INTERNATIONAL: New Zealand’s First DoubleTree by Hilton Opens in Queenstown

By Adriana Pop, Associate Editor

Hilton Worldwide’s DoubleTree by Hilton brand has opened its first property in New Zealand.

Located at 79 Peninsula Road in the heart of Queenstown’s Kawarau Village, the new hotel features 98 guestrooms with all the comforts of home, including kitchenettes fully-equipped with an oven, microwave and fridge.

Formerly known as the Kawarau Hotel, the new DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown provides easy access to Queenstown International Airport. It is also situated just a short drive or water taxi ride from the center of Queenstown, popularly known as “The Adventure Capital of the World.”

The property includes views of Lake Wakatipu, along with a number of services and amenities, including the signature warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee choices, body care products 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. The hotel also offers an in-house cinema and an indoor heated Spa at Hilton swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam rooms.

“The addition of DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown to our fast-growing global portfolio further underscores our brand’s commitment to delivering our upscale, full-service hotel offering in all key markets and gateway cities around the world,” John Greenleaf, global head for DoubleTree by Hilton, said in a news release.

“Australasia is a key growth market for DoubleTree by Hilton, and the introduction of the brand into New Zealand marks a significant milestone as we continue to expand our offering to travelers in the region,” added Ashley Spencer, vice president of operations, Australasia. “At DoubleTree by Hilton, we know that the little things mean everything when it comes to great travel experiences, and we look forward to delighting guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown with the services and amenities that have made the brand beloved internationally.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton brand boasts a global collection of more than 400 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents.

It is one of Hilton Worldwide’s 12 world-class global brands, which also include Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, Hampton Hotels and Hilton Grand Vacations, among others. The company’s portfolio consists of more than 4,250 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 700,000 rooms in 93 countries and territories.