Doubletree Hotels has entered into a franchise license agreement to introduce the brand’s first upscale, full-service hotel product in the Caribbean. Beginning this summer, the eight-story, 184-room Hotel Pierre at Gallery Plaza will begin a year-long, multi-phase hotel renovation that will include extensive design, technology and service upgrades throughout the hotel. Upon anticipated completion by mid-2008, the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Juan will welcome the world’s travelers with newly renovated guestrooms, leisure facilities, lobby, meeting rooms, and dining outlets.

The hotel is owned by Swiss Chalet, Inc. and will continue to be managed by San Juan-based International Hospitality Enterprises.

” Doubletree Hotels continues to expand its upscale, full-service hotel portfolio at a solid pace. This newest hotel agreement in Puerto Rico reinforces our pride in Doubletree being recognized by hotel owners and developers as a dynamic, credible and lucrative hotel brand for hoteliers around the world,” said Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels. “Doubletree is proud to enter the Puerto Rico hotel market, where we can celebrate, promote and welcome guests to experience the diversity that makes San Juan such an incredible place to visit for business or pleasure.”

Located in the popular Condado area, the Doubletree Hotel San Juan will be the ideal spot for both business and leisure travelers visiting Puerto Rico’s capital city. The hotel is just a short walk to an array of cultural spots including the Puerto Rico Museum of Arts, and Luis A. Ferre Performing Arts Center, as well as the city’s legendary sandy beaches and best casinos. Also nearby is the Hato Rey area, home of the Milla de Oro, known as the island’s main business and banking district. Guests can also visit the historic Old San Juan, where they can travel back in time to experience Puerto Rico’s rich history, while strolling down cobblestone streets, taking in the colonial architecture, or visiting the city’s ancient defensive wall and forts: El Morro and San Cristóbal. And, for the eco-tourist, the island of enchantment is full of pristine experiences.

“We are delighted to announce that the Hotel Pierre will become a Doubletree and a proud member of the Hilton Family of Hotels,” said Hugh Andrews of International Hospitality Enterprises added, “With such a strong marketing, sales and technology infrastructure and the benefit of the highly acclaimed Hilton HHonors(®) guest reward program, the incredibly warm, caring and friendly culture of the Doubletree brand will greatly complement and reinforce our new hotel product.”

Additional details on the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Juan will be made available on www.doubletree.com in the coming months.
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