Hilton Worldwide today announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with Martinez Hotels & Resorts to bring its upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Ireland. The deal will see Dublin’s 138-room Morrison Hotel reopen as The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, in early February, following a €7 million refurbishment, featuring a new interior design from Dublin-based Nikki O’Donnell Architects.
Since opening its first European hotel in 2008, DoubleTree by Hilton now has almost 60 properties trading or under development across the region.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said: “DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the fastest growing upscale hotel brands in Europe and we are confident it will be a hit here in Ireland. We have been eager to secure the right opportunity and believe we have found it in The Morrison. This deal is also indicative of a renewed buoyancy in the Irish hospitality market, visible both in the strong performance of our existing portfolio and the confidence of owners and developers to invest.”
The new Morrison will feature two restaurants and a bar, details of which are to be revealed soon. Guests will also have access to a 24-hour business zone and split-level fitness centre. Events space totalling 410 sq m will be available with a range of capacities capable of hosting from two to 240 guests.
Recently appointed General Manager Patrick Joyce will oversee the running of the hotel, having joined from his previous position as general manager of the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Co Kilkenny. Patrick’s hospitality career spans more than 15 years with experience in the UK, Thailand and the Maldives.
Stephen Mulligan, UK & Ireland Director, Martinez Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to be working with Hilton Worldwide to bring the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Irish shores for the first time. There were many aspects of The Morrison’s identity we wanted to maintain when taking the decision to convert to a branded hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton hugely impressed us with its track record of converting established properties to its globally recognised brand, while ensuring a real sense of individual flavour in every location.”
