THG Named 'Developer of the Year' by Hilton
Ownership and Management Group recognized for the multi-million dollar renovations and reflagging of
EDMONDS, WA, September 15, 2009 - The Hotel Group (THG) has received the Hilton Hotels Corp. Developer of the Year Award for its Doubletree Hotel Cleveland Lakeside Downtown project and the Doubletree Arctic Club Hotel Seattle-Downtown. For a quarter of a century, THG has led the way in providing successful operational, marketing and asset management services for hotels across a diverse portfolio of branded and independent properties.
The award signifies "THG's commitment to Hilton's standards of excellence, even in the face of current economic and industry challenges." The 377-room Doubletree Hotel Cleveland Downtown/Lakeside reopened in January 2009 following an extensive $15 million renovation and rebranding. The landmark four-diamond, 120-room Arctic Club Hotel was rebranded as Doubletree also following a broad renovation.
"We are very proud of this coveted award and equally proud of our valued relationship with Hilton Hotels Corporation," said Douglas Dreher, THG President and CEO. "To be recognized as a 'development champion' for the owners' investment in the Doubletree brand and the multi-million dollar transformation achieved at the Doubletree Hotel Cleveland Downtown Lakeside and the Doubletree Arctic Club is a great honor. Together with our brand partners, THG is committed to maximizing owners' investments and providing service excellence to guests."
Celebrating "25 years of Hospitality Greatness," The Hotel Group owns and/or manages 25 full-service and select-service hotels in nine states. Hilton products represent approximately one-third of the THG portfolio, including: the Embassy Suites in Columbus, Ohio; the Hilton Suites in Brentwood, Tenn.; and Hilton Garden Inns in Corvallis, Ore., and Kennewick and Issaquah, Wash. Two additional Hilton Garden Inn properties are under construction in Springfield, Ore., and Bothell, Wash.
"Following another year of significant growth for our company, we are extremely proud to recognize our development award winners," said Bill Fortier, Senior Vice President Development for the Americas, Hilton Hotels Corp. in a prepared statement. "We continue to provide our owner partners with a winning combination of tools to attract, recognize and retain loyal customers so that together, we may achieve success in the immediate and long-term future."
Craig Mance, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Hilton Hotels Corp., said THG's efforts to grow Doubletree is critical to the brand's success, and he hopes that the Developer of the Year Award conveys Hilton's sincere appreciation.
In a congratulatory letter, Mance, along with Rob Palleschi, Global Head Doubletree Brand, wrote: "On behalf of the Franchise Development and Brand Management teams of Hilton Hotels Corporation, thank you for being an outstanding owner and for your commitment and loyalty to our company."
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