Doubletree Hotels Celebrates ''Double Recognition'' from the American Hotel & Lodging Association

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Doubletree^® Hotels is proud to announce that team members from two of their hotels were recognized this week by one of the hospitality industry’s most esteemed awards programs. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) presented Mary Stone of the Doubletree Guest Suites Anaheim Resort/Convention Center with the AH&LA Outstanding Lodging Employee Of The Year Award for a medium-sized property, and the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland/Lloyd Center with the AH&LA Good Earthkeeping Award in the large property category.

Each year, the AH&LA Stars of the Industry and Achievement Awards programs recognize individuals and hotels for outstanding accomplishments and exceptional service. Many of AH&LA’s member state associations choose their own property award winners, which are then submitted to the association for national judging. Both of these national awards were presented at the AH&LA Summer Summit last week in Oklahoma City.

Mary Stone at the Doubletree Guest Suites Anaheim Resort/Convention Center was recognized as an Outstanding Lodging Employee because of her commitment to continually going above and beyond her job responsibilities. She has been an active member of the Doubletree brand’s legendary CARE Committee since February of 2006, and was a Semi-finalist for the Orange County Tourism Council’s Service of Excellence Awards in April of 2007. She especially loves the events that are held throughout the year for the children of the community and has been known to wear many hats -- literally -- to demonstrate her passion for this cause. Stone has donned a bunny costume, a Christmas tree outfit, and personally decorated a five year-old guest’s hotel room for a birthday celebration.

The Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland/Lloyd Center in Portland, Ore. has been an environmental advocate for many years, earning Oregon’s First Green Seal^® GS-33 Lodging Certification in 2004. The hotel team’s commitment to being eco-conscious has been demonstrated through decisions to create a property-specific carbon calculator, implement a comprehensive composting program, purchase renewable energy, retrofit all lighting and plumbing for maximum energy efficiency, and subsidize public transit for employees. These programs have led to a 30 percent reduction in electricity, gas, and water consumption. The hotel also is a two-time winner of the annual Environmental CARE Award from Doubletree Hotels.

“Doubletree is truly proud to celebrate a great individual and a great hotel team who continue to strive each and every day to show an outstanding commitment to the spirit of hospitality,” said Dave Horton, senior vice president – brand management for Doubletree Hotels. “We commend Mary Stone and the team at the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland/Lloyd Center for their industry-leading achievements and are extremely proud that their hard work has been recognized at one of the highest levels of the hospitality industry.”

About the American Hotel & Lodging Association

Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. For more information about AH&LA, please visit their website at www.ahla.com.

About Doubletree Hotels

With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 190 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America, Doubletree Hotels, Guest Suites and Resorts are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travelers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors^® guest reward program, each Doubletree guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. To make reservations at any Doubletree hotel, travelers can visit our website at www.doubletree.com, contact their preferred travel professional or call 1-800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada.