GAINESVILLE, Fla. and MCLEAN, Va. – Visitors of the quintessential college town of Gainesville can now treat themselves to upscale lodging just moments from campus — with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville.

The fully-renovated, 205-room contemporary hotel is the only DoubleTree by Hilton in Gainesville, one of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) 13 market-leading brands. Ideally situated just two miles from the nearby university campus and UF Health hospital, DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville is a short walk from shops at Butler Plaza and offers convenient access to I-75 and Archer Road.

With both an academic and Gator theme woven carefully throughout the hotel, the design pays homage to the university and exudes an upscale, college town vibe reflected in its contemporary design, atrium-style lobby and unique outside courtyard space perfect for social events or corporate meetings.

"Whether cheering on the Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, visiting for an important meeting or cycling with the family at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, there's no denying Gainesville is both a thriving university city and popular tourism hotspot," said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "Today, DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville is happily opening its doors to the city's diverse set of travelers, providing them with our beloved warm Chocolate Chip Cookie welcome as well as our award-winning service."

Each spacious and newly-renovated guest room has fashionable décor that is both charming and functional. Rooms are furnished with a large, 50" HDTV, Keurig® coffeemaker, guest baths featuring granite stone tops, subway tile showers and DoubleTree Sweet Dreams® Sleep Experience beds. Free, high speed Wi-Fi is offered in each guest room and public area, and many rooms have balconies offering beautiful views of the hotel's courtyards.

"We're excited to offer a hospitality, bar and dining experience unlike anything else in Gainesville," said Ken Ferretti, Vice President at CrossHarbor Capital Partners, who led the redevelopment.

That courtyard feel of the DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville extends to the atrium lobby and its centerpiece, the posh lobby bar. There, guests may unwind over a variety of beers, cocktails and full restaurant menu, while watching sports on the massive, 12-foot wide TV wall. The lobby is also the setting for Fodder and Shine, the hotel's casual rustic restaurant, serving Florida cuisine with a modern flair. For in-room dining, guests may make use of the restaurant's extensive room service option or purchase salads, sandwiches, snacks and beverages from the 24-hour Made Market Pantry.

Those wishing to work out or relax while sunbathing will enjoy the heated, resort-style outdoor pool as well as the newly expanded 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, featuring top of the line cardio equipment.

Should guests need meeting or event space, the DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville provides 1,986 square feet of meeting space in rooms that can accommodate up to 80 people, as well as an indoor/outdoor space ideal for cocktail parties or receptions for as many as 125 people. A state-of-the-art sound system and A/V equipment are also available, as is a 24-hour complimentary business center.

In addition to the iconic warm Chocolate Chip Cookie welcome, the hotel provides guests with a full complement of services and DoubleTree by Hilton brand amenities, including the Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast, an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee offerings by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, and a refreshing array of the Aroma Actives Essentials natural skin and body care line.

"This city draws a wide range of visitors for business, leisure and university activities, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville can effortlessly serve them all," said Matt Dickman, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville. "Backed by the global reputation of Hilton, our beautiful hotel is the perfect destination for individuals or families seeking a comfortable stay."

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville is located at 3726 SW 40th Boulevard, Gainesville, Florida 32608.

For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit dtgainsville.doubletreebyhilton.com or call 352-375-2400. The property is owned by CrossHarbor Capital Partners LLC and managed by Driftwood Hospitality Management.