ANKARA & ISTANBUL, Turkey--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hilton Worldwide continues robust expansion of its upscale Doubletree by Hilton brand, following the signing of franchise agreements for two new development deals in Turkey. One of the newly announced properties will be in the Turkish capital of Ankara, with an additional upscale hotel revealed for the Moda section of Istanbul. Along with January’s announcement of Doubletree by Hilton developments already underway in Istanbul-Old Town and Avanos-Cappadocia, the debut of the Doubletree by Hilton brand anticipated in 3Q 2010 will include four properties in key Turkish business and leisure destinations.

Welcoming the announcement, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton Worldwide senior vice president, development - Europe & Africa, said: “Doubletree by Hilton has gained great momentum across Europe and these latest two signings bring the number of Doubletree by Hilton properties in our Turkish pipeline to four, following the announcement of Doubletree by Hilton developments in Istanbul and Cappadocia earlier this year. Hilton Worldwide already has ten hotels in operation in Turkey and we are delighted to be adding further properties to this exciting market, where we have our sights set on continued strategic growth.”

Doubletree by Hilton is an upscale full-service brand that has seen remarkable growth since its first introduction in Europe and Asia in spring 2008. Eighteen properties are now open outside of the Americas in China, Greece, Italy, Slovakia and the United Kingdom, with development projects confirmed in Italy, Malaysia, Norway, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Rob Palleschi, global head for Doubletree by Hilton hotels, said: “These additional development signings in Turkey clearly reflect the continued global potential of the Doubletree by Hilton brand. We are certainly pleased by how the brand continues to be embraced by owners and developers in Turkey and around the world, reinforcing the benefits that come with being affiliated with Hilton Worldwide and Doubletree by Hilton. With a collection of more than 35 hotels open or in the pipeline in Europe and Asia and 230 hotels and resorts welcoming guests across the globe, there are more opportunities than ever before for today’s traveller to experience Doubletree by Hilton and its distinctive delivery of warm and caring hospitality.”

Expected to open in late summer 2010, the Doubletree by Hilton, Ankara – Kolej will see a former bank converted into a stylish 209-bedroom hotel that will offer a roof-top bar, 227 sqm roof level function room, a restaurant, a bar, a café and a fitness centre. The hotel is situated in an ideal location for both business and leisure travellers, close to the historical centre of Ankara and within walking distance of Kizilay Square with its numerous shops, restaurants and businesses. The Doubletree by Hilton, Ankara – Kolej will be operated by Pete Muhendislik Enerji Turizm Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S under a franchise licence agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide.

The Doubletree by Hilton, Istanbul – Moda, is anticipated to open in September 2010. This second Doubletree by Hilton in Istanbul will offer 236 bedrooms, meeting and function facilities, two restaurants, bars, indoor and outdoor pools plus underground parking. Located in the Moda district on the Asian side of Istanbul, the new build hotel will have excellent transport links and all guestrooms will have spectacular views of Istanbul Old Town, the Marmara Sea and the Prince Islands. The Doubletree by Hilton, Istanbul – Moda will be operated by Tasyapi Insaat Taahut Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., under a franchise licence agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide.

Doubletree by Hilton believes in a set of business values that make their hotels a desirable place for employees to work and a satisfying place for travelers to stay through its unique CARE Culture. Additional characteristic qualities of the brand include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in and a caring commitment to the communities in which they operate. Doubletree by Hilton hotels also proudly participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,500 hotels worldwide.

In Turkey, Hilton Worldwide currently operates ten Hilton, Conrad and Hilton Garden Inn hotels in Adana, Ankara, Dalaman, Istanbul, Izmir, Kayseri, Kutahya and Mersin.

About The Owners

Tasyapi Insaat Taahut Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S is a leading Turkish owned company and a leader in the Turkish construction industry.

Pete Muhendislik Enerji Turizm Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S is a Turkish owned company, with existing interests in the travel and tourism industry as well as construction, mining and engineering.

About Doubletree by Hilton Hotels

With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 230 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, Doubletree by Hilton hotels and resorts are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travelers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest reward programme, each Doubletree guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. For more information on Doubletree by Hilton, please visit www.doubletree.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For more than 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our brands are comprised of more than 3,500 hotels in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.