BARCELONA, Spain – December 3, 2012 – Hilton Worldwide confirmes the signing of a franchise agreement with Layetana to open its second DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Spain.

The deal will see the conversion of the existing La Mola Hotel & Conference Center to the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand, with the renovated property set to open at the beginning of 2013.  The news follows the announcement earlier this month of the brand’s launch into the Spanish market with the signing of its first hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Emporda.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “The DoubleTree by Hilton brand has experienced unprecedented growth in Europe with more than 55 hotels operating or in development across the region and we’re delighted to be announcing our second DoubleTree in quick succession. This hotel already has an excellent reputation in Spain and internationally, and when you combine that with the benefits of Hilton Worldwide's global systems and our Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programm, it is a winning formula.”

The 186-guestroom DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center La Mola will feature the brand’s signature welcome with the legendary warm chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services, and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

Designed with low environmental impact, sophisticated energy-use and recycling systems and natural-lighting throughout, the hotel’s 4,500sqm of meeting space also features state-of-the-art equipment.  This superb conference and events facility holds 26 meeting rooms with a combined capacity for over 250 people, two ballrooms, two 54 seat auditoriums and a specialist video conferencing room. The property also features an adjoining 17th century Manor House which provides a charming venue for weddings, celebrations and corporate events.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center La Mola is an exciting conversion that will exemplify the brand. With a picturesque location just north of Barcelona, a stunning spa offering, superb conference facilities and an excellent restaurant, the property will be a welcome addition to our portfolio Spain – which is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations.”

Sat at the foot of the Prelitoral Mountain range and inside the grounds of Sant Llorenc del Munt nature reserve, the hotel’s charming surrounds and the adjacent 45-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course also make it an ideal countryside retreat. Despite its idyllic location, the hotel is readily accessible and lies just five kilometers from Terrassa city centre and 28km away from the Catalan capital of Barcelona.

The hotel also features a spa with five treatment rooms, a fitness room with cardiovascular equipment, an indoor swimming pool and a large outdoor swimming pool with an extensive landscaped area to enjoy during the warmer months.  A fine-cuisine all-day restaurant is also included on-site.

Santiago Mercadé, CEO, Layetana, said, “We are delighted to be working with Hilton Worldwide to further develop the extraordinary possibilities of this hotel under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand. The conversion will allow us to become part of a rapidly expanding global brand with a unique sense of style that fits perfectly with the offering we want to develop for both business and leisure guests at La Mola.”

Hilton Worldwide currently operates five hotels in Spain, in Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo and Palma in Mallorca.  DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center La Mola will become the brand’s second hotel in Spain with its debut signing at Emporda set to open by the end of the year.

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations and more than 315 hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations in 25 countries, DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travellers. 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 programme, each DoubleTree by Hilton guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. To find out information about any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travellers may visit our website at www.DoubleTree.com or contact their preferred travel professional. 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 Centre at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a 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 offered 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 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 91 countries and territories 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®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.