FOLLOWING a multi-million-pound refurbishment, one of Scotland's most admired hotels has unveiled a new name and a sumptuous new look.
The Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro in Dunblane, Scotland was officially re-branded at a gala grand opening celebration.
Dating back to 1878, the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro is located on 10 acres of gloriously landscaped grounds, overlo
oking Dunblane and its 12th century Cathedral, with the Perthshire countryside in the distance. The hotel is situated just off the M9/M80 motorway near Stirling, and the Dunblane train station is less than a mile away along one of the country's main line routes. It is also less than an hour's drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow International Airports.
Since Victorian times, this majestic hotel has been a byword for style and tradition - something which continues to the present day. A £12 million investment by the hotel owners, The Ability Group, has focused on transforming all aspects of the hotel including guestrooms and public areas, bars and restaurants, as well as meetings and conference facilities. The hotel is operated under a management agreement with Hilton Worldwide.
Simon Vincent, President – Europe for Hilton Worldwide, said: "This is a special moment for Hilton, as we welcome the Dunblane Hydro Hotel back into our estate with a superb new look after an investment by its owners and our partners, The Ability Group. We are delighted to re-launch the property as our second Doubletree by Hilton in Scotland – for what we feel is one of Scotland's finest country hotels."
As one of the upscale hotel brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, Doubletree by Hilton offers business travellers and tourists in Scotland to the brand's longstanding tradition of distinctively designed properties that reflect the destination and surrounding area. Other Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand's legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors® loyalty programme and a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate.
Rob Palleschi, Global Head for Doubletree Hotels commented: "The Doubletree by Hilton brand continues to grow in the UK and across the world and represents a great fit for owners who want the benefits of a strong hotel brand affiliation without losing out on individuality. Our team is truly proud to see one of Scotland's most renowned hotels here in Dunblane reinvigorated to a new level of contemporary style and timeless elegance in order to welcome travellers from around the world with our refreshingly distinctive and personable Doubletree by Hilton guest experience."
With their sumptuous furnishings, stylish design and subtle lighting, bedrooms and suites at Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro combine contemporary style and indulgence.
The Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro features 200 guest rooms and suites with the following amenities and services:
• Sweet Dreams™ by Doubletree sleep experience with luxurious linens, down comforter and jumbo pillows
• In-room gourmet tea & coffee selections
• LCD televisions & movies on demand
• High-speed internet access
• MP3 alarm clock
• Spacious desk with built-in powerports and connections
• Neutrogena bath and body products
Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro proudly announces a new venture with top celebrity chef, Nick Nairn, which will see him assume a consultant role for the hotel's food and beverage offerings.
This is the chef's first venture of this kind. It will see Nairn and the hotel team create and deliver a unique range of eating experiences across the hotel and develop a destination Nick Nairn signature restaurant at the hotel before the end of 2009. Nick Nairn has had an illustrious career to date, running his successful cook school in Stirling, and making regular appearance on shows including Saturday Kitchen and Great British Menu.
Speaking about the venture, Nick Nairn added: "This is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the world's leading hotel groups and deliver a first-class restaurant offering for its discerning guests.
For enjoyment at the end of a relaxing day or an outstanding meal in the hotel's dining facilities, the ultra chic Lounge Bar offers an array of cocktails, fine wines and malt whiskies. For a more sedate pace, the Stuart Lounge offers oversized luxurious couches, feature fireplace and occasional live entertainment.
As benefits a hotel in such tranquil surroundings, Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro offers its own oasis of calm In the Livingwell Health & Leisure Club.
A variety of health and wellness services will be available to hotel guests by a professional and trained staff including:
• A fully equipped Doubletree Fitness by Precor® facility – with the latest in weights, cardio and training equipment.
• A 17-meter, Indoor, heated swimming pool
• Whirlpool
• Sauna
• Steam Room
• Three treatment rooms
• Manicures, massages and facials
Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro combines the right venue and facilities, with a unique approach to working together to ensure the very best in successful meetings, social events, weddings and family reunions. Clients enjoy the support of a dedicated event organiser who will attend to every need.
With eight conference and meeting rooms that are capable of catering large events and weddings for up to 600 delegates, the smallest of executive business retreats and intimate social gatherings also can be professionally handled with ease.
Members of the Hilton HHonors guest rewards programme can Double Dip and earn both airline miles and hotel points for every qualifying stay at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro. Hilton HHonors is the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles for the same stay and redeem hotels points for free nights with No Blackout Dates. With No Blackout Dates, members can redeem their Hilton HHonors points, as long as a standard room is available*.
As Andreas Panayiotou, Chairman of The Ability Group commented: "We are proud to be launching our second Doubletree by Hilton in the UK, just one year after opening our first Doubletree by Hilton in Cambridge. The Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro is a fabulously unique hotel in an excellent location now partnered with a fresh and exciting brand. We believe that our guests will find the welcoming nature and lifestyle approach of Doubletree by Hilton in harmony with the setting of this re-emerging landmark hotel."
The Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro address is Perth Road, Dunblane FK15 0HG United Kingdom. For more information about the hotel, please visit www.dunblanehydro.doubletree.co.uk or call +44 (0)1786 822551.
