DoubleTree by Edinburgh City Centre is delighted to announce the partnership with ‘Welcome’ the new inclusive and accessible app by Neatebox which has been developed to help customer service teams provide a 5 star service to any person with a disability.

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh is honoured to be partnering with a company that promotes accessibility and equality in customer service because this way of thinking aligns itself with the culture at the hotel.

‘Welcome’ is a cloud based platform which helps customer service teams to provide a five-star level of service to any disabled person on entry to their venue or store. ‘Welcome’ is designed to improve the relationship between the Customer Service representative and client and makes initial contact more efficient, friendly and streamlined, ultimately helping to build a foundation for a future relationship and visits.

Explaining his motivations behind Welcome, Gavin Neate, CEO and founder of Neatebox, said: “With so many people being disabled by poor communication and understanding of disability I felt that now was time we utilised our smart devices to break down barriers and improve human to human interactions. I am incredibly excited that Neatebox is partnering with DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, whose ambitious customer service goals and commitment to accessibility are truly inspiring.”

The hotel has multiple accessible facilities. On immediate arrival to the hotel there is direct access from the street with no steps and an accessible toilet right beside reception. There are stylish accessible bedrooms fully equipped for a comfortable stay plus the hotel’s stylish bar and plush restaurant are also excited to provide great service utilizing the Welcome app.

Expressing the company’s desire to partner with Neatebox, Alain Martzolf, Deputy General Manager of the hotel, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Neatebox to ensure we provide the highest standard of customer service for customers with accessible needs. Customer service is in our blood at DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre. It’s evident to our team that Neatebox has put so much passion into the app and we wanted to show our support for this great concept by being part of it. We are excited to be hosting a partnership launch party in November in our Penthouse Suite ‘home of SKYbar’.”

The UK’s fastest growing upscale brand today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport. A renovation programme overseen by Hilton has seen the hotel convert to a DoubleTree by Hilton property.

While a convenient and relaxing destination for airport-bound travellers, the hotel is just seven miles from the vibrant and exciting city centre of Edinburgh. The hotel has excellent accessibility to public transport, with the tram and bus route on its doorstep. Guests can travel into the city centre to experience local historic and cultural attractions including Edinburgh Castle, Princess Street, Royal Yacht Britannia and Murrayfield Stadium – the home of Scottish Rugby.

Following the £2.5 million investment, the property boasts 150 newly refurbished guestrooms, as well as The Space Restaurant which offers an all-day dining menu serving traditional Scottish dishes. The hotel also features 22 meeting rooms all with natural daylight and modern décor. The onsite LivingWell Leisure Club has also benefited from considerable investment as part of the rebrand.

Chris Lynch, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport, said, “Edinburgh’s tourism market is rapidly growing year on year as is the desire for travellers to stay at an airport location. DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport is ideally located two minutes away from the main airport terminal and only 25 minutes away from the city centre. I am certain that the hotel’s range of facilities and fantastic refurbishment will cater to the needs of business and leisure travellers”

DoubleTree by Hilton’s kind and welcoming service is felt immediately with a warm Chocolate Chip Cookie presented to guests upon arrival. The hotel provides guests with a full complement of services and DoubleTree by Hilton brand amenities, including the Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast, and an assortment of in-room tea and coffee offerings.

Since launching in the UK in 2008 the DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio includes 32 properties operating, with recent additions being DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde, DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North, DoubleTree by Hilton Dartford Bridge, and DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton. Furthermore, more than 90 DoubleTree properties will be operating across Europe, Middle East and Africa by the end of 2016.

As part of the Hilton portfolio of brands, guests of Edinburgh Airport are also encouraged to participate in Hilton HHonors, Hilton’s free-to-join loyalty program. Hilton HHonors members who book directly with Hilton save time and money and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most, including:
• An exclusive member rate at more than 4,800 hotels worldwide
• Instant benefits, such as free Wi-Fi, the ability to earn and redeem Points for free nights as well as access to digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key
• Unforgettable, exclusive experiences, available via Points at HHonors.com/auctions, such as access to private concerts or sought-after events.

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport is located at Eastfield Road, Edinburgh Airport. For more information or to make a reservation, travellers may visit DoubleTreeEdinburghAirport.com or call 0131 519 4400.

Media may access additional information on DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport at news.doubletree.com/EdinburghAirport. For more news on DoubleTree by Hilton hotel openings, visit news.doubletree.com.

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton has expanded its team, appointing Shona Archibald as City Revenue Manager Edinburgh and Rona McGuire as Meeting and Events Sales Manager. The new appointments follow the hotel’s £17 million transformation and relaunch last year.

Shona Archibald has worked for Jurys Inn Hotel Group for over three years, most recently as Cluster Revenue Manager for Scotland where she was responsible for rooms revenue across the Group’s five Scottish properties. Prior to this she was Cluster Revenue Manager for the Group’s Sheffield hotel and two Newcastle-upon-Tyne properties. Shona brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked as Revenue Manager for both the five star Fairmont St Andrews Resort and the 5 star Old Golf Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa.

In her new role Shona will be responsible for rooms revenue at the 211 bedroom Hilton Edinburgh Carlton.

As Meeting and Events Sales Manager at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, Rona McGuire will manage the hotel’s sales team and will be responsible for overseeing events, converting existing sales leads and generating new enquiries.

Rona joins the four star Edinburgh hotel from the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa where she was employed as Meeting and Events Office Manager. Rona has worked in the hotel industry working with a number of hotel groups including Radisson Blu, Principal Hotels and Thistle.

The iconic Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, which is located on North Bridge Street, just off the historic Royal Mile, has been completely transformed following the recent investment.

Every part of the Grade B listed building, including the bedrooms, public areas and events space has been completely refurbished and a brand-new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse has been added.

Much of the investment has focused on the hotel’s seven flexible meeting and events spaces, which are located on the first floor of the hotel and boast spectacular views of the beautiful city through gothic-style high arch windows. The largest room, the Highland Suite, can accommodate 200 delegates theatre style and offers an abundance of natural daylight.

Talking about the new appointments, Interim General Manager, David Shiels, said: “Following the hotel’s relaunch we are delighted to welcome Shona and Rona to the close-knit Hilton Edinburgh Carlton team. Both of them have a huge amount of experience in the hotel industry and will considerably strengthen the team here in Edinburgh.”

Nestled in the heart of the city centre, the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is within walking distance of all the city’s amenities and just a three-minute stroll from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Edinburgh International Airport is also just 8.4 miles away.