TORONTO & MCLEAN, Va. – DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown in the heart of the city’s financial, research and shopping districts. Now a part of Hilton Worldwide’s award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, the former Metropolitan Hotel Toronto has completed a multi-million dollar renovation that will conclude in spring 2014 and includes modern updates across the landmark 26-story, 486-room property. The transformation is being led by the hotel’s new ownership and management company, Bayview Hospitality Group.

“The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown is a huge thrill for our brand, as it underscores DoubleTree by Hilton’s expanded presence in Canada with four new hotels in the country in just three months,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “With its central location and upscale offerings, this hotel is ideally-suited to accommodate both business and leisure guests in Toronto.”

Long recognized as an iconic property for business and leisure travellers in the heart of Toronto, the hotel is a sought-after destination for its convenient location and first-class guest service. As the hotel continues its property-wide renovation, guests will enjoy a steady rollout of updates including modern design enhancements across the hotel and fully-renovated guest rooms featuring stunning views of downtown Toronto. With 13,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities and 18 flexible meeting rooms, including a 3,484 square foot ballroom, DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown is the perfect setting for meetings and events.

DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown is located 30 kilometers from Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport, and less than five kilometers from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. A quiet retreat in the heart of Toronto’s bustling downtown, the hotel is convenient to the city’s most popular leisure and business destinations. Ideally-located for business travelers, the hotel is just two kilometers from Metro Toronto Convention Centre and walking distance to major corporations and businesses including the US Consulate, diplomatic and government offices, major banking and legal institutions and scientific research centers. Leisure guests can enjoy easy access to the city center, Toronto’s iconic Nathan Phillips Square and Dundas Square for shopping, dining and entertainment. DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown is also conveniently located near local attractions including the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Royal Ontario Museum and Ripley's Aquarium.

With a CAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant right on the property, DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown offers dining options to suit every taste. Hemisphere's Restaurant Bistro offers the freshest combination of culinary styles and ingredients in an upscale atmosphere, marked by sleek décor and striking modern art accents throughout the restaurant. Debuting a refreshed food and beverage concept led by 30-year culinary veteran, Chef Raymond Cheung, delicious menu offerings will include a range of gourmet meat and seafood such as seafood linguine with smoked coral sauce, cider glazed Atlantic salmon, smoked paprika marinated steak salad and garlic and thyme brined chicken. The secluded Chef's Table Room provides a view of the show kitchen for small groups. For a more casual ambiance, Hemisphere's Bar provides an intimate setting for a glass of wine or cocktail and a menu of tasty light bites.

“We are excited to open our doors and welcome guests to DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown, and are thrilled to become part of this globally-recognized and respected brand,” said Umesh Srivastava, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown. “With our dedicated new hospitality team and the building’s stunning transformation nearing completion, we are eager to welcome guests to an exemplary experience underscored by the first-rate service culture for which the DoubleTree by Hilton brand is known all around the world.”

Among the DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives that guests will enjoy are the Wake Up DoubleTree BreakfastTM, an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee offerings from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn and an industry-recognized service culture which is built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community. CARE is demonstrated from the moment a guest checks in and receives the brand’s warm, chocolate chip cookie welcome. All rooms have upgraded amenities and the DoubleTree by Hilton Sweet Dreams Sleep Experience. Additional hotel amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, indoor heated pool, sauna, 24-hour complimentary business center and complimentary internet access in public areas.

Hilton HHonors members will now be able to earn and redeem points for stays. Diamond HHonors members will receive 1,000 bonus points and free breakfast during stays, and Gold HHonors members will have the option of receiving either 1,000 bonus points or a complimentary continental breakfast during their stay.

To mark the opening, DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown will offer double HHonors points for stays completed between December 30, 2013 and January 30, 2014. For reservations or to inquire about meeting packages, travelers should visit , contact their preferred travel professional or call 1-416-977-5000.

About Bayview Hospitality Group
Bayview provides investment, management and development leadership with a focus on providing the best practices and operational excellence. Through extensive hotel investment and operations experience, BHG delivers ground-breaking projects and results. The company has a rich history with Hilton Worldwide, having brought the first purpose-built Homewood Suites by Hilton to Canada in 2005. In 2010, it opened the country’s first dual Homewood Suites-Hampton Inn hotel location. BHG has over 1,000 guest rooms in six hotels across Ontario. Visit www.bayviewhospitality.com for more information.

About DoubleTree by Hilton

With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 360 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.

Atiya Frederick
+1 703 883 6599
Hilton