Orlando, Fla. – October 10, 2012 -- John L. Parkinson has been appointed general manager of DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Orlando - Lake Buena Vista, the only all-suite Downtown Disney® hotel located inside Walt Disney World Resort® in Orlando, Florida. Parkinson most recently held the position of general manager for Embassy Suites Orlando, International Drive South Convention Center.  In his new capacity, Parkinson will oversee operations for the seven-story, full-service hotel featuring 229 deluxe, one and two-bedroom suites.

Parkinson joined Hilton Worldwide in 2003 as assistant general manager after training with Wyndham Hotels and working in various operational positions at Marriott in Orlando.

In 2005, he was promoted to hotel manager of Embassy Suites Orlando, International Drive South Convention Center before becoming general manager in 2008.  Under his leadership, the hotel received numerous awards including: consecutive Genius of the AND Awards (All Green) in 2010 and 2011, Highest Problem Resolution for the Embassy Brand in 2011 as well as Highest TOS Engagement in a Full Service Property in 2011.

Parkinson graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College where he was an All-American Baseball Player with a B.S. in Business Administration.  He currently is active on the Board of Directors for the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, and is Chairman of the Resort Area Chamber of Commerce.

He enjoys coaching his 4-year-old son’s baseball team and he and his wife recently welcomed a new baby girl to their family.

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.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the 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 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 91 countries and 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.