DoubleTree


DoubleTree by Hilton is an American hotel chain and a part of Hilton Worldwide. Most DoubleTree hotels are independently owned and operated by franchisees, but some are managed by Hilton Worldwide. DoubleTree has been the fastest growing Hilton brand by number of properties since 2007, and by number of rooms from 2007–2015, until in 2016 Hilton Garden Inn opened more rooms. As of December 31, 2018, it has 559 properties with 130,714 rooms, including 117 that are managed with 33,779 rooms and 442 that are franchised with 96,935 rooms.
DoubleTree competes in the full service category, alongside sister chain Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Among the many signature things that DoubleTree is known for are their chocolate chip cookies, which were originally made in the early 1980s for VIPs but now given to all guests and made by Nashville-based Christie Cookie Company for over 30 years.

History

The first DoubleTree hotel opened in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1969. It was located on the grounds of Scottsdale Fashion Square and was built by Sam Kitchell. The Doubletree Corporation merged with Promus Hotel Corporation in December 1997, bringing together the Doubletree, Red Lion, Hampton Inn, and Embassy Suites brands. In December 1999, Hilton Hotels Corporation acquired Promus Hotel Corporation which brought Doubletree Hotels and other Promus hotel brands under the umbrella of the newly renamed Hilton Worldwide. In early 2011, Hilton Worldwide launched a logo and name rebranding for the chain, replacing the name "Doubletree" with "DoubleTree by Hilton".
DoubleTree's strategy to grow the brand has been to convince operators of other brands to switch flags. This is in contrast to brands like Marriott or Sheraton which rely on new construction to grow their footprint. DoubleTree also provides lower cost options to improve properties, which help operators remain in the brand system.
The world's largest DoubleTree is the Tropicana Las Vegas with 1,467 rooms.