What is Hilton doing with DoubleTree?
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,719
Most HGIs are purpose-built, newer properties that reflect a rigorous standard. Most Doubletrees are random, older, often reflagged properties with few to no common elements (unless you count the cookie).
Doubletree is Hilton's "none of the above" brand. It's the column where they stick outlier or one-of-a-kind properties that are more than a Hampton Inn, less than a Hilton, too shabby or aged to be an HGI, etc.
There are superb Doubletrees in Europe (look at the former Mint properties in the UK, some of which are nicer than Conrads: modern, sleek, elegant, great service) and horrible ones in the US (the SFO Airport perimeter Doubletree is one of the saddest hotels you will ever see, inside or outside the Hilton empire: dated, musty, shabby).
Nobody knows what Doubletree is meant to stand for, not even Hilton.
Doubletree is Hilton's "none of the above" brand. It's the column where they stick outlier or one-of-a-kind properties that are more than a Hampton Inn, less than a Hilton, too shabby or aged to be an HGI, etc.
There are superb Doubletrees in Europe (look at the former Mint properties in the UK, some of which are nicer than Conrads: modern, sleek, elegant, great service) and horrible ones in the US (the SFO Airport perimeter Doubletree is one of the saddest hotels you will ever see, inside or outside the Hilton empire: dated, musty, shabby).
Nobody knows what Doubletree is meant to stand for, not even Hilton.
#32
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Gold (prev. Ex Plat for 10 years); DL Plat; UA Gold; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,338
I've stayed in Doubletree properties nicer than any Hilton, and I've stayed in Doubletree properties that were abysmal. Most are somewhere in between.
But for me, when I see "Doubletree" I say "double check." Double check the reviews, the photos. Then I can make a better decision.
Consistency is really the biggest problem with Hilton properties. HGI is about the only brand that really IS super consistent.
But for me, when I see "Doubletree" I say "double check." Double check the reviews, the photos. Then I can make a better decision.
Consistency is really the biggest problem with Hilton properties. HGI is about the only brand that really IS super consistent.
#33
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
I like that they keep DT's unique when it is a unique location (San Antonio comes to mind). What I don't like is when they force a brand into a not-conducive mold, for example with Hampton Inns - I've been to a couple that were unique, old buildings (New Orleans on Carondelet, and Bradenton Florida downtown, for example), and these beautiful buildings are slapped with the same "summer in Americana" vignettes on every door, elevator and other surface that just don't have the right feel in those hotels.
#34
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,284
I agree, Double Tree is Double Check. I've been to a few that are nice and/or unique, but others are stale cookie-cutter holdouts from decades ago.
#35
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada P25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,582
The rooms in the marina building have been renovated and aren't too bad. Just stay away from the old tower rooms.
#36
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
My thoughts are that Hilton sees market opportunity within that sector of their portfolio.
I noticed a sign for a new one in Joplin, MO just this week. Speaking of DT, I stayed a a very nice DT on my way home from Joplin in Springfield, MO last night.
Last edited by KenTarmac; Apr 14, 2017 at 1:24 pm
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: Marriott Platinum Elite; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 201
Yea I have noticed several "new" ones, which is what got me to thinking about what Hilton is trying to accomplish. New being brand new or a gut of a former building.
At the same time, in the USA, I feel like they have been taking some of the nicest DT's and turning them into Curio's. The Curio Waterstone in Boca Raton, FL comes to mind.
DoubleTree = Double Check is the best line I've heard for that brand.
At the same time, in the USA, I feel like they have been taking some of the nicest DT's and turning them into Curio's. The Curio Waterstone in Boca Raton, FL comes to mind.
DoubleTree = Double Check is the best line I've heard for that brand.
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Posts: 10,003
a few things, many years ago Hilton purchased another chain (forget the name) which consisted of DT,ES and Hampton Inn. I take it they felt to keep those who stayed with those hotels Hil figured its best to keep each brand rather than confuse people by getting rid of a brand and also maybe some customers
Also a few years ago Hilton decided every "Hilton' had to have a lounge, those who for whatever reason werent willing to go along were switched to being a DT. Ive stayed at tons of DTs (Stateside) cant remember any of them having a lounge
I think the same can be said for Marriott vs Renaissance or Sheraton vs Westin. In Hiltons case I think they see Hilton as a step above DT
Also a few years ago Hilton decided every "Hilton' had to have a lounge, those who for whatever reason werent willing to go along were switched to being a DT. Ive stayed at tons of DTs (Stateside) cant remember any of them having a lounge
I think the same can be said for Marriott vs Renaissance or Sheraton vs Westin. In Hiltons case I think they see Hilton as a step above DT
#40
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DAL
Posts: 1,447
Completely agree, the frozen commissary prepared eggs reheated at H2 is the same as made to order eggs at Embassy Suites.
#41
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
One of the cleverist posts I ever saw on FT, and I forget who wrote it, said that the rules for being a DT are:
1. Be a hotel
2. Have cookies.
There are some great properties and there are some terrible properties and there's everything in between. At any other Hilton brand I have a general idea of what to expect. At Doubletree I have no idea. It could be a new construction built specifically to be a DT or a former God knows what. There could be a lounge, there could not be a lounge. Breakfast could be anything. The rooms could be anything. It's so, so odd.
1. Be a hotel
2. Have cookies.
There are some great properties and there are some terrible properties and there's everything in between. At any other Hilton brand I have a general idea of what to expect. At Doubletree I have no idea. It could be a new construction built specifically to be a DT or a former God knows what. There could be a lounge, there could not be a lounge. Breakfast could be anything. The rooms could be anything. It's so, so odd.
#42
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Window Seat
Programs: National Executive, HHonors Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Visitor
Posts: 2,495
Most HGIs are purpose-built, newer properties that reflect a rigorous standard. Most Doubletrees are random, older, often reflagged properties with few to no common elements (unless you count the cookie).
Doubletree is Hilton's "none of the above" brand. It's the column where they stick outlier or one-of-a-kind properties that are more than a Hampton Inn, less than a Hilton, too shabby or aged to be an HGI, etc.
There are superb Doubletrees in Europe (look at the former Mint properties in the UK, some of which are nicer than Conrads: modern, sleek, elegant, great service) and horrible ones in the US (the SFO Airport perimeter Doubletree is one of the saddest hotels you will ever see, inside or outside the Hilton empire: dated, musty, shabby).
Nobody knows what Doubletree is meant to stand for, not even Hilton.
Doubletree is Hilton's "none of the above" brand. It's the column where they stick outlier or one-of-a-kind properties that are more than a Hampton Inn, less than a Hilton, too shabby or aged to be an HGI, etc.
There are superb Doubletrees in Europe (look at the former Mint properties in the UK, some of which are nicer than Conrads: modern, sleek, elegant, great service) and horrible ones in the US (the SFO Airport perimeter Doubletree is one of the saddest hotels you will ever see, inside or outside the Hilton empire: dated, musty, shabby).
Nobody knows what Doubletree is meant to stand for, not even Hilton.
I think one of their biggest mistakes was the "Doubletree BY Hilton" thing. They should have kept Doubletree as a stand alone. Some of those properties really bring down the Hilton name.
#43
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,990
There was a time when Doubletree was a better brand. It is pretty sad to see Hilton reflagging old painted over 70's Holiday Inns (Livermore, CA... and supposedly soon Chico, CA which is a Ramada now but supposedly renovating into a Doubletree), and previous limited service properties (various former Phoenix Inns in OR/WA) over to that flag. It was a bad sign when Hilton reflagged some Red Lions to Doubletree in the 00's and we see how that went; most of those properties got divested and few still have the Doubletree flag (some have actually flat out shut down).
I think one of their biggest mistakes was the "Doubletree BY Hilton" thing. They should have kept Doubletree as a stand alone. Some of those properties really bring down the Hilton name.
I think one of their biggest mistakes was the "Doubletree BY Hilton" thing. They should have kept Doubletree as a stand alone. Some of those properties really bring down the Hilton name.
#44
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Programs: AAdvantage - PLT Pro, United Premier PLT, HHonors - Diamond, National - Ex. Elite
Posts: 31
DoubleTree
Cannot speak to what they are intending, but I have also found DT properties to be bizarrely variable in quality. I have had a couple of great stays that felt like 4 and half stars, and a couple of places where I felt a bit short changed.
I think in the long run it will kill the brand, because people tend to base opinions on the worst experience, not the best.
I think in the long run it will kill the brand, because people tend to base opinions on the worst experience, not the best.
#45
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,574
Maybe we'll just head to the fine cuisine of McD's (or whatever else is at our particular Interstate exit) for breakfast...
There seems to be a new chapter in the DT story: they're building suburban ones that look *almost* like an HGI, just with the bar and a slightly-expanded evening menu of mostly frozen and/or processed foods. Stayed in one in Beaverton, OR a couple weeks ago. Very cookie-cutter feel...the first one I've been to that truly looked like an HGI from the outside, and was situated right near a mall like a lot of HGI's are. The whole thing felt very limited-service, even though technically I guess it offered everything that "regular" DT's do.
On the plus side, this particular DT was trying to do little extra things for Diamonds, such as a free drink each night and an extra goody bag beyond normal. (It obviously did not have a lounge.)