Hilton boosts London presence with hotel expansion
Hilton Worldwide has signed agreements for two new hotels on London’s South Bank - Hilton London Southbank and Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo.
The news follows the recent openings of London Syon Park, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Doubletree by Hilton London West End, with further properties in Wembley, Croydon and Heathrow airport due to open before the end of 2012.
The various new hotels will add more than 500 new jobs to the existing 3,700 employed in Hilton Worldwide properties across London, while also bringing the company’s total number of hotels to 29 open or under development.
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo is set to be not only Hampton’s first property in central London but with 278 guest rooms it will also be one of the brand’s biggest hotels outside of the US.
Paul Brown, president, global brands and shared services, Hilton Worldwide, said: “Ever since London Hilton on Park Lane opened its doors to the world in 1963, Hilton Worldwide has welcomed visitors to London in an increasing number of properties, becoming an integral part of why the capital is such a wonderful destination for both business and leisure.
“This latest announcement comes during a new era for our company as we look to grow our portfolio of brands in London.”
As a franchise agreement with Shiva Hotels, Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo will join more than 1,800 hotels worldwide when it opens in 2013 and a brand which was recently voted the world’s number one franchise by Entrepreneur magazine.
The property will feature the brand’s signature offerings, including the Clean and Fresh Hampton Bed, free internet access and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Hampton by Hilton is designed and styled to appeal to business and leisure travellers, offering best-in-class service and comfort. Other guest amenities include the free On the House hot breakfast, a 24-hour snack area that features light entrees and sandwiches, and a bar area in the evenings to help guests connect after meetings.
City.Mobi
Also in Europe, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to London.
City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.
However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.
London.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.
Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.
Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.
City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.