Visitors to Evansville - the commercial and economic hub of south-west Indiana, south-east Illinois and north-west Kentucky - have a new hotel option in the heart of its bustling downtown.

Today marks the grand opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville, a 241-room, five-story, state-of-the-art property just moments from offices, restaurants and cultural attractions along the city’s horseshoe-shaped waterfront.

Guests can stroll the scenic paths along the Ohio River or easily access the adjacent Old National Events Plaza and the Ford Centre via a convenient skybridge connection.

The hotel is the first property in Evansville and third in Indiana for DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Hilton’s 14 brands.

“Downtown Evansville is undergoing a renaissance, and we are delighted to play a major role in it with our warm and inviting new hotel,” said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.”

With architectural elements that harken back to the Tri-State area’s days as a mining and manufacturing region, DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville blends modern and rustic design.

Furnishings and fixtures throughout the hotel carry contemporary, clean lines and warm colour schemes, all cleverly enhanced by metal and raw material accents.

As the largest non-smoking hotel in Evansville, the property offers a wide variety of guest rooms and suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, granite countertops and other tasteful details.

One of the hotel’s most distinctive features is its 12,000 square feet of meeting, reception and event space.

Six separate rooms are highlighted by the elegant Grand Ballroom, which accommodates 650 guests.

For larger events, the space can expand to more than 600,000 square feet given the hotel’s connection to and alliance with the adjacent Evansville Auditorium and Convention Centre (better known as The Old National Events Plaza) and Ford Centre arena.

“Evansville is growing as a leisure and business destination, and our new hotel provides travellers with a much-needed upscale lodging option,” said Tracy Wiley, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville.

“Our staff is eager to deliver service that perfectly blends comfort and style, attributes DoubleTree by Hilton fans appreciate and expect.”