Global hospitality giant Hilton Worldwide has joined forces with prominent Saudi investor Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi & Sons to introduce the 309-room DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh-Olaya, its 20th property in the kingdom.

To be strategically located in the heart of the commercial district in downtown Riyadh and close to King Fahd Road, the 20-storey hotel is Hilton's eighth property in the Saudi capital.

The hotel, which is expected to open in mid-2015, will also enjoy excellent accessibility to the city’s main ring road as well as to Riyadh International Airport.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa said, "As the fastest growing international hospitality company in Saudi Arabia, I am delighted to see the strident and determined pace of progress we are making in such a key Middle East market."

"Once all 20 pipeline hotels open within the next four years, we will have one of the strongest and most diverse hotel portfolios in Saudi Arabia," he noted.  

Designed to appeal to both the leisure and business traveller, DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh –Olaya will feature a business centre, a 700-sq m function room, two boardrooms and two meeting rooms.

The leisure facilities will include a health club, outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, including speciality dining, and a lobby lounge.

John Greenleaf, the global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “Our brand is growing rapidly around the world and in particular, in the Middle East where investors and hotel owners can see the tangible benefits of partnering with an internationally recognised brand. I am delighted with our on-going growth in Saudi and look forward to bringing another quality property to our growing portfolio.”

"Guests at the new Olaya hotel will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at a fast-growing collection of more than 330 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels and resorts in more than 28 countries and territories, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest upon check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community," he added.

Owner Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Rafhi said Riyadh has traditionally been a strong corporate destination with business travel typically accounting for the biggest share of the incoming visitor market.

"However, as leisure travel to the capital continues to grow, we will need hotels capable of attracting both sectors and I am delighted that our alliance with Hilton Worldwide will develop a property with the right balance of quality facilities and high service standards designed to appeal to leisure and business travellers," he added.-TradeArabia News Service