DoubleTree by Hilton has officially announced the signing of a franchise license agreement with 120 South Los Angeles Street Hotel Operator LLC for a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Currently the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens, an extensive, multi-phase hotel renovation program is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the 430-room property becoming the DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown in spring 2012. The hotel will be managed by Southern California-based Rim Hospitality and will be the largest hotel in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio serving the city’s downtown district.

“From London to New York and Chicago to Kuala Lumpur, DoubleTree by Hilton continues to introduce the world’s travellers to a fast-growing portfolio of outstanding city center hotel locations. By next spring, the new name, look and energy behind the DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown will be rewarding for hotel team members, guests and the community alike,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We are proud to work together with hotel owners and Rim Hospitality on this exciting hotel development in the heart of the City of Angels.”

Situated one block from city hall in the Little Tokyo district, the location of the soon-to-be DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown is within moments of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Olvera Street and a dynamically diverse downtown district in California’s largest city. Towering 21 stories above downtown Los Angeles, the full-service hotel will offer 15,000 square feet of meetings and events space for up to 650 guests, a business center, a fitness center and multiple food and beverage outlets. A lushly landscaped, half-acre rooftop garden, inspired by an ancient garden in Japan, serves as a hotel and community centerpiece that overlooks the stunning Los Angeles skyline.

Mark Burden, President/CEO, Rim Hospitality said “We are thrilled to bring the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to downtown Los Angeles. This new agreement with an outstanding hotel ownership will allow us to create an outstanding hotel to meet, work or play in one of downtown’s most ideal locations. With expanded customer benefits through the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program and the extensive sales, marketing and technology network Hilton Worldwide provides, we expect both the hotel and the downtown Los Angeles business community to mutually benefit from the introduction of the DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown. We look forward to partnering with the local business community and Little Tokyo Community Council on enhancing the Japanese Garden and overall experience at hotel.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown guests will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at the brand’s more than 265 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 21 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community. DoubleTree by Hilton currently welcomes the world’s travelers at more than 30 fine hotels in city center, suburban and vacation destinations across the Golden State.

City.Mobi

Also in US today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Los Angeles.

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.

LosAngeles.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.