Dublin, Ireland - - (January 3, 2013) Hilton Worldwide today announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with Martinez Hotels & Resorts to bring its upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Ireland. Since opening its first European hotel in 2008, DoubleTree by Hilton now has almost 60 properties trading or under development across the region.

The deal will see Dublin’s renowned Morrison Hotel reopen as The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in early February, following an extensive $9.3 million refurbishment featuring a new interior design from Dublin-based Nikki O'Donnell Architects (NODA). Centrally located on the banks of the River Liffey, the 138-room hotel is surrounded by the shops, bars and restaurants which have helped Dublin establish itself as one of the most effervescent tourist destinations in Europe.

“DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the fastest growing upscale hotel brands in Europe, and we are confident it will be a hit here in Ireland,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide.  “We’ve been eager to secure the right opportunity and believe we’ve found it in The Morrison. This deal also is indicative of a renewed buoyancy in the Irish hospitality market, visible both in the strong performance of our other Hilton brands and the confidence of owners and developers to invest.”

The hotel is ideally located for guests seeking to access Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre top tourist attractions, plus iconic sporting and concert venues, such as the Aviva Stadium and O2 Arena, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and enduringly popular Guinness Storehouse. The trendy Temple Bar area, whose atmospheric, cobbled streets are home to the cultural and entertainment heartbeat of the city, is a short walk across the river from the hotel.

“The Morrison is a perfect hotel to bring under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, and we will be proud to showcase this hotel as part of our growing portfolio,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We look forward to welcoming travelers to the vibrant, contemporary city of Dublin with our award-winning service culture and delicious, signature chocolate chip cookie at check-in.”

The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel will feature two restaurants and a bar, details of which are to be revealed shortly. Guests will also enjoy access to a 24-hour business zone and split level fitness center.  Event space totaling 4,400 square feet will be available with a range of capacities capable of hosting from 2 to 240 guests.

Recently appointed general manager Patrick Joyce will oversee the running of the hotel, having joined from his previous position as general manager of the Lyrath Estate Hotel in County Kilkenny. Patrick’s hospitality career spans more than 15 years with experience in the U.K., Thailand and the Maldives.

“We are delighted to be working with Hilton Worldwide to bring the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Irish shores for the first time,” said Stephen Mulligan, UK & Ireland director, Martinez Hotels & Resorts. “There were many aspects of The Morrison’s identity we wanted to maintain when making the decision to convert to a branded hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton hugely impressed us with its track record of converting established properties to its globally recognized brand, while ensuring a real sense of individual flavor in every location.”

Hilton Worldwide currently operates four hotels in the Republic of Ireland, all located in the capital city of Dublin.  Its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand has a strong presence in the city and its surrounds with three hotels, whilst the luxury Conrad Dublin completes the portfolio.

Please visit the hotel’s website on doubletree.com for more information.

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 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 Center 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 650,000 rooms in 90 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.