Hilton Worldwide has signed a franchise agreement with Martinez Hotels & Resorts to bring its upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Ireland.

Since opening its first European hotel in 2008, DoubleTree by Hilton now has almost 60 properties trading or under development across the region.

The deal will see Dublin’s renowned Morrison Hotel reopen as The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in early February, following an extensive €7m refurbishment featuring a new interior design from Dublin based Nikki O’Donnell Architects (NODA).

Centrally located on the banks of the River Liffey, the 138 room hotel is surrounded by the shops, bars and restaurants which have seen Dublin establish itself as one of the most effervescent tourist destinations in Europe.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said: “DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the fastest growing upscale hotel brands in Europe and we are confident it will be a hit here in Ireland.

“We have been eager to secure the right opportunity and believe we’ve found it in The Morrison.

“This deal is also indicative of a renewed buoyancy in the Irish hospitality market, visible both in the strong performance of our existing portfolio and the confidence of owners and developers to invest.”

The hotel is ideally located for guests seeking to access Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre, top tourist attractions plus iconic sporting and concert venues such as the Aviva Stadium and O2 Arena, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and enduringly popular Guinness Storehouse.

The trendy Temple Bar area, whose atmospheric cobbled streets are home to the cultural and entertainment heartbeat of the city, is a short walk across the river from the hotel.

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said: “The Morrison is a perfect hotel to bring under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand and we will be proud to showcase this hotel as part of our growing portfolio.”

The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel will feature two restaurants and a bar, details of which are to be revealed shortly.

Guests will also enjoy access to a 24-hour business zone and split level fitness centre. 

Events space totalling 410 square metres will be available with a range of capacities capable of hosting from 2 to 240 guests.