April 22, 2013 - SYDNEY and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced that it will introduce its fastest growing full-service brand, DoubleTree by Hilton, to Australia when it rebrands four Northern Territory hotels on May 1, 2013. The country's first three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs will open alongside Hilton Darwin in the Territory.

"We are delighted to be able to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and to add another Hilton Hotel & Resort in the region's most significant areas of growth," said Ashley Spencer, vice president, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide. "We have been looking to enter into the Northern Territory for some time and are committed to making these properties the leading full-service hotels in the market."

The Northern Territory hotels are each located on the doorstep of some of the most incredible tourism experiences Australia has to offer, as well as being in prime locations for business travelers in the mining and resources sectors.

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to legendary outback destinations such as the Kakadu National Park and the Katharine Gorge. With a multicultural population of just 129,000, Darwin is famed for its laid-back lifestyle, markets and festivals, Asian cuisine and massive natural harbor - bigger than Sydney's.

Alice Springs is located in the 'red centre' of the vast Australian continent and is the departure town for visiting Australia's famous red rock Uluru, a five-hour drive from the city centre.

"The launch of DoubleTree by Hilton in Australia - our 30th country and sixth continent - marks the beginning of a very exciting expansion for our brand," said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "We are thrilled to open not one, but three hotels in Australia's extraordinary Northern Territory and look forward to introducing Australian travellers to the superior level of caring service synonymous with DoubleTree by Hilton - epitomised by our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome for every guest at check-in."

DoubleTree by Hilton knows that little things can mean everything when it comes to a rewarding travel experience, and strives to bring each guest the special comforts and acts of kindness that are unique to the brand - starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome and spreading through every stage of the hotel stay. Among the amenities that guests will enjoy include the invigorating array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn, 24-hour business and fitness centers, outdoor swimming pools, a range of food and drink offerings to meet every guest's need, complimentary high-speed internet access in public areas, and an industry-recognized service culture which is built around the idea of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community).

As participants in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, all four hotels will offer guests the ability to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points. Gold and Diamond HHonors members will also receive complimentary breakfast.

The 235-room Hilton Darwin, overlooking Darwin Harbour is just a few minutes' walk from downtown in the vibrant Darwin Harbour area, and steps from fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment. Guests can choose to relax at the outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour fitness centre, sample some of the finest cuisines in central Darwin or sip a cocktail at the lounge. Six meeting rooms, including a Grand Ballroom with a 14-metre ceiling height are designed to accommodate a range of conferences and events.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Matt Conlan, said, "We're delighted to have Hilton Worldwide, an industry leader, establish its brand in the Territory. The Hilton Darwin and three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, will enhance the range of accommodation choices available to visitors in locations that are ideal for holiday and business travellers alike."

Hilton Worlwide's area general manager for the Northern Territory, Martin Kendall will have overall responsibility for all four hotels, supported by Carey Osborne, hotel manager for the two DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Darwin, and Clinton Farley, general manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs. Selected renovations are planned to begin in late 2013.

With the opening of the Northern Territory hotels, DoubleTree by Hilton can be found in more than 340 locations in 30 countries on six continents. The first DoubleTree by Hilton opened in Arizona in 1969 and since 2008 the brand has been expanding rapidly worldwide. More than 50 DoubleTree hotels will open globally in 2013 alone. The Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio currently includes more than 550 hotels in 80 countries.

Media can access more information at http://news.hilton.com or http://news.doubletree.com.

Quick Facts:
DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin hotel features:

• Waterfront location at 122 The Esplanade
• 184 guest rooms including two suites
• 10 storeys
• City or stunning ocean views
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Poolside restaurant and bar
• Meetings capacity for up to 80 theatre style
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour business centre
• Complimentary high speed internet
• 0.5 km to CBD, 12.2 km to airport
• Valet parking or complimentary self parking

DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin hotel features:

• Waterfront location at 116 The Esplanade
• 197 guest rooms including 34 suites
• 5 storeys
• City or stunning ocean views
• Largest outdoor pool in Darwin and bar
• Meetings capacity for up to 410 theatre style
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour business and fitness centres
• Complimentary parking
• Complimentary high speed internet
• 0.5 km to CBD, 12.2 km to airport
• Valet parking or complimentary self parking

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs hotel features:

• 235 guest rooms and suites
• Views of MacDonnell Mountain Ranges
• 3 storeys
• Outdoor swimming pool and children's pool, whirlpool, sauna
• Tennis courts and 24-hour fitness centre
• Complimentary parking
• Helipad
• Fully solar sufficient
• Meetings capacity for up to 300 theatre style / 400 cocktail
• 1.7 km to CBD, 12.7 km to airport
• 24-hour business centre
• Valet parking or complimentary self parking

Hilton Darwin hotel features:

• 234 guest rooms and suites
• Ocean views
• Within walking distance to Darwin Harbour area
• 12 storeys
• Outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre
• Beauty salon
• 7 meeting rooms, including a Grand Ballroom with a 14-metre ceiling height (300 capacity)
• Business centre
• Restaurant / bar
• 0.5 km to CBD, 12.9 km to airport
• Valet parking

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized names in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 550 hotels in 80 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at news.hilton.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltonhotels, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

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