Hilton Worldwide and Schiphol Group Plan for Iconic New Airport Hotel

Hilton Worldwide and Schiphol Real Estate, Schiphol Group’s real estate subsidiary, have today signed an agreement to introduce a new landmark 433 guest room Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, to be designed by prominent Dutch architects, Mecanoo. The new hotel will replace the current Hilton property and is expected to open in 2015, with construction scheduled to start later in 2012.

Plans for the hotel, a development and investment by Schiphol Real Estate and managed by Hilton, were drawn up to meet increasing market demand and match the high quality standards of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Facilities are set to include a ballroom and 23 meeting rooms, speciality restaurant and bar, executive lounge, spa and fitness centre, light-filled atrium lobby and underground parking offering 138 parking spaces. A new sheltered walkway will also connect hotel guests directly to the international airport terminal.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, SVP development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Hilton Schiphol Airport will bring to the airport a completely new hotel experience, set to become a destination in its own right. Hilton Worldwide is experiencing strong growth in The Netherlands, having recently announced the introduction of three further brands to the country, and we are delighted to be further adding what will be a stunning property to our Dutch portfolio.”

Maarten de Groof, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of Schiphol Group, said, “The new hotel development is an important initiative in line with Schiphol Group’s strategy of being Europe’s preferred airport and business community location. We have designed a high-profile architectural landmark that will be visible to millions of passengers, business people and visitors using Amsterdam Airport Schiphol every year.”

Dave Horton, global head Hilton Hotels & Resorts said, “Hilton pioneered the airport hotel concept with the opening of Hilton San Francisco Airport in 1959 and, with our company now having more than 320 airport hotels worldwide, we are further seeking to increase our presence at the world’s leading transport hubs. Hilton Schiphol Airport is set to be a wonderful complement to our airport heritage, joining the recently opened Hilton Hotels at Heathrow Airport and Frankfurt Airport.”

The new Hilton Hotel will be situated in a prominent location alongside the access roads to the international airport terminal, near to the existing Hilton hotel which remain in operation until the opening of the new hotel, and demolished upon the new opening. The new cube-shaped building, which will feature rounded edges and a diamond-shaped façade with diagonal lines, has been designed with a view to it becoming an airport landmark.

A large atrium with a 35-metre high glass ceiling forms the heart of the hotel and meeting area. The light horizontal lines of the balustrades and white elements will reflect daylight deep into the building, providing an air of grandeur, while frames and lining will create a natural, elegant appearance, according to its architects.

The interior design, being overseen by Merkx+Girod of The Netherlands and Hirsch Bedner Associates of the United Kingdom, evokes a touch of contemporary, innovative and fresh Dutch design with strong, original forms and a natural, harmonious colour scheme.

Hilton Worldwide recently welcomed the sixth hotel to its Dutch portfolio, with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station. It also expects to open a further two new hotels before 2014, with the introduction of the first Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Garden Inn properties to the Netherlands.