Hilton Worldwide’s expanding presence in South Eastern Europe will see it enter Macedonia with the signing of a franchise agreement with Ajdovan Ademoski to open the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje. The hotel is expected to open in early 2016 and joins further properties under development in the region in Croatia and Montenegro.
As a new build property, DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje’s design will make it the ideal venue for conference and events in a location with easy access to the city centre and international airport and in close proximity to the city’s main exhibition centre which is more than 50,000 square metres in size. Situated on the banks of the river Vardar, the hotel will offer 172 upscale bedrooms, including 20 suites, providing guests with comfortable surroundings whether visiting for business or leisure. The hotel will feature 1,400 square metres of events space, divided into two large ballrooms, and a further three meeting rooms. Ample car parking, as well as a business centre, health club and spa will ensure the hotel stands out as one of the city’s most prominent accommodation options.
“We are expanding across Europe with a strategy to grow our portfolio of successful brands in key locations with high quality hotel developments,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development for Europe and Africa, Hilton Worldwide. “DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje will be a superb addition to our portfolio, and I am delighted that we will be providing brand new accommodation in Macedonia, a country that is raising its profile as a visitor destination and has seen rapidly increasing numbers of international arrivals.”
Within Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of full-service brands, DoubleTree by Hilton is fast becoming an upscale brand of choice for travellers in Europe, with renowned guest service, its iconic warm chocolate chip cookie welcome at check-in and a portfolio of incredible locations ranging from London, Rome and Dublin; to Zagreb, Amsterdam and Istanbul. Guests of DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje will enjoy features including a restaurant, two bars and outdoor terrace. In addition, a health club and spa will provide over 900 square metres to exercise, relax and unwind with Turkish Baths, treatment rooms, gym and swimming pool. The health club and spa will also offer local residents membership opportunities.
John Greenleaf, global head for DoubleTree by Hilton, commented, “The DoubleTree by Hilton brand continues to enter new markets in Europe, where we already have some incredible hotels. South Eastern Europe is becoming more and more exciting for us and our team looks forward to welcoming guests in Skopje.”
As the political, economic and cultural centre of Macedonia, Skopje is a gateway to the region and offers a wealth of historic sites of interest from the 6th Century Kale Fortress, Old Skopje Bazaar, Sveti Spas and the historic Daut Pasha Bath. The city benefits from major industry and a free economic zone, which has seen further major companies announce operations in Skopje.
Ajdovan Ademoski, owner of DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje, said, “We are delighted to be working with Hilton Worldwide to bring their world renowned hospitality to Macedonia for the first time. DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje will be a fine addition and is yet another marker of growth and opportunity in the city. We look forward to welcoming guests and further raising the profile of the city to an international audience.”
