ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront, a contemporary beachside escape in coastal North Carolina. The former Sheraton closed in 2011 in the wake of Hurricane Irene, and was acquired by Newport Group in 2012 with plans for an overhaul and a grand reopening as the go-to destination hotel for Atlantic Beach visitors. Following a $5 million renovation, the hotel debuts a modern, beach-chic ambience that appeals to leisure travelers and those seeking a fresh and sophisticated setting for meetings and events.
“Travelers to Atlantic Beach these past two years have longed for an upscale hotel delivering the full-service accommodations, services and amenities they seek,” said Tom Bowen, general manager-DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront. “With the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront, we are proud to welcome guests back to the area, and give them the first-rate experience they expect, starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie greeting at check-in.”
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront unveils a comfortable, chic, beach style throughout the upgraded lobby area and public space, as well as modern updates throughout the 200 guest rooms—all featuring private balconies and views of Atlantic Beach. In addition, the hotel has revamped its food and beverage offerings to bring guests more dining options—from an old favorite to a new restaurant with modern flair. Molly’s Beachside Bar & Grill, an Atlantic Beach staple, re-opens in a long-anticipated return to offer tasty bar bites, tropical frozen drinks and local craft beers. The hotel also debuts its new restaurant, Prime 1079, an American steakhouse with Southern flair, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Led by Chef Michael Barnes, a graduate of the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, the restaurant features menu items to suit every taste—from top-grade certified Black Angus Beef to fresh seafood right from the local waters.
In addition to a new chef, the hotel welcomes a new management team led by Tom Bowen, general manager, and Bobbie Stanley, director of sales. Bowen brings with him more than 26 years of experience in hospitality that includes 21 years working with Hilton Worldwide hotels—seven of those managing the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta – Marietta in Georgia. Stanley joins the hotel with more than 13 years of hospitality experience that includes six years with the sales, catering and conference teams at the DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach.
Located 45 miles from Craven County Regional Airport, and easily accessible from nearby cities including Jacksonville, Raleigh and Newport, the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront is a tranquil haven located between Emerald Isle and Havelock. Whether guests are seeking relaxation or adventure, the hotel’s concierge can help every guest find just the right ocean-side activity available either directly through the hotel, or through local tour and rental companies, including harbor tours, romantic moonlit cruises, kayaking, scuba diving and fishing. The hotel is also a short trip from area attractions including the North Carolina Aquarium’s playful river otters and “Living Shipwreck Display,” as well as Fort Macon State Park, a site used during the 18th and 19th centuries to protect the city from naval attacks by pirates and enemy warships.
A 300-foot pier allows guests to take in unparalleled views of sunrises and sunsets, enjoy sightings of dolphins that call the area home and also creates a perfect setting for intimate wedding ceremonies. For larger-scale events, the hotel offers over 9,000 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate up to 800, ideal for weddings, conferences and events.
“A serene seaside location and lush, modern accommodations truly set this hotel apart from anything else that is currently available to travelers visiting Atlantic Beach,” said John Greenleaf, global head - DoubleTree by Hilton. “With the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront, we look forward to bringing guests the high quality service and hotel offering that both guests and members of the Atlantic Beach community have told us they want.”
Among the DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives that guests will enjoy are the Wake Up DoubleTree BreakfastTM, an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee offerings from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn and the industry-recognized service culture which is built around the idea of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience) for guests, team members and the community. Additional hotel amenities include an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, a seasonal outdoor pool and kids’ play area, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour business center, and complimentary high speed Wi-Fi internet access in all guest rooms and public areas.
As a participant in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, the hotel will offer all guests the ability to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points. Diamond HHonors members will receive 1,000 bonus points and free breakfast during stays, and Gold HHonors members will have the option of receiving either 1,000 bonus points or a complimentary breakfast during their stay.
To mark the opening, DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront will offer double HHonors points for stays completed through December 31, 2013. For reservations or to inquire about meeting packages, visit www.doubletree.com, contact your preferred travel professional or call 252-240-1155.
About Newport Group, Inc.
Newport Group Inc. is a privately held real estate development and management firm based in Augusta, Georgia. The company's portfolio includes hotels, commercial, and residential developments.
Newport has hotels ranging from limited service to full service properties operating under Hilton, Starwood, IHG and Wyndham flags. With over 1,000 rooms and an additional 750 in planned development, Newport is a proven leader in hotel development and operational management. For more information visit www.newportgroupinc.com.
About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 340 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors® guest loyalty programme, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveller feel human again.
To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travellers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels. For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.
