DoubleTree by Hilton Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$30,550,859 - $122,642,079
Franchise Fee
$42,500
Min Cash Required
$1,000,000
Total US Locations
382
Business Summary
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC offers franchises for DoubleTree by Hilton and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton hotels. These hotels are upscale, full-facility lodging businesses designed to attract business travelers, families, vacationers, and groups. In addition to hotel operations, franchisees also have the option to operate a Piebird Restaurant on-site, which offers a high-quality, full-service casual dining experience with a nostalgic American menu. Hilton Franchise Holding LLC also offers licenses for eforea spas and other restaurant brands to complement the hotel business.
Corporate History
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC was formed in September 2007 in Delaware. While the entity itself became the franchisor for DoubleTree brands in the U.S. on March 30, 2015, and for Piebird Restaurants on March 30, 2025, its ultimate parent company, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., and its predecessors, have a rich history in the guest lodging business dating back to 1946. The immediate predecessor for DoubleTree franchises in the U.S. was Doubletree Franchise LLC, operating from 2007 to 2015, which was preceded by Doubletree Hotel Systems, Inc., offering franchises from 1989 to 2007. Hilton Franchise Holding LLC also offers franchises for other Hilton Worldwide hotel brands, eforea spas, and various restaurant concepts.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$30,550,859 - $122,642,079
Franchise Fee (Low)
$42,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$175,000
Minimum Cash Required
$1,000,000
Minimum Net Worth
$7,348,000
Royalty %
5%
Marketing %
4%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$24,886,300
Equipment Costs (High)
$102,862,595
Working Capital
$1,200,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC demonstrates strong financial health with consistently high revenues and net income. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the company reported revenues of $1.5 billion and a net income of $1.48 billion, an increase from previous years. Its total assets were $1.26 billion in 2024, with current assets significantly exceeding current liabilities, indicating robust liquidity. The company's auditors have issued an unqualified opinion, affirming the fair presentation of its financial statements. While Hilton Franchise Holding LLC is a guarantor for certain debt obligations of its parent company, with assets pledged as collateral, no guarantee liability is recorded due to the nature of the parent and subsidiary relationship. The company also makes substantial distributions of retained earnings to its Hilton affiliates.
Financing Details
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC generally does not offer direct financing to its franchisees. However, it may, at its discretion, allow the Franchise Application Fee to be paid in installments over a limited period before construction, without charging interest or requiring a security interest. Additionally, the franchisor may offer "Incentives," which are financial contributions to help with the development or conversion of new hotels. These incentives are not loans and do not typically need to be repaid unless the franchise agreement is terminated early or transferred. The repayable amount of an incentive decreases annually over the term of the agreement. In unique or rare circumstances, Hilton Franchise Holding LLC may consider offering other types of financing, such as mezzanine loans or loan guarantees, but the specific terms for these would be determined on a case-by-case basis. Financing is not offered for Piebird Restaurants or other Restaurant Brands.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
382
Franchised Units
359
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
1989
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
11
Litigation Summary
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC and its affiliates are currently involved in several pending antitrust class action lawsuits filed in 2024 and 2025. These lawsuits allege that the hotel defendants improperly shared information with competing hotels and used revenue management software to unlawfully set room rates in extended stay and luxury hotel markets across the United States. Additionally, Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. recently settled two state-level lawsuits from 2023 and 2019 concerning the disclosure of mandatory guest fees to consumers, agreeing to pay over $2 million and enhance disclosure practices. Hilton Franchise Holding LLC was also involved in a breach of contract lawsuit in 2020 with a former Curio brand franchisee, which was settled in 2022. Another wrongful termination lawsuit from 2019 was settled in 2020. Older litigation includes a 2013 class action regarding resort fee disclosure, settled in 2015, and a 1970 antitrust complaint that was settled in 1971. No collection suits were brought against franchisees in 2024.
Bankruptcy History
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
23 years
Renewal Conditions
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC franchisees do not have the right to renew or extend their franchise agreement. However, if Hilton Franchise Holding LLC, in its sole discretion, decides to re-license a hotel, the franchisee may be asked to sign a new agreement with different terms and conditions. As part of this, the franchisee must also comply with any property improvement conditions specified by Hilton Franchise Holding LLC.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC provides extensive assistance to its DoubleTree by Hilton franchisees. Before opening, this includes providing access to the Manual (containing operational standards), reviewing and approving choices of architects, designers, and contractors, and approving construction plans and hotel management. Franchisees receive access to the proprietary OnQ computer system through a HITS Agreement and can utilize various purchase and lease arrangements for signs, equipment, and furnishings. For Piebird Restaurants, the franchisor provides brand guidelines, initial development services, and training materials. Ongoing support includes access to a global Reservation Service, inclusion in national and regional marketing programs, and participation in quality assurance programs with periodic inspections and guest satisfaction surveys. For eforea spa or Piebird Restaurant operations, a team member provides periodic suggestions for improvement. Franchisees must comply with local advertising standards, participate in required guest complaint resolution programs (like the Hilton Honors Customer Satisfaction Guarantee and Price Match Guarantee), and engage in loyalty programs such as Hilton Honors. Regular updates and upgrades to required computer systems like OnQ and Guest Internet Access are mandatory every 3-4 years. The franchisor also utilizes the Monthly Program Fee to fund System and Network-wide benefits, including marketing and reservation system maintenance. Additionally, Hilton Franchise Holding LLC may develop promotional programs with third-party companies and offers optional consulting services through its StiR Creative Collective program.
Initial Training Hours
135
Training Location
Mix of virtual/online and on-site training
Ongoing Support
After opening, DoubleTree by Hilton franchisees receive ongoing support through a range of services. Hilton Franchise Holding LLC publishes a directory of System Hotels and ensures continued access to the global Reservation Service. The franchisor maintains a quality assurance program that includes regular inspections and guest satisfaction surveys for hotels. For those operating an eforea spa or Piebird Restaurant, a dedicated team member provides periodic suggestions for operational improvements. Franchisees are required to comply with local advertising standards and participate in mandatory guest complaint resolution programs, including the Hilton Honors Customer Satisfaction Guarantee and Price Match Guarantee. They also take part in loyalty programs like Hilton Honors and various required sales and distribution initiatives. Additionally, franchisees must implement regular updates and upgrades to their required computer systems, such as OnQ and Guest Internet Access, every 3-4 years. The Monthly Program Fee is used to support System and Network-wide benefits, including ongoing advertising, promotion, and maintenance of online directories and reservation systems.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC seeks franchisees who can provide qualified and experienced management for the operation of their DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Candidates can either manage the hotel directly, provided they receive prior written approval and successfully complete the franchisor's training program, or they may hire an approved third-party Management Company. The franchisor evaluates proposed management based on organizational structure, prior experience and performance in managing similar first-class, full-service or focused-service hotels, and the ability to adhere to the Franchise Agreement's obligations. Hilton Franchise Holding LLC emphasizes that franchisees are solely responsible for the management and operation of their hotel at all times.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
supervisory
Territory Type
limited
Territory Size Requirements
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC defines the size and boundaries of a restricted territory on a case-by-case basis, depending on the immediate competitive market surrounding the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. These boundaries are not based on a standard formula but may be delineated by references to cities, metropolitan areas, counties, other political subdivisions, specific streets or highways, or a defined radius from the hotel's front door. The size and shape of these territories will vary for each hotel.
Staffing Notes
DoubleTree by Hilton franchisees are required to provide qualified and experienced management for their hotel, which can be the franchisee themselves or an approved third-party management company. The franchisor can require the general manager and other key personnel, such as the director of sales, to attend specific training programs related to their roles and the brand's operational standards. This includes mandatory training for staff using systems like HPMS and OnQ, as well as specialized training for eforea spa directors and Piebird Restaurant managers. The DoubleTree New Employee Training Program is mandatory for all hotel staff, covering orientation, service skills, and job-specific knowledge. The franchisor emphasizes that while it provides training content, it does not direct or supervise franchisee personnel or their employment policies.