Doubletree by Hilton Milan opens its doors and other international hotel news

Doubletree by Hilton Milan opens its doors Hilton's upscale full-service brand, Doubletree, has announced the debut of its first property in continental Europe with the opening of the Doubletree by Hilton Milan. The 240-bedroom hotel is Hilton's 88th European hotel. It comprises a fitness facility and conference and meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 450 guests. The hotel also has an under glass bar and restaurant specialising in Milanese and international cuisine. The Doubletree by Hilton Milan is operated by G&W Hotel Invest Srl. under a franchise agreement with Hilton. Doubletree already has 45,000 rooms in more than 190 locations worldwide, predominantly in the United States to date. A rapid global expansion of the Doubletree by Hilton brand has included an opening plan of upscale, full-service hotels and resorts in Canada, Costa Rica, Peru, the United Kingdom and now Italy, with additional hotels and resorts in Panama, Peru, Russia, Slovakia and Thailand anticipated to open during the next few months.

Kempinski Hybernská opens in Prague Kempinski has opened its latest hotel, the Hybernská Prague. The property is a renovated 17th century listed building, styled to create the ambience of a private residence. The 75-bedroom hotel also features Le Grill, the property's fine dining restaurant, which serves international cuisine as well as a selection of Czech specialties. There is also a bar Two Steps, set under vaulted ceilings. In addition Kempinski has reopened the doors to its Palace Portorož Istria in Slovenia which has been under restoration since 2003, including all 185 of its rooms and suites, and the addition of a luxurious spa.

Banyan Tree opens in four new destinations worldwide A village-style resort, Mayakoba, has opened on a stretch of land between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Banyan Tree Mayakoba, one of four new resorts, is the only all-pool villa resort in the Maya Riviera. The 132 free-standing villas all include private pools, outdoor jet-pools, meditation pavilions and spacious poolside terraces. Outdoor spa pavilions line the lagoon and Banyan Tree's signature Saffron restaurant hovers over a free form pool. There is also a Greg Norman-designed championship golf course and a 1 km private beach and club. Further Banyan resorts are set to open in Acapulco Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

Intercontinental Malta set for overhaul InterContinental Hotel Group is set to redevelop its property in Malta. It will see 86 club rooms and 20 club suites refurbished as well as the opening of The Auditorium, a 296 person tiered theatre bringing the hotel's conference and meeting rooms to 23. Due to be completed by the end of March 2009 the InterContinental Malta's Club Rooms and Club Suites will be redesigned with contemporary fittings and materials. Those staying in a Club Room or Club Suite are offered additional facilities including a dedicated reception desk and concierge service, private breakfast, all day refreshments, afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks. The InterContinental Malta is centrally located and comprises seven restaurants, three bars, an outdoor 47 metre panoramic lagoon styled swimming pool, heated indoor pool, fitness centre, beauty centre and 24-hour business centre. Located only 143 metres from the hotel is the InterContinental Beach Club.

By Gemma Sharkey