San Juan's New Doubletree

It seems as though you can't go a week without hearing of a new development in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the destination continues to be the site of upgrades, expansions and refurbishments. Well, you can add Hilton to the list of players getting involved in the robust San Juan hotel market. Doubletree Hotels recently announced that it has entered into a franchise license agreement to introduce the brand's first upscale, full-service hotel product in the Caribbean. The Hotel Pierre at Gallery Plaza will be re-branded as the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Juan in mid-2008

The 184-room Hotel Pierre at Gallery Plaza is set to launch a yearlong, multi-phase renovation that will include extensive design, technology and service upgrades throughout the property. Upon completion by mid-2008, the hotel will welcome guests as the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Juan.

In addition to renovating its guest rooms, the hotel's public areas are being upgraded and new meeting and banquet rooms are being added.

All guest rooms will have a small refrigerator and microwave oven, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and wired high-speed Internet access. New 32-inch flat-screen LCD TVs will also be installed in every room and will allow connectivity for MP3 players through the LCD sound system. In addition, the new rooms will feature an enhanced bathroom with newly installed fixtures and more shower space.

In the popular Condado area, the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Juan will be a good property to suggest to both leisure and corporate clients. The hotel is a short walk from an array of cultural spots, including the Puerto Rico Museum of Arts and the LuisA.FerrePerformingArtsCenter, as well as the city's beaches and casinos.

Also nearby is the Hato Rey area, home of the Milla de Oro, the island's main business and banking district.

The PierreHotel is currently offering special rates for the fall, with up to 20 percent commissions.

Other packages will be developed as the launch of the Doubletree brand approaches. Agents should contact Nadya Ayala, director of sales, at 787-721-1200 or [email protected].