By Nathan Greenhalgh, courtesy of www.hotelmags.com
Hilton Worldwide announced on Thursday that it signed a franchise agreement with Martinez Hotels & Resorts to bring its 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 US$9.3 million refurbishment featuring a new interior design from Dublin-based Nikki O'Donnell Architects.
“This deal also is indicative of a renewed buoyancy in the Irish hospitality market, visible both in the strong performance of our other Hilton brands and the confidence of owners and developers to invest,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, McLean, Virginia.
Hilton Worldwide currently operates four hotels in the Republic of Ireland, all located in the capital city of Dublin.
“There were many aspects of The Morrison’s identity we wanted to maintain when making 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 recognized brand, while ensuring a real sense of individual flavor in every location,” said Stephen Mulligan, UK & Ireland director, Martinez Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel was sold in early 2012 by Ireland’s National Asset Management Agency to Yelena Baturina, the wife of former Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, one of Russia’s few female billionaires. Irish hotel and pub developer Hugh O’Regan previously owned Morrison Hotel. It was placed into receivership in 2010.
Exterior of Morrison Hotel, which will reopen in February when renovations are complete as The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.
The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel will feature two restaurants and a bar. The property will also include a 24-hour business center, fitness center and 4,400 sq ft (408 sq m).
Martinez Hotels & Resorts, Vienna, will operate the property. 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, located in Kilkenny, Ireland.
