garden, inspired by an ancient garden in Japan, serves as a hotel and community centerpiece that overlooks the stunning Los Angeles skyline.

Mark Burden, President/CEO, Rim Hospitality said “We are thrilled to bring the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to downtown Los Angeles. This new agreement with an outstanding hotel ownership will allow us to create an outstanding hotel to meet, work or play in one of downtown’s most ideal locations.  With expanded customer benefits through the Hilton HHonorsâ guest loyalty program and the extensive sales, marketing and technology network Hilton Worldwide provides, we expect both the hotel and the downtown Los Angeles business community to mutually benefit from the introduction of the DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown. We look forward to partnering with the local business community and Little Tokyo Community Council on enhancing the Japanese Garden and overall experience at hotel.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown guests will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at the brand’s more than 265 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 21 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors â guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.  DoubleTree by Hilton currently welcomes the world’s travelers at more than 30 fine hotels in city center, suburban and vacation destinations across the Golden State.

For more information on DoubleTree by Hilton, please contact your local travel professional or visit the brand’s website at www.doubletree.com.

About Rim Hospitality
Rim Hospitality is a leading national hotel management company with Corporate Headquarters located in Newport Beach, CA and several executive offices strategically positioned across the country. Rim Hospitality has been managing hotels throughout the United States for almost 30 years and is an approved management company with Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, IHG and other national hotel chains. Rim Hospitality is a full service hotel management company and has over 90 hotels in their portfolio.

About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels
With a fast-growing global collection of contemporary, upscale hotels in more than 250 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 60,000 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

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 been offering 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 3,750 hotels and timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 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®. For more information about the company, visit www.HiltonWorldwide.com or connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.HiltonWorldwideGlobalMediaCenter.com