Hilton Signs Agreement to Rebrand Paris Landmark as Hilton Paris Opera
Historic Opéra Hotel to Receive Considerable Investment Prior to Rebranding in 2014
Almasalla Arab Travel Portal News – PARIS and MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton Worldwide has reached an agreement which will see it rebrand the historic Concorde Opera hotel under its Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in late 2014.
The iconic hotel, in Paris’ fashionable 8th arrondissement, was recently acquired by Blackstone Real Estate Partners Europe IV ("Blackstone"). The Concorde Opéra will undergo a significant investment programme to restore and reinvigorate the 124 year old landmark prior to rebranding as the Hilton Paris Opéra next year.
Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said, "Paris has long been considered one of the world’s great tourist destinations, in part due to its rich architectural and cultural history. This hotel is renowned for its intricate façade and today’s agreement will pair one of Paris’ best known buildings with our signature hotel brand. We’re excited to be creating a Hilton hotel of exceptional quality in the Hilton Paris Opéra."
Marking Hilton Worldwide’s expansion in the popular Paris market, the agreement is underpinned by the city’s enduring tourist appeal and high levels of guest demand for quality hotel accommodation. Located minutes from a number of famous attractions such as the Opéra, The Louvre, the Sacré Cœur and the Arc de Triomphe, the surrounding area is subject to a considerable public and private investment programme and is currently undergoing large scale redevelopment. Guests will benefit from access to Europe’s second largest rail station, the Gare Saint Lazare, which is opposite the hotel and is used by 100 million passengers each year.
Today’s Paris agreement follows news that Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement to brand a new hotel as Hilton Chantilly Hotel & Conference Centre, 30 kilometers from central Paris. The hotel, which will include a range of sophisticated room offerings and a substantial meeting and conference facilities, in addition to a signature state of the art spa, is expected to open to guests in early 2015.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide said, "More than 70 million people travel to Paris each year, placing it in the top five most popular cities to visit globally. This considerable demand represents a great opportunity for our brands. The new Hilton Paris Opéra will take advantage of a premium location, and will complement our existing Hilton Hotels & Resorts at La Défense, Charles De Gaulle and Orly Airports, in addition to the Hilton Chantilly Hotel & Conference Centre, which is currently under construction."
Business and leisure facilities at the 266 bedroom Hilton Paris Opéra hotel will include an executive floor and lounge and outstanding meetings and food and beverage facilities. Hilton Worldwide will operate the hotel under a management agreement on behalf of Blackstone.
