BRISTOL, England-May 3, 2013---Following the completion of a comprehensive refurbishment project, DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre announced its opening today. The public areas and each of the hotel’s 201 guestrooms have been transformed, bringing them up to DoubleTree by Hilton’s upscale standards with a new design concept that pays tribute to the city’s proud industrial and seafaring heritage.

Relics from Bristol’s heyday as a maritime trading centre adorn the hotel, whilst the legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the engineer behind the Great Western Railway, is also keenly felt. Nowhere are guests more steeped in the city’s rich history than in the hotel’s centrepiece, the Kiln Restaurant; a listed 17th century kiln which originally forged glassware, is now home to culinary craftsmanship of similar pedigree, offering a unique atmosphere in which to enjoy a range of contemporary dishes.

Simon Vincent, president, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Hilton Worldwide has a strong presence in Bristol, operating hotels under three different brands. With the city having recently been shortlisted to be European Green Capital 2015, it is an exciting time to be further expanding our portfolio here.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre is owned by Focus Hotels Management Ltd, and operated under a franchise license agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide. The hotel enjoys an enviable location 400m from Bristol Temple Meads rail station. It is situated on Redcliffe Way, a main road which leads directly to the historic docks, now a popular tourist attraction, housing Brunel’s majestic steamship ss Great Britain.

Conferences and events are well served with nine meeting rooms on site, with capacity for up to 300 delegates. All guests can enjoy access to the hotel’s connectivity zone enabling them to keep up to date on the move whilst the fitness centre remains open round the clock. The Temple Bar and Lounge provides a more relaxing option for those seeking to unwind after a long day, with a range of drinks and snacks available including traditional dishes from the West Country.

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton is a brand that cherishes individuality and a real sense of place within our hotels. We’re delighted with the work that has been done to restore these qualities to our new Bristol property, which is the first of seven new UK hotels being added to our rapidly expanding portfolio this year.”

Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre will also be treated to signature brand features including the welcome of a warm chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; the invigorating array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn in the rooms; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

Peter Cashman, CEO of Focus Hotels Management Ltd, said, “I am delighted to announce the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre. Our team is excited to have a second hotel under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, following the unveiling of our DoubleTree by Hilton London - Heathrow Airport last July.”

DoubleTree by Hilton is one of Europe’s fastest growing hotel brands, with 41 hotels now in operation across the continent. It boasts 19 properties in the UK, including DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol South - Cadbury House, an idyllic spa retreat set in the North Somerset countryside, half an hour from Bristol’s city centre. Guests at all DoubleTree by Hilton hotels can participate in the award winning Hilton HHonors® loyalty scheme, offering the chance to earn global rewards at over 3,000 hotels worldwide.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.doubletree.com, call 0870 590 9090 or contact your travel agent.

About DoubleTree By Hilton