GIRONA, Spain – 7 November 2012 – Hilton Worldwide today announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with Urbano Rural Hotelara SL to open its first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Spain.

Set to convert by the end of the year, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Emporda will be an upscale, 87 guestroom property located on the site of Emporda Golf Club.  The site boasts two 18-hole golf courses created by Robert von Hagge, the award-winning golf course designer.  Only five minutes drive to the nearest beach, the hotel will provide a contemporary, new accommodation offering for holidaymakers on the Costa Brava.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Hilton Worldwide has had a presence in Spain for more than 20 years and the country remains an enduringly popular travel destination with the latest visitor numbers demonstrating year on year growth. As well as city centre and airport locations, such as Barcelona and Madrid, our brands are equally suited to resort locations and we’re delighted to be introducing DoubleTree by Hilton to such a prestigious Spanish golfing destination.”

Emporda is a region of the province Girona, set within one of Spain’s most renowned tourist resorts, the Costa Brava.  Also known as the ‘rugged coast’, the Costa Brava stretches for 60km along the coast of Catalonia and is famed primarily for its warm climate and idyllic beaches.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Emporda is located near the city of Girona (capital of the province bearing the same name), with its city centre 48km from the resort and easily accessible by car.  Transport links from Girona include the International Girona-Costa Brava Airport and Girona Rail Station.  Regular trains and buses connect Girona to the Catalan capital city of Barcelona, whose principal airport of El Prat sees 34 million visitors pass through its doors each year.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “The DoubleTree by Hilton brand continues to gather momentum across Europe with more than 60 hotels now trading or in the pipeline, and we are delighted to be entering Spain as our eleventh European market.  We look forward to welcoming travellers seeking the delights of the Costa Brava and the top-class facilities at Emporda Golf Club along with our award-winning service culture and delicious, signature chocolate chip cookie at check-in.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Emporda will feature a restaurant as well as a barbecue during the summer months.  Guests will be also enjoy access to a 24-hour business centre, fitness centre and a spa with in-door pool.  A range of meeting rooms will also be available totalling 354 square metres with capacity from 10 to 350 guests.

Miguel Angel Carulla, Urbano Rural Hotelara SL, said, “We are proud to be working with Hilton Worldwide in introducing the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Spain.  The conversion will allow us to benefit from the experience of an established global brand renowned for its unique style, which allows the resort to maintain a unique Catalan flavor and connection with the neighbouring Emporda Golf Club.”

Hilton Worldwide currently operates five hotels in Spain in Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo and Palma, Mallorca.  Earlier this year, Hilton Barcelona underwent a €23 million renovation and reopened in June 2012.  The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton hotel & Spa Emporda follows the recent opening of Conrad Algarve as Hilton Worldwide continues to increase its presence throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations and more than 310 hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations in 23 countries, 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 hotel, travelers 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.  DoubleTree by Hilton is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

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.