Hilton Worldwide and DoubleTree by Hilton have announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle. This is the second DoubleTree by Hilton property to open in Okinawa, and Hilton Worldwide’s 13th operating hotel in Japan.
“The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle reinforces Hilton Worldwide’s presence in Japan’s popular tourist destination,” said Tim Soper, vice president, operations, Japan, Korea and Micronesia, Hilton Worldwide. “We are honored to be the only hotel located in the Shuri district of Naha city that bears the ancient Okinawan name of ‘Shuri.’ I would like to thank our team members who worked tirelessly to ensure the timely opening of the hotel. We look forward to contributing to this historic community while serving the needs of leisure travelers as well as local and foreign businesses.”
Following the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Naha in 2012 and Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort in 2014, DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle is Hilton Worldwide’s third operating hotel in Okinawa. Okinawa is Japan’s strategically important tourism-driven region that is enjoying a steady growth in both domestic and international visitor arrivals. This is supported by the government’s tourism promotional campaigns, visa deregulation, favorable exchange rates, and increase in flights and cruise ships. When the second runway at Naha Airport is completed in 2020, the increased capacity is projected to boost the growth of domestic arrivals from 1% annually to 7%.
“The DoubleTree by Hilton brand continues to inspire a strong following among travelers all over the world, and we are pleased to be able to strengthen our presence in Japan as DoubleTree by Hilton continues to grow in the Asia Pacific region,” said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton and Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “Each guest walking through the hotel will be welcomed with the heartfelt hospitality that DoubleTree by Hilton is famous for, starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome.”
Located at the top of Shuri Hill in Okinawa’s capital city of Naha, DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle is adjacent to Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the residence of royalty (800 meters, 15-minute walk from hotel). Guests can enjoy watching the sunset at the top of the hill, and as the sky changes colors, feast their eyes on the magnificent view of Naha city. In addition to Okinawa’s beautiful blue beach and historical and cultural landmarks, the city’s most popular shopping and entertainment districts of Kokusai-Dori (about three kilometers) and Makishi Marketplace (about two kilometers) are less than a 25-minute walk from the hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle is accessible by monorail from Naha Airport, and is located 10 minutes from the station.
The 20-story DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle offers 333 rooms with panoramic views of the city. The hotel boasts three restaurants and a “Sunset Lounge” bar that sits on the top floor, offering a breathtaking view of Naha city lights. The largest dining facility, the Grand Castle Café & Dining, has a capacity of 232 people and offers buffet-style dining. In addition, it serves as a lobby lounge. Its six banquet rooms with two waiting rooms is an ideal facility for large banquets, weddings, and MICE events. The main ballroom has a capacity of 480 people, and together with the on-site chapel, makes the hotel an ideal venue for wedding celebrations. Other amenities include shops, beauty salon, photo studio, wedding chapel, and two swimming pools.
