246-room DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Opens Near University of Central Florida
ORLANDO, FL / MCLEAN, VA - August 18, 2014 - DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area, the closest full-service hotel to the University of Central Florida, the nation's second largest university by enrollment. Formerly a Holiday Inn, the hotel closed its doors in December 2013 to commence a multi-million dollar renovation that includes modern updates to the hotel's exterior, lobby and guest rooms, and the addition of the upscale Mingos Restaurant & Lounge, a popular local restaurant brand. The hotel debuts following a dramatic eight-month transformation. Just 19 miles from downtown Orlando and close to several major corporations, the 246-room, six-story hotel offers convenient access to popular attractions such as Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort. DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area is owned and managed by Alena Hospitality.
"The 'little things' can make all the difference during a hotel stay, and the new DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area offers business and leisure guests the comfort, access and attention they expect from our brand," said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "We are delighted to be broadening our presence in the popular and fast-growing Orlando area, one of the world's most popular destinations, and delivering the globally-recognized service culture for which our brand is known."
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area - the brand's seventh property in the Orlando metropolitan area - opens to guests with a modern and contemporary design that emphasizes lively colors, granite features and abstract art. Stylish and spacious guest rooms and suites are equipped with an ergonomic desk, Serta Perfect Sleeper® beds and contemporary electronic door locks. The hotel boasts a tranquil, secluded setting just off University Boulevard and offers easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment.
At Mingos Restaurant & Lounge, led by award-winning Executive Chef Luis J. Negron, guests will enjoy a robust menu or popular steak and seafood dishes prepared with a creative flair. Marking the second location for the local restaurant, Mingos is a favorite among Orlando natives, delighting guests with locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood brought in daily by local day boats. Negron joins the hotel from the original Mingos Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Orlando, where he has served as executive chef since 2013.
Guests will also enjoy a range of services and amenities, including a complimentary 24-hour fitness center, a large outdoor swimming pool and a complimentary 24-hour business center. Complimentary WiFi is also available throughout the hotel's public spaces and guest rooms.
Offering 5,700 square feet of versatile meeting and event space, including a beautiful Grand Ballroom, seven renovated meeting rooms and the latest audio visual technology, the hotel can accommodate banquets, receptions and other corporate and social events for up to 250 people.
"We look forward to inviting guests into the sophisticated, modern environment of our newly-transformed hotel and delivering the globally-recognized service culture that is ingrained in the DoubleTree by Hilton brand and culture," said Wayne Stelling, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF.
A visit starts with a warm chocolate chip cookie, a simple touch that sets the tone to create a rewarding experience for a guest's entire stay. Guests will also enjoy DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives, including an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee choices from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn and an industry-recognized service culture built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community.
DoubleTree by Hilton participates in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program. Members will be able to earn and redeem points with their stay. Gold and Diamond members will enjoy upgrades to the exclusive Hilton HHonors floor, which includes a special Hilton HHonors lounge equipped with a 60" HDTV and computer and printer access. Additionally, Diamond Hilton HHonors guests will enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts during stays.
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area is located at 12125 High Tech Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32817. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers can visit www.orlandoeastucfarea.doubletree.com or call 1-407-275-9000.
Media can access additional information on DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area here. For more news on DoubleTree by Hilton hotel openings, visit http://news.doubletree.com.
About DoubleTree By Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of 380 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 45,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.
To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels. For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at news.doubletree.com.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of eleven world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,200 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 690,000 rooms in 93 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide, and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
