Hilton has launched its DoubleTree brand in the Republic of Ireland, where it is now building clear momentum.
The group recently launched its Home2 Suites brand in the centre of Dublin, an opening that was the first for the brand in Europe. In addition, a hotel in Cork has been signed to the Tapestry Collection brand, creating a trio of new arrivals in the Emerald Isle.
Refreshing an Established Destination
The DoubleTree Ashbourne will be a rebranding of an existing hotel in the town of Ashbourne, close to Dublin and the city’s airport. The 156 room hotel will undergo an extensive upgrade, prior to a relaunch as part of the Hilton portfolio in early 2027. Originally opened in 2007, the hotel operated for some years under Marriott branding, before being put up for sale in 2016. More recently, it has traded as the independent Pillo Hotel.
Owner Richard Mc Dermott commented: “Partnering with Hilton marks an exciting next step for the hotel. Alongside a refreshed guest experience, it will help create employment opportunities and deliver long-term value for the local area. Backed by Hilton’s commercial strength and global loyalty programme, we’re confident the hotel will become a go-to destination for guests visiting Dublin and beyond.”
Currently in Ireland, Hilton operates eight hotels across six of its brands. The upcoming Tapestry Collection in Cork is a 103 room property being developed by JMK Group, which should be ready in 2027, offering a mix of standard rooms plus extended stay accommodation, all under one roof.
Across the border in Northern Ireland, the group is also making progress, with signings including the DoubleTree Belfast Centre Ten Square, and DoubleTree Derry-Londonderry. Hilton will also be bringing another of its brands to the island, again using the territory as an international launchpad. Tempo by Hilton Belfast City Centre will have 144 rooms, with developer Loughview Leisure Group creating the property from an existing office building.
Elsewhere in the UK, Hilton continues to sign new properties. Upcoming openings include the makeover of the Caledonian hotel in Edinburgh, which is undergoing a repositioning from its Waldorf Astoria branding, to what is considered a more market-appropriate Curio Collection property. The realignment should be completed in autumn 2026.
Growing Across the UK
But in London, the luxury Waldorf Astoria brand is expanding its reach, opening in the coming months in the iconic Admiralty Arch building, promising views of Buckingham Palace or Trafalgar Square, depending on the choice of bedroom. And, at the other end of the chain scale, the group will be opening Spark by Hilton London Chiswick, a budget segment offering for travellers looking for value.
Into 2027, Hilton will be enhancing its presence at UK airports. The 157 room Hampton by Hilton London Heathrow Bath Road will open. While at London’s second airport, Gatwick, property owner Arora will be rebranding its 600 room Arora Hotel as a DoubleTree by Hilton property, following an extensive refit.
