Becoming a DoubleTree

When the former Radisson on West 51st Street converted to a DoubleTree by Hilton at the end of December, General Manager Jeff Durham and his team began overseeing an extensive renovation that not only would modernize the 230-room hotel but make sure its guest rooms and amenities conform with all DoubleTree brand standards.

As the multimonth renovation ended, the newly renamed DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave., began offering guests DoubleTree’s signature chocolate chip cookies, awarding — and redeeming — Hilton Honors points and entering data at check-in using Hilton’s proprietary reservations system.

New furniture, bedding, mattresses, pillows and linen – all meeting DoubleTree brand standards – have been installed in every guest room. “Bathrooms received special attention,” said Jeff, with new flooring, fixtures, lighting and glass shower doors.

Not surprisingly, guest feedback has been positive, said Jeff. “Repeat guests have been especially vocal in their praise. Given our location so close to Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall and Fifth Avenue shopping, we’ve seen more leisure guests during the summer.” He expects a shift towards corporate travel bookings in the fall.

The hotel’s three-meal-a-day restaurant is called Duomo 51, Duomo being Italian for “cathedral,” a nod to nearby St. Patrick’s.

Hilton encourages guest service agents to sign up guests for Hilton Honors membership.  In fact, the company sets monthly quotas. “Our team has met that number every month,” Jeff said proudly.

M&R’s portfolio also includes the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West on the Far West Side. With 602 rooms, it is the largest hotel in M&R’s portfolio. “East and west, we have the island covered,” Jeff said.