HUAQIAO, China, April 29, 2009 – The Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan, the first Doubletree by Hilton branded hotel in East China celebrated its grand opening on Apr 28th.

The official opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Zhang Guohua, Party Secretary of Kunshan, Mr. Xu Qinglong, Vice Chairman of Kunshan People’s Political Consultative, Mr. Ren Xueyuan, Director of Administration Committee of Huaqiao Economic Development Zone and Mr. Su Laide, Chairman of Kunshan Taiwan Compatriots Investment Association, local Kunshan government officials, Mr. C.C. Tung and Mr. Alan Tung of Hong Kong based developer Orient Overseas, Mr. Martin Rinck, President, Hilton Hotels – Asia Pacific, Mr. Tim Soper, Vice President Operations – Greater China, Mongolia and Mr. John Burger, General Manager, Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan.

Strategically located in the new Huaqiao Central Business District between Shanghai and Kunshan, the newly built, 398-room and 2,500-square-meters of meeting and banquet space hotel had a successful soft opening earlier this year. The grand opening this week enabled many officials and industry partners to experience the Doubletree by Hilton brand first-hand.

Mr. Martin Rinck, President, Hilton Hotels – Asia Pacific, commented, “We are delighted to introduce our first Doubletree by Hilton hotel in East China, especially as it is part of the innovative Huaqiao Business Park, located just 45 minutes outside of Shanghai. The development clearly demonstrates the foresight of our hotel owners, Orient Overseas, and the local government who are working to fulfil the needs of the growing Shanghai business area.”

Doubletree by Hilton differentiates itself from the competition by creating a refreshingly relaxed hotel atmosphere for its guests and by providing high quality customer service. Signature services include the hotel brand’s warm worldwide welcome signified by the Doubletree chocolate chip cookie presented to guests upon their arrival, the brand’s signature Sweet Dreams? sleep experience, and the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors? loyalty programme.

Mr. Alan Tung, Managing Director or Orient Overseas Developments Limited, commented, “The Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan is a well planned property with very good conference facilities, and we are confident that its strategic location coupled with the relaxed contemporary style of the Doubletree by Hilton brand will be well received among business and leisure travelers alike in China”.

“I am so proud that Doubletree by Hilton Kunshan/Huaqiao is now open in the new Huaqiao Central Business District. We hope our hotel can take full advantage of the business opportunities presented by this rapidly growing business center. Our objective at Doubletree is to provide excellent and uncompromising levels of service to develop a relationship with our customers. We look forward to fulfilling the growing business needs of the Shanghai area and developing a relationship with the Kunshan community,” said Mr. John Burger, the hotel general manager.

Photo shows (from left)

Tim Soper, Vice President Operations – Greater China, Mongolia; Alan Tung, Managing Director of OODL; Guan Aiguo, Kunshan Mayor; C.C. Tung, Chairman of OOCL; Zhang Guohua, Kunshan Party Secretary; Martin Rinck, President, Hilton Hotels - Asia Pacific; Ren Xueyuan, Director of Administration Committee of Huaqiao Economic Development Zone and John Burger, GM of Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan press the button to kick off the hotel grand opening.

Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan

Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan is located at 2 Zhao Feng Road, Huaqiao CBD, Kunshan, China 215332. The hotel’s telephone number is + 86 (0) 512 5760 2222. For more information or to book reservations at the Doubletree by Hilton Huaqiao/Kunshan, please visit our website in Chinese at http://kunshan.doubletreebyhilton.com.cn

or in English at http://kunshan.doubletreebyhilton.com.

Reservations also can be made through your local travel professional or by phone at 800 820 0600 in China or 800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada.