McLean, Virginia (October 12, 2012) – DoubleTree by Hilton today announced that the historic, AAA four-diamond St. Louis Union Station Hotel has joined the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels as the St. Louis Union Station Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton. Formerly a Marriott, the hotel is owned by Lodging Hospitality Management, a St. Louis-based hotel owner/operator with 23 hotels and venues in the greater St. Louis area, which acquired the hotel along with the entire Union Station complex.

The St. Louis Union Station Hotel - a DoubleTree by Hilton joins other prestigious, iconic hotels that retain their unique character while enjoying the benefits of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, including The Wit in Chicago, Hotel Maya in California, The Curtis in Denver and Gallery One in Ft. Lauderdale.

“For more than a century, this site has been the gateway to the Midwest, first as a train station, and for the last 25 years as a hotel,” said Robert O’Loughlin, CEO of Lodging Hospitality Management.  “When we began considering which brand would best carry on the traditions of the location and complement the rest of the St. Louis landscape, DoubleTree by Hilton emerged as the clear winner.  DoubleTree by Hilton, with their warm chocolate chip cookies and authentic CARE Culture, will resonate with the St. Louis community and the visitors who travel here for a dose of genuine Midwestern hospitality.”

“The DoubleTree brand is enjoying tremendous growth due largely to the vision of owners like Lodging Hospitality Management that appreciate the value of the brand and the benefits that Hilton Worldwide can bring to the table,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.  “St. Louis Union Station- a DoubleTree by Hilton will be a great complement to its sister Hilton hotels in St. Louis.”

The 539-room St. Louis Union Station Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton sits on the site of Union Station, once the largest railway station in the US.  In its heyday in the 1940s, 100,000 passengers passed through its Midway each day.  The famous photo of Harry S. Truman holding the Chicago Tribune headline that proclaimed “Dewey Beats Truman” was shot there as Truman boarded a train for Washington, D.C., after the 1948 Presidential election.  Located in the center of the city, the hotel is within walking distance to Scottrade Center, the Peabody Opera House, Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch and only 20 minutes from Lambert International Airport.

Despite the hotel’s four-diamond status, the historic Grand Hall and Midway are slated for upgrade starting November 1 as part of a $13 million, four-year improvement project.  Once staging and gathering areas in the train station, the Grand Hall and Midway comprise some 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space enhanced by sweeping archways and  adorned with original frescos, mosaics and art glass windows.

The hotel also is home to the city’s Mobil four-star restaurant, Station Grille.  Established in the late 1800s by restaurateur Fred Harvey of Harvey Girls fame, Station Grille was the epitome of service and innovation.  Train passengers were able to wire in their order and find it ready and waiting when they arrived at the terminal.  Station Grille will serve the brand’s signature Wake-Up DoubleTree breakfast.  Additional dining options include Einstein Bagels and the Grand Hall Lounge.  The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.

Guests of the St. Louis Union Station – a DoubleTree by Hilton  are sure to appreciate the characteristic qualities found at the brand’s more than 300 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 23 countries, including the signature warm chocolate chip cookie welcome and an array of upscale amenities and guest services, the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

The St. Louis Union Station – A DoubleTree Hotel is located at 1820 Market St. Louis, Mo., 63103. To contact the hotel directly, please dial (314) 621-5262.  The Union Station-A DoubleTree by Hilton is currently offering double HHonors Points for stays completed between October 12, 2012 – March 11, 2013.

For more information about DoubleTree by Hilton, please visit www.doubletree.com , contact your preferred travel professional or call 1 (800) 222 TREE.

About Lodging Hospitality Management
Lodging Hospitality Management, (LHM) is a locally owned St. Louis-based hotel management company with a growing collection of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues including nine Hilton Family hotels.  To find out more information about Lodging Hospitality Management, visit http://www.lhmc.com

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations and more than 300 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 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.