SUNRISE, Fla. (April 3,2012) – StepStone Hospitality, manager of a 250-room, full-service hotel located in Sunrise, Fla., today announced that the hotel has completed a $4 million refurbishment and re-branded as the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sunrise – Sawgrass Mills. The hotel, formerly a Crowne Plaza, is owned by Boston-based Long Wharf Real Estate Partners LLC and managed by StepStone Hospitality, based in Rhode Island.
 
“By rebranding to DoubleTree, the hotel is the only full-service Hilton hotel brand in the area,” said Blair Wills, president and chief operating officer, StepStone Hospitality. “Guests can now reap all the benefits offered by the Hilton family of hotels, including the award-winning guest loyalty program and DoubleTree’s signature fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.”
 
Located at 13400 Sunrise Boulevard, the new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sunrise – Sawgrass Mills is adjacent to the Sawgrass Mills shopping complex near Fort Lauderdale. Sawgrass Mills is the sixth largest mall in the United States and the second largest in Florida.
 
“Guests tell us that they love the upgrades we’ve made to the hotel,” explained John Schilling, general manager. “We get the most positive guest comments about the comfortable, but elegant sleep experience and our industry-leading in-room programming that provides guests access to more than 120 high-definition television channels.”
 
The Sweet Dreams® by Doubletree Sleep Experience includes a custom-designed, plush-top mattress and a high-end, residential linen package of baffle-box down blankets, 200-thread count linens with triple sheeting, elegant contemporary bedcovers and matching bed skirts.
 
The hotel is only the second in the Fort Lauderdale area to offer a new, enhanced television viewing experience from Direct TV. The Residential Experience delivers a home-away-from-home video experience by providing hotel guests access to more than 120 HD channels. Additional guestroom enhancements include new in-room furniture, energy-efficient lighting, digital thermostats and 37-inch flat screen televisions in each room.
 
Another popular change has been adding the Wake up DoubleTree breakfast™ to the menu at the hotel’s three-meal restaurant, Peyton’s Place. The daily breakfast buffet includes hot entrees, as well as a range of healthy options like granola, yogurt, whole grain breads and cereals.
 
Lobby upgrades include creating a gathering area complete with comfortable lounge chairs, large televisions and an easy access business center that offers guests complimentary use of three state-of-the-art touch screen computers. The hotel’s renovated fitness center now offers a larger workout area with state-of-the-art equipment. Upgrades include five cardio machines with individual flat screen televisions, universal machine and free weights.

As part of the Hilton family of hotels, the DoubleTree Hotel Sunrise Sawgrass Mills offers the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest-loyalty program. HHonors is the only guest-loyalty program to offer 'Points & Miles' and 'No Blackout Dates' at more than 3,750 hotels worldwide. In addition to redeeming HHonors points for complimentary hotel stays, HHonors members can use points to purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions and more. Membership in HHonors is free, and travelers may enroll online by visiting HiltonHHonors.com.

About Long Wharf Real Estate Partners LLC
Long Wharf Real Estate Partners LLC is a Boston-based private equity real estate investment manager formed in July 2011 following the spin-out of the Fidelity Real Estate Group from Fidelity Investments.  Long Wharf currently manages two value-added real estate funds with aggregate committed capital of $1.5 billion from 60 institutional investors.

About StepStone Hospitality
Rhode Island-based StepStone Hospitality specializes in management for full-service hotel and restaurant operations. The company provides a unique combination of strong, hands-on operations, world-class strategic asset management, and food and beverage expertise, maintaining a balanced focus between revenue enhancement, margin expansion and guest satisfaction.

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 240 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, 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 hotels, travelers may visit www.DoubleTree.com or contact their preferred travel professional.