DoubleTree by Hilton Makes Shanghai Debut

SHANGHAI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong – the tenth hotel to open in China as part of the fast-growing, upscale hotel brand within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels. The 850-room, two-tower, iconic hotel complex soars majestically 47 storeys over the Shanghai's Pudong New Area and offers convenient access to Shanghai New International Exposition Center (SNIEC), Shanghai Central Business District and the Shanghai High-Speed Maglev Train to Pudong International Airport.

As part of the conversion of the former Sofitel JJ Oriental Hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong will commence a multi-million-dollar (USD) property refurbishment program in early 2012 with a variety of new product, service and design enhancements throughout the hotel that are forecasted to be completed in 2013.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton continues a strong development momentum in China, with hotels now welcoming world travellers in -10 key Chinese destinations, with five additional hotels to open later this year. Shanghai Pudong New Area has been earmarked as a key driver for growth in Shanghai's economy. The location of the DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong within the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and its proximity to business establishments and cultural attractions provide an opportunity for the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to create an outstanding hotel experience for both business and leisure guests, alike through a combination of contemporary style and fine hospitality.”

The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong is part of a strong hotel development pipeline that is expected to lead to more than 30 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels and resorts opening in key city centres and leisure destinations across China during the next few years.

Formerly the Sofitel JJ Oriental Hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong will operate under a franchise agreement with Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels (Group) Co. Ltd. and will be managed by Interstate China Hotels & Resorts Company Limited, a joint venture between Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Company Limited (“Jin Jiang Hotels”), China's leading hotel operator and developer and Interstate Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest and leading U.S.-based global hotel management companies.

"Introducing DoubleTree by Hilton to Shanghai is a landmark occasion for Hilton Worldwide,” said Andrew Clough, senior vice president - development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, “Not only is it our first franchised property in China, it is also the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in the country's fastest growing metropolis. Shanghai Eastern Jin Jiang Hotel Co. Ltd. and its parent company, Jin Jiang International Holdings Co. Ltd, have established themselves as a formidable force within the hospitality sector in China with numerous properties to their name. On top of that, the appointment of Interstate Hotels & Resorts as the management company is an additional element that will contribute to the success of this project.”

Hotel amenities include more than 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and special event space, a fitness centre, spa with men's and women's sauna and steam facilities, outdoor tennis courts, indoor swimming pool and extensive retail shops. As part of the hotel's refurbishment program, a new 800 square-metre (8,000 square-feet) ballroom will be constructed, while all food & beverage outlets, meeting and banquet space and retail offerings will also be re-designed and revitalized to meet the high quality standards and contemporary style of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand.

Guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at the brand's more than 280 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 23 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand's legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme; and a unique and caring team commitment to the local community.

The DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong joins a growing collection of 10 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels open in China. In Shanghai, the new DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong complements other Hilton Worldwide brands such as the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, Hilton Shanghai and Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao.

The DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong is located at 889 Yanggao Nan Road Pudong, Shanghai, China 200127. For more information about the DoubleTree by Hilton, Shanghai-Pudong, please contact your preferred travel professional, contact the hotel directly at +86-21-50504888 or visit the hotel's website www.shanghaipudong.doubletreebyhilton.com.

About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels

With a fast-growing global collection of contemporary, upscale hotels in more than 280 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 75,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveller feel human again.

To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com. 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 news.doubletree.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 88 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.