DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs pool - EDITED

Hilton’s DoubleTree brand will make its Australian debut in the Northern Territory on May 1.

Four hotels are changing from IHG’s Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands to Hilton in what Hilton Worldwide’s Vice President for Operations in Australasia, Ashley Spencer, says is a fantastic move for the company.

“We are delighted to be able to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and to add another Hilton Hotel and Resort in the region’s most significant areas of growth,” Spencer said.

The hotels making their new brand debuts are DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs and Hilton Darwin.

“We have been looking to enter into the Northern Territory for some time and are committed to making these properties the leading full-service hotels in the market,” Spencer said.

The Northern Territory’s Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Matt Conlan, has welcomed the arrival of Hilton.

“We’re delighted to have Hilton Worldwide, an industry leader, establish its brand in the Territory,” he said. “The Hilton Darwin and three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, will enhance the range of accommodation choices available to visitors in locations that are ideal for holiday and business travellers alike.”

Hilton Worldwide’s Area General Manager for the Northern Territory, Martin Kendall, will have overall responsibility for all four hotels, and is supported by Carey Osborne, Hotel Manager for the two DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Darwin, and Clinton Farley, General Manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs.

The properties are expected to undergo renovations from late 2013.