Hilton Worldwide announced is signing a franchise license agreement with Tehelne Pole a.s for a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Bratislava, Slovakia. The newly-built property, already under development, is anticipated to open in Q2, 2011 and will be the second Hilton Worldwide property in the country.

The 120-guestroom DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava will be conveniently located in the commercial district of the capital city. The hotel’s prime location is just 2.5 kilometers from the city centre and adjacent to the city’s new, multi-functional 9,000 capacity event center – a key venue for the Ice Hockey World Championship in Bratislava and Kosice in April and May 2011. The event center will also be home to the local ice hockey team.

As the capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic hub of the country. DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava’s conference facilities, proximity to the new event center and near-to-city location will make it a desirable option for a range of travelers. DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava will join DoubleTree by Hilton Kosice, which has been operating in Slovakia since early 2009.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton Worldwide in Europe and Africa, said, “Our growing presence in Slovakia demonstrates the increasing demand by investors and guests for the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands, particularly in Eastern Europe and in capital city locations. We are delighted to have signed this new DoubleTree by Hilton property in an ideal location for both leisure and corporate guests.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava will feature the traditional characteristics of the brand including the warm, worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; comfortable, stylish accommodations and full-service amenities; along with a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “The DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava represents another important new chapter for our brand’s growing collection in Eastern Europe. This outstanding hotel project continues to reinforce the potential for owners of current and new-build hotel projects to become affiliated with Hilton Worldwide through the DoubleTree by Hilton brand.”

The property will offer a full-service restaurant, bistro bar, spa facility with swimming pool and sauna and a dedicated Precor fitness centre. The lobby area will feature a grand staircase leading to extensive conference facilities including a 500sqm ballroom and eight additional meeting rooms ranging between 52sqm and 150sqm.

Mr. Juraj Siroky Jr, Tehelne Pole a.s., said, “Working with the world leader in hospitality and a well-renowned brand like DoubleTree by Hilton is an exciting prospect for us. We look forward to welcoming travelers to DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava and believe this new hotel is a great addition to Slovakia with huge potential in a strategic location.”

Hilton Worldwide continues to grow its presence in Eastern Europe, with development resources dedicated to countries in the region including Romania, Hungary, Turkey and Russia. Slovakia has attracted the interest of Hilton Worldwide due to its strong business and leisure demand in both city locations and resort destinations.

DoubleTree by Hilton is a proud member of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels, with a fast-growing network that spans more than 240 hotel and resort locations across five continents. The upscale, full-service hotel brand has seen remarkable growth since its European introduction in the spring of 2008 with 17 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels now open in eight countries across Europe.

Currently Hilton Worldwide has 198 hotels across Europe, with a development pipeline of more than 80 hotels between now and 2013. Additional DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in the region currently under development include locations in Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.