Hilton Worldwide Launches DoubleTree by Hilton Brand in South Africa

The 183-room hotel, currently known as Upper Eastside, will make changes in the coming months to bring the hotel in line with DoubleTree brand standards and is expected to open as DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside in late 2012.

The property is ideally located in the redeveloped, bustling district of Woodstock in northern Cape Town. A former industrial area, Woodstock has undergone a radical transformation in recent years to become an attractive and popular metropolis of trendy boutiques, art galleries, music bars and upcoming restaurants.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton Worldwide Europe & Africa said: "We are excited to extend our presence in a city with such a strong business and tourism culture and with a hotel which perfectly complements our first Cape Town property.

Today's signing represents Hilton Worldwide's 20^th pipeline property in Africa and contributes perfectly to our multi-brand growth strategy dedicated to providing our guests with a range of choices in the most important cities in Africa."

The newly branded hotel will boast a range of amenities including a business centre, fitness centre, eight meeting rooms and a 300-capacity function room. The property will also feature a bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop. Accommodation includes executive rooms and suites as well as a number of two-storey duplex loft rooms located on the top floor offering stunning views of some of the city's best known landmarks.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: "The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside marks the brand's sixth signed hotel in Africa and is another important step in our growing global footprint. We are proud to welcome this premium property into the DoubleTree brand family and delighted we can help meet the city's growing international and domestic demand for first-class accommodation."

Positioned at the Southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers to the Continent. Known as the 'Mother City', Cape Town is a celebrated wine-making region and boasts world famous landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. The city also plays host to numerous festivals and events, including the upcoming World Design Capital exhibition due to take place in 2014. Cape Town was also honoured with Africa's Leading Beach Destination award during the 19^th World Travel Awards held September 2012.

The converted hotel will operate as a franchise with owners Upper Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd, Chairman Mike Flax said: "We are thrilled to bring one of the world's most recognised hotel brands to this area of Cape Town and look forward to introducing DoubleTree's key success factors of exceptional service and distinctive style standards."