Hilton Worldwide is delighted to announce the signing of a franchise development agreement with SC Valdor SRL for a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Ploiesti, Romania. The hotel conversion project is located in a prominent position in the city and will proudly open as the DoubleTree by Hilton Ploiesti in 2011 following refurbishment and extensive upgrades.

DoubleTree by Hilton is planning to open three hotels in Romania within the coming year in Oradea, Bucharest and Ploiesti. The Ploiesti deal also represents the seventh Hilton Worldwide hotel across its portfolio of brands, either operating or under development in the country, under the Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton brands.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe and Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “We have dedicated development resources in Romania and regard it as an important market in our European growth plans. The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Ploiesti demonstrates the brand’s appeal in the market, particularly for new build and conversion hotels.”

DoubleTree by Hilton stands by a set of business values that make their hotels a desirable place for employees to work and a rewarding place for travellers to stay. Featuring 242 guest rooms, two restaurants and a bar with a terrace, the hotel will welcome guests with the caring, hospitable characteristics of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, which begins with the legendary DoubleTree Cookie presented to every guest at check-in. The comfortable and stylish accommodations at the hotel will be complemented by a Precor fitness centre, swimming pool and spa with treatment rooms. Guests also can make use of the hotel’s business centre and meetings and events space.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “Our third DoubleTree by Hilton Romanian hotel signing in Ploiesti signifies excellent growth for us in Eastern Europe. With more than 30 hotels and resorts now operating or in development across Europe, DoubleTree by Hilton continues to be recognized by consumers and hotel developers alike as an outstanding, full-service collection of hotels and resorts that is growing quickly throughout Europe and around the world.”

Ploiesti is situated approximately 60 kilometres north of Bucharest and 45 kilometres from Bucharest International Airport. The city is an industrial centre, focused especially on the oil production and refining industry and also textile manufacturing and retail. DoubleTree by Hilton Ploiesti will be located in the city centre.

Dorulet Morcovescu of SC Valdor SRL, said, “Our hotel will make a fantastic addition for Hilton Worldwide in Romania and I am delighted that we will be part of DoubleTree by Hilton’s global portfolio. We look forward to welcoming guests to Ploiesti by providing the famous warm, caring and welcoming DoubleTree by Hilton service which is renowned across the world.”

Hilton Worldwide currently welcomes guests at two hotels in Romania, Hilton Sibiu and Hilton Bucharest Athenee Palace, which signaled the company’s entry into the market in 1997.