College Bound: Newly-Built Minneapolis DoubleTree by Hilton Makes Travel a Treat in the Twin Cities

MINNEAPOLIS and MCLEAN, Va. -- The former site of one of the nation's largest noodle factories has a distinctly different look today - as a newly-constructed, upscale hotel from DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) 14 market-leading brands.

Perfectly-situated on the campus of the University of Minnesota, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - University Area features 141 stylish guest rooms and spacious suites. The state-of-the-art, contemporary hotel is just across the Mississippi River, in close proximity to the Minneapolis Convention Center downtown, top medical institutions, professional and college sports venues and numerous Twin Cities cultural landmarks - many accessible from the Stadium Village light rail station, just two blocks away.

"This year, the City of Lakes will continue to increase in popularity amongst travelers, with Minneapolis playing host to major cultural events and exhibits, such as the reopening of the Walker Sculpture Garden following extensive renovations," said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "It is an ideal locale for our newest hotel, where we can welcome guests with the little things that make travel a treat, beginning with our signature, warm DoubleTree Cookie."

The modern, five-story hotel blends soft urban glamour with contemporary touches, such as artwork from Minneapolis-area artists that pay tribute to some of the area's well-known bridges located on and nearby the University of Minnesota campus. Other design highlights include the hotel's refreshing and relaxing earth colors, with blue accents representing the rushing blue water and sunlight-glinting gold hue of the Mississippi River.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - University Area offers an array of contemporary guest rooms and spacious suites with complimentary amenities designed for comfort, such as the DoubleTree Sweet Dreams® Sleep Experience, an oversized work desk and ergonomic chair, and 43-inch HDTV. Many rooms offer spectacular views of the Minneapolis skyline or nearby TCF Bank Stadium, home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Meal options abound, both from the area's numerous eateries as well as on-property offerings. Made Market Restaurant specializes in steaks, chops and fish, serving such entrees as Baseball Cut Prime Ribeye, Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass, and Lump Crab and Béarnaise. Guests can indulge in the property's dessert specialty, DoubleTree Cookie Sandwich, which is made from the brand's warm DoubleTree Cookie. Cocktails, wines by the glass and craft beers are available in the bar, where the décor is centered on a stunning, custom-made bar top, encased with individual pieces of leather. Room service is also available, as are snacks, sandwiches, salads, beer and wine in the convenient onsite 24-hour Made Market Pantry.

With 6,500 square feet of meeting space, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - University Area is the perfect venue for weddings, business meetings and other gatherings. Offering floor-to-ceiling windows, the stunning Bridges Ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests. For smaller events, five breakout spaces/meetings rooms are available. Any event can benefit from the hotel's state-of-the-art sound system and AV equipment, and all guests can utilize the hotel's 24-hour business center.

In addition to the world-renowned warm DoubleTree Cookie welcome, the hotel provides a full complement of services and DoubleTree by Hilton brand amenities, including the Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast^TM, an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee offerings by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and a refreshing array of the Crabtree & Evelyn natural skin and body care line.

Guests seeking exercise or relaxation have a variety of options, including: the 24-hour fitness center with Precor® equipment and free weights; the heated indoor pool and whirlpool; and access to scenic running/biking paths, such as the East River Parkway trail, along the Mississippi River, just a few blocks away.

"From its contemporary design to its upscale amenities, our new hotel offers travelers to this bustling area of the Twin Cities all the comforts of home, and more," said Joe McCurdy, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - University Area. "We are delighted to provide guests with the warmth, kindness and attentive service that DoubleTree by Hilton is known for worldwide."

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - University Area is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 14 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels save time and money and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most, such as an exclusive member discount, free Wi-Fi and a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay. Members can also redeem their Points for free nights, to gain access to unique events through the Hilton Honors auction platform or - beginning later this year - make purchases with Amazon Shop With Points.

To celebrate the hotel's opening, Hilton Honors members will earn an additional 1,000 Points per night - up to a maximum of 5,000 Points - for bookings through July 31, 2017, when booking directly with Hilton. This is in addition to the global Hilton Honors promotion of 2,000 Bonus Points per night that is available at all properties through April 30, 2017. Diamond and Gold members will also enjoy free Wi-Fi and space-available upgrades to the hotel's exclusive Hilton Honors floor, while Diamond members will receive the complimentary Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast^TM and 1,000 bonus Points per stay, and Gold members will have the option of complimentary continental breakfast or 1,000 Bonus points per stay.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - University Area is located at 511 Huron Boulevard SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414. Located directly off Interstate 94 on the University of Minnesota campus, the hotel - which offers valet parking - is 10 miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit www.minneapolisuniversityarea.doubletreebyhilton.com or call 612-504-3000. The property is owned by CPM Companies and managed by LHR Hospitality Management.

Media may access additional information on DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - University Area at news.doubletree.com/minneapolisuniversity. For more news on DoubleTree by Hilton openings, visit news.doubletree.com.

Media Contact

Colleen Hart

Hilton [email protected] +1 703 883 6616