DoubleTree by Hilton is offering travellers the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Lisbon, with the opening of the upscale brand’s first hotel in Portugal.  Formerly the Fontana Park Hotel and located in Saldanha Square, DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park, with its design-led interior, is ideal for experiencing the historic Portuguese capital in style.

Offering 139 guestrooms, the hotel retains much original character including various elements in homage to the building’s previous function as a small iron factory, and the beautiful interior open-air courtyard, complete with waterfall.  Guests will be able to enjoy the DoubleTree brand’s signature warm welcome with a chocolate chip cookie presented on check-in.

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “It is with great excitement that we open the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Portugal.  We now welcome guests to experience our CARE service culture, built around the idea of creating a rewarding experience for guests, team members and the community, to travellers and residents of this great European capital city.”

Lisbon is rich in culture and history, and boasts a number of world-class attractions, including Ponte Vasco da Gama, the longest bridge in Europe, and the Cristo-Rei monument that stands at 260 ft., overlooking the entire city.  Situated at the mouth of the Tagus River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon enjoys a mild climate all year round, and is the perfect destination for travellers looking for beautiful sandy beaches, renowned golf courses, or interesting heritage sites.  The city has also become a popular destination for major international meetings and events.

Simon Vincent, president, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Having experienced a very successful summer season at our two resorts in the Algarve, I am delighted that we are adding to our Portuguese portfolio with this stand out opening in Lisbon –  which was recently named as Europe’s Leading City Break Destination by the 2013 World Travel Awards.  Our guests can now stay across three of our brands in Portugal, in both historic city and beach locations.”

DoubleTree By Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park is situated just 5.3 km from the airport, and less than 10 km from the Gare do Oriente, which connects the capital with Spain and France via the high-speed train network.  Whilst staying at the hotel, guests can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine in the Saldanha Mar Restaurant, or sample the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle in the Fontana Bar Lounge.

Gonçalo Sousa, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park, said, “It is an honour to be introducing upscale DoubleTree by Hilton to Portugal for the first time.  We look forward to providing a warm welcome to guests and local residents who are familiar with our award-winning design hotel and those who are drawn to this exciting city for the first time.”

Among the DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives are the Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast, in-room tea and coffee, and a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn.  All rooms offer the DoubleTree by Hilton Sweet Dreams Sleep Experience, along with complimentary high speed Wi-Fi internet access in all guest rooms and public areas.  In addition to the seven meetings rooms, equipped with the latest technology, the hotel also offers a 24-hour business center and 24-hour fitness center.

To mark the opening, DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park is offering various special offers for both leisure guests and meetings planners.  In addition, Hilton HHonors members can earn and redeem points for stays at the hotel with Diamond HHonors members receiving 1,000 bonus points and free continental breakfast during stays; and Gold HHonors members will have the option of receiving either 1,000 bonus points or complimentary continental breakfast.