The first Doubletree hotel to operate outside of the Americas opened its doors in Cambridge today as part of plans by Hilton to double the number of its hotels in the UK over the next five years.

The 122-bedroom site, formerly the Cambridge Garden House hotel, is managed by Hilton and owned by Ability Hotels (Cambridge), a subsidiary of parent company Ability Group.

Simon Vincent, president for Hilton in the UK and Ireland, said: “With this being the first Doubletree by Hilton outside of the Americas and with Cambridge representing the quintessential English city, we couldn’t imagine a better location to introduce this fresh and exciting brand today.”

Hilton already runs in excess of 200 Doubletree hotels in the USA, Canada and Latin America and the company is also planning openings in Italy, Slovakia and Russia.

Dave Horton, senior vice -esident of brand management for Doubletree, said that the company had already received “considerable interest” from owners and developers of independent and branded hotels throughout Europe to take on the four-star/upscale brand.

In March 2007 Hilton unveiled plans to open 1,000 new hotels in Europe over the next 10 years.

Hilton to open first Doubletree hotel in UK >>

Hilton launches 10-year plan to open 1,000 European hotels >>

First UK Hilton Garden Inn announced >>


By Christopher Walton

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