267-room DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids at the U.S. Cellular Center Opens in Iowa
Following Two-year $144 Million Transformation of the Former Crowne Plaza Five Seasons
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - June 5, 2013 - DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of the new DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex at the U.S. Cellular Center following a dramatic two-year $144 million capital improvement and expansion plan led by the city of Cedar Rapids. Formerly the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons, the newest addition to the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel portfolio was bought by the city of Cedar Rapids in 2011 as part of a grand vision to create a state-of-the-art convention center project which includes the adjacent 9,600 seat U.S. Cellular Arena, as well as an 80,000 square foot convention complex. The project was driven by distinguished development company, Frew Development.
"The opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex at the U.S. Cellular Center is a focal point of the tremendous transformation that has taken place in downtown Cedar Rapids," said Ron Corbett, mayor of Cedar Rapids. "The completion of this project makes us a strong contender to compete nationally as a leading destination for meetings and events, and serves as a catalyst to boosting tourism to our culture-rich city."
The upscale, full-service hotel features a contemporary design aesthetic and luxury furnishings, including sleek glass elements, and original sculptures and artwork throughout the lobby and public areas. Updates were made throughout the hotel's 267 guestrooms and the addition of a restaurant and bar to offer dining options for every visitor. The spectacular 80,000 square-foot U.S. Cellular Convention Center offers flexible meeting space to accommodate up to 10,000, and features the latest in A/V technology. Designed to accommodate any event need - from major industry meetings to weddings - the hotel's ballrooms feature acoustic ceiling tiles that emulate a river's flow, and outfitted with fiber optic technology for special color effects.
Situated on the 16th floor is the hotel's new restaurant, 350 First, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and featuring stunning views of Cedar Rapids or the Cedar River. In the lobby, the hotel's energetic Bud Light Lounge offers a convenient, casual destination to meet with friends and colleagues before or after meetings and events - or just for a little unwinding on any given day.
"There is no hotel in Cedar Rapids that can compete with the services and amenities that we offer, not to mention our unparalleled team of experts in the hospitality, meeting and event industry," said Matt Felling, complex general manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. "We look forward to bringing visitors the superior level of service that is synonymous with the DoubleTree by Hilton brand - starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome that we extend to each guest on arrival and continuing through every facet of their stay."
Among the DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives that guests will enjoy include the Wake Up DoubleTree BreakfastTM, an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee offerings from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn and the industry-recognized service culture which is built around the idea of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience) for guests, team members and the community. Additional hotel amenities include an indoor pool, state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center featuring Precor fitness equipment, a 24-hour business center and free WiFi in all public areas of the hotel. As a participant in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, the hotel will offer guests the ability to earn and redeem points.
"This hotel's convenient downtown location and unparalleled services and offerings in the meeting and event space make it the perfect addition to the DoubleTree by Hilton family, joining our brand's other hotel offering in Iowa, the DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport," said John Greenleaf, global head - DoubleTree by Hilton. "We are thrilled to be playing a key role in the downtown transformation of Cedar Rapids, and look forward to bringing the highest quality of service and experience to our business and leisure travelers in this market."
Situated in downtown Cedar Rapids, the hotel is located just 10 miles from Eastern Iowa Airport and convenient to key business destinations, including Fortune 500 companies and government offices. In addition to the U.S. Cellular Center, nearby attractions include the University of Iowa, The Paramount and Theater Cedar Rapids.
About DoubleTree By Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 340 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five 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 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.
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About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, 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 the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visitwww.hiltonworldwide.com for more information.
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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 
