PHUKET, Thailand – November 19, 2012 – Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of its first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Phuket, Thailand. The 250-room DoubleTree Resort by Hilton – Surin Beach is located on the west coast of the island on Surin Beach, which is approximately 24 kilometers from Phuket International Airport.

“Hilton Worldwide has been in Thailand since 1983 and we currently operate six hotels in key destinations including Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Hua Hin and Phuket. Thailand is a key focus market for us due to its enormous potential for growth and as we continue to expand our footprint here, the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton – Surin Beach marks the entry of one of our fastest growing brands, DoubleTree by Hilton, into Thailand,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

Formerly the Courtyard by Marriott, the rebranded, four-story DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, Phuket – Surin Beach sits strategically between Phuket International Airport and Patong, the island’s popular tourist center. The resort offers over 80 suites and has three food and beverage outlets which include Asia Alive, an all-day dining restaurant, The Boardwalk, a pool bar serving snacks, and a food and beverage retail outlet, The Food Store. There will also be four meetings rooms as well as a business center, fitness club, outdoor lagoon-style pools, water slides and a kids club.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton is very pleased to welcome our first property in Thailand to our exciting portfolio of more than 310 properties globally. With the opening of the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket – Surin Beach, both domestic and international guests coming to this popular resort destination will be introduced to the quality accommodation and personalized, welcoming level of service and hospitality that is synonymous with the brand.”

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket – Surin Beach will have all the qualities currently found at the brand’s more than 310 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 23 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 guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team commitment to giving back to the local community.

Phuket is one of Asia’s leading leisure destinations and is famous for its white sandy beaches, pristine waters, inland mountains and renowned Thai hospitality. The island has been a well established destination for over 30 years and continues to grow at a strong rate. Surin is situated on the west coast of Phuket and is one of the most sought-after destinations in Phuket due to its fine white sandy beaches and turquoise water. Surin Beach is popular with both tourists and Thais for its large selection of beach restaurants ranging from the popular Catch Beach Club to local beachside restaurants.

Hilton Worldwide currently manages six properties in Thailand including Conrad Bangkok, Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Hilton Pattaya, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa and Conrad Koh Samui, and will open Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and DoubleTree by Hilton, Sukhumvit Bangkok in 2013.

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

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.

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.