PENANG, MALAYSIA—Hilton Worldwide signed a management agreement with Pinnacle Nexus Sdn. Bhd. (a member of Cornerstone Partners) to open DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang. Located in the northern beach area of Penang near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will add to the existing pipeline of five hotels in Malaysia, where Hilton Worldwide currently operates six hotels under the Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton brands.
“The signing of this agreement underscores our commitment to developing Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of brands in Malaysia. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will be a tremendous addition to the brand’s rapidly expanding global portfolio across six continents and at the same time, bolster the country’s tourism profile to attract more travelers to Malaysia,” said Andrew Clough, SVP of development, Middle East & Asia-Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.
Penang is one of the top three economic centers amongst the states of Malaysia, as the country’s manufacturing hub for major international high-tech electronics companies, according to Hilton. Situated along Jalan Batu Ferringhi, a beach destination in Penang, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is approximately 9.3 miles from George Town, which is renowned for its old world charm.
The existing hotel building will undergo an extensive refurbishment of its public areas, as well as rooms and suites before joining DoubleTree by Hilton’s growing global collection of more than 415 hotels and resorts in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations around the world. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will become the brand’s third property in Malaysia when it opens in 2016, joining DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur and DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru.
“We are excited to announce yet another DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Malaysia, extending our presence in one of our key markets,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “Every aspect of this hotel is being thoughtfully designed to ensure our guests enjoy a world-class experience throughout their stay.”
Set into a hillside, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will feature 318 rooms and suites, each with its own balcony. Most of the rooms and suites will offer views of the sea. The resort will have three restaurant and bar options including an all-day dining outlet, a lobby bar and a café. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will have meetings and events facilities, including a ballroom and four function spaces. Other facilities include a gym, an outdoor pool and children’s recreational area.