Hilton Corporation Exudes Confidence in New Bay City Hotel Property

Tourism Here Gets Massive Boost by Connection to International Firm

June 13, 2004
By: Dave Rogers

(Flashback)DO YOU REMEMBER? -- If you were inside the tent at the groundbreaking for the new DoubleTree Hotel - Bay City Riverfront on Oct. 18, 2002, you would recall this group. The City of Bay City was represented by Robert V. Belleman at the podium. Seated from left are Rev. Andreas Teich, attorney Robert Sarow, a contractor's representative, Shirley Roberts of the Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and City Commissioner Robert Katt. With the hotel/conference center now open and thriving, this photo is a long past reminder of days when the project was still in the hopeful stages as the centerpiece of a commercial boom downtown.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We at MyBayCity.com thought it might be interesting, and relevant, to bring readers the official "line" on Bay City and its new property as promulgated by the Hilton Hotel Corporation. The important tie-in with national advertising was immediately apparent because the same day the first event, "Bay City On The Go" was held by the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, a half-page DoubleTree ad appeared in the international newspaper USA Today, with 1.7 million daily circulation. To be sure, it was a generic ad for all DoubleTrees, but the significance of an international marketing connection for tourism in Bay City cannot be underestimated, in our humble opinion. It is also interesting to see the viewpoint that the Hilton Corporation public relations personnel have about Bay City and our tourism appeal to national and international markets. Thenews release from the Hilton website follows. (Dave Rogers)

Newly Built Doubletree Hotel Rises Along the Riverfront to Greet Guests in Historic Bay City, Michigan

BAY CITY, Mich., June 4, 2004 - Doubletree Hotels hasannounced the addition of the Doubletree® Hotel Bay City - Riverfront in Michigan, representing a new member to the brand's portfolio of more than 160 fine properties across the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

Beautifully situated along the east bank of the Saginaw River less than two hours north of Detroit, the Doubletree is within walking distance of area parks and tourist attractions including Bay City's "Early Americana" Downtown shopping district and the Historic Midland Street entertainment district - which are lined with turn-of-the-century brick buildings that house a combination of specialty and artisan shops along with great restaurants and live entertainment.

This newly built Doubletree is owned by the Wenonah Park Properties, Inc. and managed by Troy-based Hotel Investment Services, Inc, which operates the hotel under a franchise agreement with Doubletree Hotel Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation.

"We are truly excited to welcome our third Michigan Doubletree hotel in Bay City, which not only is one of the main gateways to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, but is within a convenient day's drive of many major cities in the Midwest and Southern Ontario," said Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels. "Doubletree and Bay City are a perfect match for one another, because they both share the same set of unique values - to provide the conveniences that a big city offers with the caring warmth and personality of a small town."

The Doubletree Hotel Bay City-Riverfront is one of the most comprehensive full-service lodging facilities in the Saginaw Valley. The hotel welcomes guests with 150 spacious rooms (including three suites)all of which include complimentary high-speed Internet access; a large, work-friendly desk; in-room coffee makers, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards; dual-line phones with voicemail; and televisions with in-room entertainment services. The hotel also features valet dry cleaning and laundry services, a 24-hour business center and complimentary shuttle service to local businesses.

With more than 16,000 square feet of brand new meeting facilities, the Doubletree Hotel Bay City - Riverfront has a dedicated conference services staff that can assist with the most intimate of gatherings to the grandest of galas. From a luxurious boardroom to the well-appointed 7,600 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, the Doubletree can accommodate groups from 12 to 1,200 with ease.

For recreation, guests can choose to enjoy the year-round convenience of an indoor, heated swimming pool and whirlpool or unwind from a long day in the fully equipped fitness center.

At the beginning or end of a long day of business or leisure, guests can enjoy the upscale yet casual ambiance of the Riverfront Grill, which features seasonal outdoor seating, spectacular views and a variety of American and regional cuisine.

"The Doubletree Hotel Bay City - Riverfront is destined to be recognized as one of the Saginaw Valley's finest hotels," said Patrick Hixson, hotel general manager. "We hope that the wide range of services and amenities this Doubletree hotel offers will encourage corporations and associations across Michigan as well as members of our local community to take notice and celebrate everything from business meetings to family reunions to special anniversaries in ‘Bay City-style' with us."

Doubletree is the full-service hotel brand that provides all the amenities and services upscale travelers might expect, in a warm and welcoming environment. Doubletree speaks to travelers who want all the perks of a full-service hotel in a more informal and relaxed setting. Everything we do - such as the way we have welcomed millions of delighted hotel guests with our warm, signature chocolate chip cookies at check-in - is inspired by a commitment to our CARE culture.

Members of the Hilton HHonors guest reward program may earn Points& Miles® for every qualifying stay at the Doubletree Hotel Bay City-Riverfront*. Hilton HHonors is the only hotel program that allows any of its members to reap Double Dip earnings by simultaneously accumulating both airline miles and hotel points with each qualifying stay at more than 2,500 hotels worldwide.

* - Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions.

The Doubletree Hotel Bay City-Riverfront is located just 13 miles from MBS International Airport in the heart of downtown Bay City between 6th and 7th streets. The hotel's address is One Wenonah Park Place, Bay City Mich. 48708.

For more information or to make reservations at the Doubletree Hotel Bay City-Riverfront, visit our website at www.doubletree.com, call l-800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada or contact the hotel directly at 989-891-6000.

CONTACT: Thomas Wingham / Jeanne Datz; Doubletree Media Relations, 310-205-4545. thomas_wingham@hilton.com / jeanne_datz@hilton.com ###


HARD HATS AND HAPPY FACES - This group of dignitaries at the DoubleTree groundbreaking on Oct. 18, 2002 wore happy grins as they launched Bay City on a new development course by turning the first shovels of dirt for the hotel in a barren Water Street lot. (Photos by Dave Rogers.)