DoubleTree by Hilton

Upscale hotels and resorts
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Franchise 500 2023
2024 Franchise 500 Rank
#22 Ranked #25 last year
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Initial investment
$28M - $97.6M
Units as of 2023
511 Increase 8.0% over 3 years

Doubletree opened its first hotel in 1969. The owner, Samuel Kitchell, opted to begin franchising in 1989, and this move caught the eye of Hilton Hotels. Ten years later, Kitchell merged with Hilton, growing the brand to its current state. Now, Doubletree by Hilton has more than 450 units worldwide.

Since their main expansion plan was franchising, more than 80% of all Doubletree Hilton hotels are individually owned as a franchise. As a franchisee, you have the option of opening a 250-room Doubletree by Hilton hotel or a 250 Doubletree by Hilton suite hotel for travelers who require more space.

No matter the option y choose, you can opt to include a world-class spa, Eforea for an extra cost. If not, you can opt for a different spa brand as long as it meets Hilton's high standards. Doubletree by Hilton hotels may offer restaurants, business rooms, lounges, spas, gyms, health clubs, banquet space, and more, all dependent upon site selection and a franchisee's total investment.

Why You May Want to Open a Doubletree by Hilton Franchise

Doubletree by Hilton is one of the fastest growing hotel brands when compared to the other Hilton hotels brands. They have locations in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

Becoming a franchisee with Doubletree by Hilton may give you instant brand recognition. The company offers continuous support in running your business. A small number of employees may receive over 160 hours of classroom training to learn how best to serve future guests.

What Might Make a Doubletree by Hilton Franchise a Good Choice?

To be part of the Doubletree by Hilton team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment and potential set-up fees. It may also be wise to consult a financial planner and attorney as you decide whether you wish to become a franchisee of Doubletree by Hilton. 

The total investment cost will depend significantly on your choice between becoming a franchisee of  a new Doubletree by Hilton hotel or suite. Additionally, adding the spa option will also increase investment costs. The hotel or suite option only allows for 250 rooms; additional rooms may incur additional investment costs. 

Franchisees will need to pay an initial franchise fee, along with a royalty and ad fee each year. 

How to Open a Doubletree by Hilton Franchise

To join the Doubletree by Hilton franchise brand, you will first submit an inquiry. Doubletree by Hilton may assign a representative to you if you seem to be a good fit for the brand. The franchise representative will guide and inform you of the details you need to know about the franchise as you begin your journey. 

If you continue to progress through the franchising process, you may be allowed to choose a territory and site selection with the guidance of your franchise representative. After signing, employee training may begin.

As part of the planning and opening plan, Doubletree by Hilton may introduce you to several professionals to help you bring the hotel to life, be it architects, environmentalists, interior designers, or chefs. Soon, you may be on your way to creating a guest-friendly hotel with Doubletree by Hilton. 

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Company Overview

About DoubleTree by Hilton

Industry Lodging
Related Categories Hotels & Motels
Founded 1969
Parent Company Hilton
Leadership Christopher Nassetta, CEO
Corporate Address 7930 Jones Branch Dr.
McLean, VA 22102
Social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1989 (35 years)
# of employees at HQ 7,801
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchises worldwide.

# of Units 511 (as of 2023)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a DoubleTree by Hilton franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$85,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$28,036,825 - $97,637,831
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
Varies
Royalty Fee Information Circle
5%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
4%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
23 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing DoubleTree by Hilton has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 1 hour
Classroom Training 127-136 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
# of employees required to run 100
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
No
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where DoubleTree by Hilton landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where DoubleTree by Hilton ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022